Did that seeing a listing of negative words, even for a number of seconds will make a highly anxious or depressed person feel worse? The more you dwell on them, the more it should impact your brain and emotions. It will impact your ability to manage your emotional and mental health.
Dr Andrew Newberg and leadership expert Mark Waldman, pioneers in the sector of neurotheology– a field that links spirituality and the brain- research together on the study of Words and our Brains. They say this about specializing in negative words:
“You will disrupt your sleep, your appetite, and your ability to experience long-term happiness and satisfaction….the more you engage in negative dialogue—at home or work—the harder it becomes to stop. (Dr. Andrew Newberg and Mark Waldman)
On the opposite hand, recent research has shown that the mere repetition of positive words like love, peace, and compassion will activate specific genes that lower your physical and emotional stress. According to Dr. Newberg and Waldman, “You’ll feel higher, live longer, and construct deeper and more trusting relationships with others, at home and at work.”
The point is that words have physical ramifications on our souls, our bodies, our minds, our faith, and our mental, physical, and emotional health. So, select words that gives you (and others) life.)
By embracing the practice of lament, looking for smart counsel, fostering community, returning to fundamental principles, refusing self-shame, and consciously choosing healing words, we are able to begin to unravel the layers of pain and discover a path toward mental health and hope.
Photo Credit: Image created using DALL.E 2024 AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team.
