Complaining is normal, but it’s hardly ever helpful. Unhappily, some individuals complain without realizing it.
How Complaining Can Change the Brain
Travis Bradberry at Weforum.org in “Why Complaining Rewires Your Brain to be Negative” reveals how grumbling can alter the brain’s anatomy. In fact, Dr. Bradberry explains that complaining can reduce the part of the brain necessary for critical thinking and problem-solving. This part, hippocampus, is the main part destroyed by Alzheimer’s.
Why complaining rewires your brain to be negative
Complaining is tempting because it feels good, but like many other things that are enjoyableâsuch as smoking or eating a pound of bacon for breakfastâcomplaining isn’t good for you. Your brain loves efficiency and doesn’t like to work any harder than it has to. When you repeat a behavior, such as complaining, your neurons branch out to each other to ease the flow of information. Read more…
Antidote for Complaining is Gratitude
Developing a disposition of thankfulness is one way to change your focus from grumbling. Dr. Bradberry suggests you switch your thoughts to things you’re thankful for when you feel the need to criticize. Research shows being grateful reduces the stress hormone cortisol and elevates our mood and energy. Before long, a positive attitude will become second nature.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses. ~Proverb[/social_quote]
Leave a Reply