Beware The Power of Your Words - Even Short Ones

Language colours our world and gives meaning to our experiences, which means our words hold immense power.?

As Wayne Dyer wisely said:?

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of your mind.”

We must therefore choose our words carefully, even small ones! The word?‘no’?for example, has a profound impact on our brains. Research by neuroscientists has shown that the word?‘no’?can stimulate stress-related activity, triggering a fight-or-flight response.

In one study, flashing the word ‘no’?triggered a sudden release of stress hormones, which impaired logic and diminished communication.?

Words can Influence Our Behaviour

Social psychologist John Bargh's research has shown the profound impact that words can have on behaviour. In an experiment, people who heard words related to ageing started walking more slowly, showing how language can affect our behaviour unconsciously.

Negative thinking goes even further

• Negative thoughts cause your brain to release chemicals that affect every cell in your body, making you feel worse.
• Frowning activates similar responses in your brain and in others, which can undermine trust and cooperation in the workplace.
• Spending time with negative people can increase your prejudice towards others. Highly anxious or depressed individuals exposed to negative words may feel worse.
• Worrying or imagining fearful situations activates the amygdala, the brain’s emotional centre, as if the threat were real. Andrew Newberg, M.D., and Mark Waldman, in ‘Words Can Change Your Brain’, explain that just one negative word can activate activity in the amygdala, triggering stress hormones, making us more reactive and less rational.?

The Antidote

• Choose your words carefully. Positive, happy and hopeful thoughts release chemicals that make you feel good.
• Words like ‘peace’ and ‘compassion’ activate genes that lower physical and emotional stress.
• Practice gratitude by regularly focusing on what you are thankful for.
• Speak kindly to yourself at all times - always, and focus and think about what you want, not what you don't want. Barbara Fredrickson, a top expert in positive psychology, introduced the 'Positivity Ratio', which suggests that having three positive thoughts for every negative one is essential for emotional well-being.

I've observed how negative thinking impacts many individuals and how their lives improve when they change their language and narratives. From health, relationships, happiness and fulfilment. Please guard your words carefully!

However, let's not forget that there are also many compelling reasons to embrace the word 'no' in our lives, which I will explore next time.

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