PERSPECTIVE

Many times, we underestimate this amazing piece of human machinery we possess, which is the human brain. When discussing the prefrontal cortex, we find our executive functioning center. This area can recall certain environmental factors or incidents and therefore assist us in making rational decisions.

However, it is also the prefrontal cortex that is most sensitive and susceptible to the detrimental effects of stress exposure. Even quite mild acute uncontrollable stress can cause a rapid and dramatic loss of prefrontal cognitive abilities, and more prolonged stress exposure causes architectural changes in prefrontal abilities.

This means that the prefrontal cortex or our sketch pad has created a list of stress-causing activities that cripple our ability to make new decisions and to actualize new reward goals.

In other words, when stressed we eventually lose the ability to regulate our external actions.

Adversely, positive thinking or maintaining a positive perspective decreases cortisol levels and decreases the chances of uninhibited actions and depression.

So yes, the glass is half full! Positive thinking increases creative thought, increases attention span, and improves the ability to analyze and solve problems.

Many of us are unable to savor the present moment while instead becoming a prisoner of the "what ifs" The one thing we all can agree on is that we have no control over what happens next. I don't care about odds and probability; you and I have no clue what will happen in the next minute.

So changing perspective is key which involves changing the mindset or reshaping your prefrontal cortex. This is done in 4 steps FEET.

1. Focus on what you have instead of what you want. Sometimes you just have to take inventory to show yourself how far you have come.

2. Envy will trigger thoughts of missed goals and move toward depression. Stop looking at the lives of others because you don’t ever know the true story.

3. Environment- Negative people with negative thoughts and negative perspectives will affect you. Surround yourself with people that are happy to have each breath

4. Thankfulness for the small blessings or accomplishments. You can focus on the cost of brakes or focus on the fact that you actually have a car. You can complain about relationships or be grateful for the positives found in human closeness.

The extended detriments of stress move beyond the brain and eventually causes dysregulation of many bodily systems. Lack of "ease" becomes "disease ".

The results of positive thought has a list of endless benefits.

Which will you choose today? Which will you choose daily?

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