An optimist’s brain concentrates, treats and understands reality differently. This ability to see rays of light where others can only see closed walls and windows comes from very specific brain regions, specializing in openness, flexibility, resilience and the ability to better manage day-to-day. Stress.
Is it true then that an optimistic person’s brain differs from that of a pessimistic person?Well, it must be said that anatomically (and unsurprisingly) there will be no difference between the two. All humans have the same brain structures and yet the key is how all these regions are activated and connected.
- Our brain is.
- After all.
- A reflection of who we are.
- What we do.
- Think and how we see life.
- It is known.
- For example.
- That chronic stress and high cortisol levels over a long period of time cause changes in structures such as the hippocampus.
- Amygdala or limbic system.
- Our memory fails.
- Our attention span decreases and our ability to make decisions is limited.
This sensational organ, which certainly reflects the success of our evolution as a species, still has its limits. It is not always as effective as we would like; in fact, we know that there are people genetically more predisposed to depressive disorders and anxiety.
Others, on the other hand, reflect more resilient and stress-resistant attitudes due to a subtle combination of genetics, early childhood education, and the integration of personal coping tools.
With all this, we want to convey something very simple: the brain has incredible plasticity; we can all, as far as possible, empower him to develop a more optimistic approach.
“Optimism is the basis of courage. ” -Nicholas M. Butler-
Most of us know these kinds of people: impractical optimists, those who seem to see no difficulty when they have a problem, those whose positive attitude does not diminish even in the worst moments, those who also have the powerful capacity to express their enthusiasm. .
How do they get to the world with the optimism already installed in their brains in the factory or are they the result of years of coaching and positive psychology?
Studies such as that carried out at King’s College London reveal something interesting on the same subject: the positive attitude is genetically determined at 25%, that is, we inherit this small percentage of our parents, the rest of us like it or like it no, it depends on ourselves, our personal attitude, our concentration and our determination.
Experts on the subject, such as Dr. Leah Weiss, a Stanford professor and mindfulness specialist at work, say there are optimistic people by nature, however, much of this profile decides, at some point, what to do with problems and how to generate change.
Before defining what an optimist’s brain looks like, it is necessary to understand some aspects. First, optimism is not the same as happiness.
Optimistic attitude encompasses all strategies and skills that can improve our quality of life. Optimism implies, so to speak, a set of skills and prejudices that facilitate happiness.
Dr. Richard Davidson, Director of the Laboratory of Emotional Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin, has conducted a series of studies to demonstrate something surprising and revealing, and Daniel Goleman himself explains these results in one of his articles:
This research shows that positive emotions further activate the left hemisphere; then there is lateralization.
In this regard, Dr. Davidson himself notes: “After several studies on the link between activity in the frontal lobes and emotions, we find that many people are optimistic. Do those with a higher tendency to unhappiness, depression or high anxiety have greater activation in the right area?
In conclusion, we should point out a fact that Daniel Goleman himself comments on in most of his books and articles: we can all develop a more positive, open and flexible attitude.
To do this, we need to learn how to better manage stress and manage our emotions to put them in our favor, focus our vision and always direct it towards the horizon.