The human brain may have evolved, but it still carries several of its past mechanisms to this day. One of these mechanisms, called negativity bias, can cause mental struggles if not dealt with. Negativity bias makes someone focus on negative experiences primarily and downplay positive ones. While this tool was extremely useful when it came to detecting threats like saber-toothed tigers, today it makes people focus on worst-case scenarios. This leads to anxiety and stress throughout a person’s daily life, making it difficult to function properly.
Negativity Bias
Scientific research proves this thought process is deeply implanted in the neurobiological process. This is because negative stimuli cause a faster and larger response in the amygdala, also known as the brain’s alarm system. Of course, this turns into the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. While essential in the past, in today’s world, the response is incorrectly applied to reading work emails or social notifications. The phenomenon is also known as the “smoke detector principle,” where our brain errs on the cautious side and may sound the alarm incorrectly during a harmless situation.
Impacts on Mental and Physical Health
Living with negativity bias, prompted by constant false alarms, can seriously impact your health over time. Since the nervous system is constantly sending stress hormones into the body with each false alarm, it can weaken immune function and lead to cardiovascular and digestive problems. Looking at the psychological effects, constantly searching for danger can negatively impact relationships and anxiety levels. In the past, this would have been useful, especially in action-heavy situations. In today’s problem-solving world, it often leads to paralysis and avoidance.
Rewiring the Brain
However, there is some hope for those who struggle with negativity bias. The brain has this way of rewiring itself through experiences and practices to escape these negative circles. Called neuroplasticity, this technique can help cultivate new mental habits and avoid constant mental negativity and stress. Some strategies to consider to help your brain lower anxiety and stress include cognitive distancing, reframing negative thoughts to positive ones, and savoring positive experiences during and after the fact to deepen emotional impact. Each of these will build mental resilience over time and get you on the right path mentally.
These techniques are beneficial today, especially in times of crises where stress is appropriate but needs to be managed. A great example of this is a parent dealing with a child’s serious illness. The parent can use some of these mental “exercises” to balance the threat with emotional presence to properly take care of their child.
Other research agrees with these findings about negativity bias, while also emphasizing the disruptiveness of the bias in modern situations. By understanding and picking apart negativity bias, scientists have been able to measure how the brain evaluates threats in relation to positive stimuli. The result? Negatives weigh much more than the positives within our minds.
If you want to continue on the path of rewiring your brain with larger exercises, there are some options. Activities like learning new skills, practicing mindfulness, prioritizing rest, and creating positive social environments can stimulate the brain and lead to higher mental strength when it comes to stressful situations.
Finding a Positive Path Forward
In conclusion, the brain may be hardwired with negativity bias due to evolution, but that doesn’t have to impact your daily life. Recognizing the stress and anxiety brought on by negativity bias can lead you on the pathway to finding suitable exercises and activities to rewire the brain in a positive light. This will not only help our connections with others but also improve mental and physical well-being over time. Living in worry is not worth it; a grounded perspective is.