Just like in our ancestors, our brains chase that dopamine high. So when a behavior comes along that results in a reward, the brain builds a connection between that behavior and pleasure that can be hard to shake. Artistic pursuits can also help create new pathways and strengthen existing connections in your brain, leading to better cognitive function overall. For instance, imagine a man named Steve who, when growing up, often received the message that working hard to secure his future and stability is one of the most important things in life. As any sports psychologist can tell you, visualization is an incredible tool for reaching your goals. Even if your goal is to run 1 mile without stopping rather than win the Boston Marathon, it can have an impact.

Your brain truly wants to believe everything you’re saying,” he says. Swap a new habit for an old oneTake a habit you already practice, and add on one little positive thing to your routine, like doing calf raises while you brush your teeth. This tool takes approximately five minutes to administer and asks clients to respond to 15 statements on a scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

With this self-managed approach, your clients can gain more control over their mindset sooner, enabling them to make progress and confidently pursue goals outside their formal sessions with you. It’ll make it much easier to decouple the alcohol from the habit and then you can work on replacing this habituated action with something different,” says Kannon. Aim small (to start!) Keane, B. (2019). Rewire your mindset: Own your thinking, control your actions, change your life! Rethink Press.

When you choose gratitude and appreciation over criticism and fear, you shine a light on the positive. This rewires your brain to notice more of what you have and less of what you don’t. It also allows you to be curious about the events in your life as you no longer view them with suspicion. You can embrace change and let it in, appreciating that life never stays the same. 4. Watch your environment

This will allow you to experience more happiness, positivity and joy which all lead to a better healthier happier life. It’s extremely important that when you change your mindset, you choose to focus on what makes you feel good instead of what makes others feel good around you. Kiran S, et al. (2019). Neuroplasticity of language networks in aphasia: Advances, updates, and future challenges. DOI:Cue. You experience a stimulus — a trigger. It could be being in a certain location, smelling a certain smell, seeing a certain person, or feeling a particular emotional state, among many other possibilities.