Using Fun to Rewire Your Brain

We’re into spring for real. In some parts of the country seedlings are beginning to sprout despite smatterings of snow. Here in California, the flowers are in full bloom, my dogs are super-joyful to chase their sticks, and people in my life are feeling hopeful about projects they’re working on. And, of course, the news is better on the Covid-front, with less serious cases and hospitalizations, we’re feeling like it’s okay to pull down those masks and turn our faces to the sun!

My advice is to enjoy these upbeat moments– and savor them!

Check out this TEDx talk by Rick Hanson, neuropsychologist and author of several books that deal with neuroplasticity, where he discusses some of the same themes I discussed recently here in my blog about the importance of working with our brains’ negativity biases.

As Hanson notes,  “The brain is very good at learning from bad experiences but bad at learning from good ones. Good experiences kind of bounce right off the brain, meanwhile bad experiences sink right in.” 

What this means is, your brain needs you to consciously help the good experiences sink in by holding on to your awareness of them. As they happen, or even recalling a past good feeling (see the exercise in the video) take a few extra moments to savor feelings of happiness, belonging and fun. Little by little, these quick moments will add up to a happier, more stress-resilient brain!

So, let’s sing it together: Come On, Get Happy-eee!