Are you happy-go-lucky or do you live in a state of mild stress and depression? The answer may not be so clear-cut—it may not be a binary yes/no—but the truth is that our brains are integral to the health of our minds. Our brain state has a direct effect on our decision making, influencing how we interact with the world and the decisions we make.
When a person's brain is in a happy state, they tend to be more creative, take more risks, think more quickly and confidently. In this state, we are better able to focus and are better able to leave counterproductive habits behind. This can be a great advantage in our lives, whether it's for gaining relationships, succeeding in our jobs and overall life goals, managing money, parenting, navigating marriage and breaking up, dealing with depression and other mental health problems, improving education, becoming happier and healthier, and much more.
On the other hand, when our brain is in a sad state, there is a decreased capacity for clear thinking, feeling, learning and problem-solving. We adopt beliefs and physical postures associated with low status, anxiety, and depression. Ideas become rigid and our ability to empathize is inhibited. This can lead to miscalculations, making decisions about relationships or finances that aren't necessarily in our best interest. Not only can this lead to failure, but it can also leave us depression and at its worst, suicidal thoughts.
So how do we know if our brain is in a happy state or not? There are some simple steps you can take to help determine this. First and foremost, be aware of your thinking patterns. Do they focus on the positive or are they more geared towards negative rumination? Are you overly critical of yourself or do you practice self-compassion and acceptance? Tune into your emotions, as well. Are you filled with hope and enthusiasm, or are you weighed down by debilitating sadness?
If you find yourself in a negative state of mind, there are steps you can take to adjust it. For example, take time out of your day to do something enjoyable, such as listening to music, going on a walk, engaging in favorite hobbies, reading a good book, interacting with friends and family, etc. Studies show that physical activity particularly releases endorphins and can help improve your mood over time, so try to prioritize getting your body moving when you're feeling down. practising mindfulness and meditation can be helpful for improving mental clarity and overall emotional state.
Another important factor to consider is nutrition. When our diets are balanced, our bodies can take in all the nutrients it needs to function optimally, which leads to a more positive state of being. Eating nutrient-rich foods like salad, berries, apples and nuts can leave you feeling energized, alert and joyful. Conversely, processed sugary junk food and caffeine can lead to dips in energy and mood.
Strangely enough, even our dreams play a role in our brain state. While the majority of us remember our dreams, what we often don't recall are the remnants of emotion that linger in our state of wakefulness after a dream. To stay in a healthy brain state, it's important to process and acknowledge the emotions that arise after nightmares. Keeping a dream journal and noting down any recurring themes might also help, as it allows for further analysis.
We all have the power to control our brain states and how we interact with the world. Our mental wellbeing can have a profound impact on our decision making, so recognizing when our guidelines have shifted and taking active measures to improve our state of mind should be at the top of our list of priorities in life.
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