24. The Power of Positivity With Ashleigh DiLello: Part Two

Send us Fan MailToday Jess and Cody continue their conversation with Ashleigh DiLello on the power of positivity. The power of positivity doesn't just sound good, it's actually been studied by neuroscientists, through brain spect imaging. Every thought releases some type of chemical. When positive thoughts are generated, when you're feeling happy, or optimistic, cortisol decreases and the brain produces more serotonin, creating a feeling of well-being. The brain has heightened prefrontal activity and positivity results in enhanced mental functions. Positive emotions actually widen our span of attention and they change our perception and focus on more of the "we" instead of the "me". On the other hand, negative emotions are proven to slow down brain function, make it difficult to process thoughts, decreases activity in the cerebellum, and impacts the left temporal lobe (fear factor), affecting mood, memory and impulse control.Today the discussion revolves around the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change. Our brain loves consistency, and it loves to function on autopilot, or in other words, out of habit. When we have consistent, repeated thoughts, neuropathways are created in the brain. These pathways become deeper and more ingrained and become more habitual each time our thoughts follow this path. If we have negative thoughts consistently, we build a habit of automatic negative thoughts, aka "ants". By the way we are all wired to have negative thoughts, for survival purposes, we use negative thoughts to imagine potential threats and problems, and negative thoughts can help us to solve threats and problems before we get into trouble. But, these imagined threats can also work against us and turn our minds into "random negative thought generators" which isn't protecting us anymore, and is actually hurting us. Ashleigh shares with us that even though we have very ingrained neuropathways established, our brains are very plastic and are able to be "rewired". She shares with us, in this episode, tips on how to interrupt "ants" and how to create new pathways with positive thoughts and actions.  Did you learn something new today? Please let us know! Do you want to watch a video of this episode? Head over to @mix.hers IGTV and watch the live recording of this episode with Cody and Jess.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share this episode with all the girls you love. We would appreciate it if you'd also rate us and leave a comment on iTunes.Be sure to join our movement by following us on Instagram @mix.hersorCody Sanders @soulhappyandhealthyJess Toolson @jesstoolsonBe sure to follow Ashleigh on Instagram @ashleighdilello. Visit her website where you can gain access to her FREE Mind-Body Blueprint at www.ashleighdilello.comToday's show is brought to you by Hertime. Your Monthly Life Saver. Period.Sponsored by MixhersProduced by @sandmanpodcasting on InstagramDid you learn something new today? Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share this episode with all the girls you love. We would appreciate it if you'd also leave us a rating and review on iTunes.Want to join our Mixhers Girl community and keep this conversation going? We'd love to hear your thoughts, feelings and experiences! Join us HERE!Join Mixhers email list and be the first to have access to new products and be the girl in the know!Follow Cody Instagram:@codyjeansanders