Created by: Nicola Barragry
Have you ever wondered why “The Greatest Showman” and its anthem, “This is Me,” struck a chord with audiences worldwide? It’s not just the catchy tunes and dazzling performances, but the underlying message that resonates with our shared desires. Deep down, we all yearn for something beyond the mundane routine dictated by societal norms. We crave a world where possibilities are limitless, transcending the scripted roles assigned to us.
Yet, despite this universal longing, many of us find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negativity, hindered by what psychologists call Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). Coined by Dr. Daniel Amen in the 1990s, ANTs are those cynical, gloomy, and complaining thoughts that seem to infiltrate our minds automatically. They act as a defence mechanism, shielding us from potential disappointments and failures.
Understanding the physiological aspect of our brain is crucial in tackling these automatic negative thoughts. Our bodies release various chemicals to regulate behaviour, including dopamine—the feel-good chemical associated with pleasure. Meanwhile, cortisol, the stress hormone, serves as nature’s built-in alarm system. It controls our mood, motivation, and fear response.
Picture this: a car approaches too quickly, or you encounter a toxic individual at work. The default reaction for many is stress and anxiety, expecting the worst to unfold. The brain tends to prefer this negative pattern, creating a loop that reinforces pessimism.
The reality, however, is often less dire than our automatic thoughts lead us to believe. The car swerves away, and toxic individuals typically don’t thrive in a positive work environment. Once the perceived danger subsides, cortisol levels should return to normal, allowing our body systems to resume their regular functions.
Yet, what if the stress persists, and the alarm button stays on? Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, contributing to anxiety, depression, headaches, heart disease, memory issues, digestion problems, sleep disturbances, and even weight gain.
So, how can we break free from this cycle of negativity? The key lies in consciously challenging our automatic thoughts. Recognize that these stories we tell ourselves are just one version of who we are; we are multifaceted beings with many narratives. Instead of defaulting to the negative version, actively seek positive thoughts in every situation. Practise this daily, perhaps even jotting them down. Over time, you’ll rewire your brain, establishing a new automatic response that allows you to perceive life through a more optimistic lens.
In a world dominated by automatic negative thoughts (ANTS), let’s empower ourselves to rewrite the script, embracing the positive stories that affirm our multifaceted existence. After all, life’s greatest show is the one we create within ourselves.
