Neuro coach Mark Waldman explains why you shouldn't try to eliminate negative thoughts. They come from your right prefrontal cortex and serve a purpose. Instead, use affirmations, deep breathing, and relaxation to shift activity to your left prefrontal cortex, where positive thinking lives. Listen to your worries first, then decide if they matter.
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Hi, I'm Mark Waldman, and I am your resident neuro coach. And I'm going to share with you some brief answers to some of the most common questions asked. One of the most common questions I am met with week after week is, Mark, how do I get rid permanently of all of these negative thoughts and feelings that I'm having? And the answer is very simple. And I can answer you in two words. You can't, nor should you. Negative thoughts is a normal process of your right prefrontal cortex. Positive thoughts is a normal process of your left prefrontal cortex. In the brain scan studies that we do of meditators, we find out that the more you practice affirmations, the more you breathe deeply, the more you relax. You see less activity going on in that part of your brain that generates negativity and more activity in the part of your brain that builds self confidence and comes up with strategic solutions. So don't try to permanently get rid of your negative thoughts. They're there for a very good reason. You go to the top of a high dive and you go to the end of the board. Before you jump off, look down, see if there's water in there. In order to do that, you need a right prefrontal cortex, a worrisome mind to say, maybe something bad will happen. Listen to those thoughts, evaluate whether they are true or not, then make your decision, and then jump into the life you've always wanted. This is Mark Waldman. Have a wonderful day.
