Training Your Brain to Think More Positively

Your thoughts have a powerful influence on your mindset, mood, and even your overall well-being. While we all experience negative thinking from time to time, chronic negativity can take a toll on how we feel. The good news? You can train your brain to be more positive—just like a muscle, the more you practice, the stronger it gets.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Have you ever noticed that being around negative conversations or people who constantly complain can leave you feeling drained? Our environment plays a huge role in shaping our mindset. While we can’t always control the people around us, we can be mindful of how much time we spend in negative spaces.

Being around positive, solution-focused people can help shift your own thinking. If negativity creeps into conversations, try changing the subject or focusing on something uplifting. And that classic saying—"If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all"—really does hold some weight. Speaking kindly about others not only fosters better relationships but also helps build a more positive mindset.

How Chronic Negativity Can Affect You

A constant stream of negative thinking can increase stress, and over time, chronic stress isn’t great for your overall well-being. Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," plays an essential role in our body's fight-or-flight response. It’s useful when we need to react quickly, like when we’re under pressure at work or studying for an exam. However, when stress and negativity become a daily pattern, elevated cortisol levels may impact focus, memory, and even how we feel physically.

Retraining Your Thoughts

The goal isn’t to eliminate all negative thoughts—that’s not realistic or even healthy. Some level of stress is necessary for motivation and resilience. But when negative thoughts become automatic, it’s important to create balance.

Here are some simple ways to shift your thinking:

• Notice the good – Throughout the day, pay attention to what’s going well. It could be something small, like a kind message from a friend or a good cup of coffee.

• Challenge negative thoughts – When a negative thought pops up, pause and ask yourself if there’s another way to look at the situation.

• Expect the best outcome – Instead of assuming something will go wrong, try shifting to, "What if this turns out well?"

• Practice gratitude – Even on tough days, listing a few things you’re grateful for can help reframe your mindset.

A Personal Perspective

Having studied neuropharmacology, I’ve always been fascinated by how our thoughts and emotions can influence brain function. I spent time researching anxiety and depression, and many scientific journals on these topics suggest that chronic negative thinking is linked to increased stress and mental health challenges. While some level of stress is part of life, prolonged negativity can be hard on both the mind and body.

The key takeaway? 

Positivity is a skill that can be developed. Small, consistent shifts in the way we think and the people we surround ourselves with can make a real difference.

What’s one small way you could bring more positivity into your day today?

If you’re feeling stuck in negative thinking or struggling to create balance in your life, I’d love to support you. I offer 1:1 and group coaching to help manage stress, build resilience, and create a more positive mindset. Book a free health history session [insert link] or explore my services [insert link].