Using self-care to rewire your brain for a more positive outlook

If you struggle with mental health or self-esteem issues, you may sometimes wish there were a way just to rewire your brain. Well, it may surprise you to hear that you can actually do that! It may sound like science fiction, but with a little knowledge and determination, you can alter your brain’s nerve connections and neurochemical behaviour in order to experience more positive thought patterns and moods.

So, how do you rewire your brain? Does it involve complicated medical equipment and carefully monitored exercises? Nope! Just some good, old-fashioned self-care. As it turns out, one of the primary drivers of changing brain behaviour is metacognition—which is simply thinking about who you are and how you behave. And as it just so happens, taking time to observe the things you do and the way you feel is a cornerstone of many self-care practices like meditation and journaling. 

When people hear self-care, they often think of bubble baths or face masks, and while those absolutely have a place in self-care, they are not the only way to take care of yourself. The truth is: Self-care encompasses a vast range of methodologies that can be anything from indulgent treats like the aforementioned baths and masks to more difficult tasks like setting boundaries and working through past trauma.

Meditation

You’re probably familiar with meditation as a method of calming the mind, but did you know it can help you modify your thought patterns? By encouraging you to focus on the present, meditation allows you to shift your attention away from the past and the future; too much focus on the past and the future can cause depression and anxiety. By thinking only about what is happening right now, you can keep your emotions in check and avoid spiralling out. Regularly focusing your efforts on the present teaches your brain that this is what you want to think about, forcing it to break those old negative thought patterns that would lead to excessive worry, fear, etc.

Positive Self-Talk

Affirmations and positive self-talk sometimes get written off as silly or “woo-woo,” but they have a tremendously positive effect on the mind when used consistently and correctly. The key to effective affirmations is to take the time to craft specific phrases that you genuinely believe—or that you can believe soon.

Eventually, if you’ve been consistent over time, your brain will take on these new beliefs and let go of your old negative self-talk. It will disconnect those old neural pathways in favour of the new ones you’ve built.

Yoga

The mind-body connection is a powerful one, and practicing yoga is an excellent way to strengthen it. If you’ve struggled with meditation in the past, yoga is a perfect way to engage in a sort of active meditation. It’s a way to quiet the mind and be present while having something to focus on without overwhelming yourself. You focus on your breathing, and the gentle movements release endorphins that promote an improved mood.

Journaling

Writing out your thoughts and feelings is an amazing way to uncover deeply rooted beliefs and subconscious patterns you may not otherwise know about. Allowing yourself to write whatever comes to you and follow whatever flows through you is a great way to discover things about yourself and hone your writing skills at the same time.

Therapy

If you’re looking to give your self-improvement efforts a turbo boost, therapy is the way to go. A skilled therapist can help you learn from past traumas and give you the tools you need to heal from them and better navigate the challenges ahead.

Therapy lets you uncover deep-rooted issues faster (and sometimes easier) than if you were to do it on your own, and you have the added benefit of having a professional ready to help if things get especially challenging.

As a therapist and social worker, I help my clients overcome their biggest obstacles and become their best selves. You can learn more on the website: Her Helping Habit!