How does a thought arise? Probably everyone wonders about it more than once. Thought is the driving force behind every action, and many people therefore consider the mind to be the greatest strength of a person. Where does thinking come from and what exactly influences thoughts? Learn how the thought process arises and how to deal with crowds of thoughts.

Contents:

  1. How does a thought arise - what is a thought?
  2. How a thought arises - what influences thoughts?
  3. How a thought arises - errors in thinking
  4. How a thought arises - disturbed thinking
  5. How does a thought arise - how to influence the content of a thought?
  6. How a thought arises - how to deal with crowds of thoughts?

Thinkingis a process that occurs constantly in humans and is as natural as breathing, for example. It is worth emphasizing, however, that not all thoughts are true, and scientists going one step further prove that only nearly 20% of all thoughts are reflected in reality.

Often thoughts are irrational, inconsistent with the times or situations we find ourselves in. Therefore, it is only in the thought process that they can be thoroughly analyzed and assessed. Thus, only after interpreting and modifying the irrational way of thinking can you fully take control of your emotions and, consequently, increase the quality of life. How to influence thoughts?

How does a thought arise - what is a thought?

Thought is a product of the mind that, when sent to the brain, generates emotions and, consequently, specific behaviors. In the course of thought, we analyze, compare, generalize, abstract and conclude based on, inter alia, on memory, symbols, pictures, sounds, concepts, etc. Therefore, one should be aware that the way of thinking builds the reality around, which motivates you to think in such a way as to fulfill your needs and thus be happy.

It can be said that the world around is dependent not only on thoughts, but also on their interpretation and memories. Additionally, thinking is defined as a fact of awareness (repeating "I think, therefore I am" after Descartes), and also as a symptom of concentration and focus.

While more and more is known about the human brain and its mind, science has still not made specific definitions of where and how thought arises. Researchers cansay a lot once the thought process has begun, but there are still few facts in the context of how it happens.

How a thought arises - what influences thoughts?

As the psychologist Rick Hanson, author of The Happy Brain, emphasizes, the mind shapes everything that a person focuses on. As a consequence, all emotions, experiences, traumas, etc. cause permanent changes in the neural network, i.e. in the structures of the nervous system, the central part of which is the brain.

Therefore, one should be aware that thoughts are formed, among others, by under the influence of constant self-criticism, complaints, fears and stress, which makes you more prone to negative emotions.

On the other hand, if your thinking is focused on the positives, what you have accomplished and what you have made yourself enjoyable, such thoughts will result in a great mood, strength and motivation. Thus, it should be remembered that what a person focuses on is then transformed into thoughts and actions.

Optimism is also added by the discovery of researcher Jeffrey Schwartz, who believes that it is a person who has the power to change his own brain, and consequently also the mind. According to him, the so-called Self-directed neuroplasticity, if exercised and programmed for good luck, will make thoughts add confidence, contentment, self-acceptance and peace of mind.

In turn, if a person does not work on the mind independently, it will be shaped by, among others, technology, media, social pressure, difficult experiences and memories from the past, etc.

How a thought arises - errors in thinking

Thinking takes a large part of life, therefore it is impossible to avoid the so-called mistakes in thinking. They are used to describe thoughts that result in negative emotions, prejudices, automatic reactions, and even cognitive disorders.

Among them there is exaggeration, that is, thinking in which what can happen is most often negatively perceived. This is limiting as it makes the reactions fearful, which can lead to withdrawal, passivity, loneliness, etc.

A different, wrong way of thinking is one in which we mentally believe what the other person is thinking. This behavior can cause unnecessary conflicts, and even make unfounded decisions that you later become unhappy about.

Difficulties in life also cause thoughts in which the person puts himself at the center of the world. Since he takes all situations very seriously and evaluates zero-one, ultimately this thought process can lead tomalaise, lowered self-esteem, and additionally, it can induce a feeling of guilt.

There are many other errors in thinking, but it is worth realizing that they are important, can occur in any person, and that they very often bring a lot of damage in life. Thus, it is worth being in touch with yourself and learning to distinguish whether a given thought is rational, properly balanced emotions following it, and correct judgments.

How a thought arises - disturbed thinking

Just as thinking errors are common, there are also distortions in thinking. Among them there are those related to the erroneous course of thinking or those with the erroneous content of thinking.

The first group includes: slowing down, inhibiting or accelerating the course of thinking, jamming, confusing and distracting thinking, as well as resonant, paralogical, symbolic and magical thinking.

On the other hand, disturbances in thinking related to its content are associated with emotions and can include, among others, overvalued thoughts, obsessions and delusions.

How does a thought arise - how to influence the content of a thought?

Remember that your thinking is significantly influenced by stress. Thus, it is very important to be aware of this and support self-control, especially in these emotional moments.

Researchers have proven that under the influence of severe stress, the structure of the brain changes, and the number of neuron connections decreases. Thus, one should effectively learn to manage emotions and always bear in mind that it is thoughts that guide them.

Additionally, it's worth supporting yourself with a motivating, positive inner dialogue as it is an effective way to let go of negative thinking. In addition, to improve the way of thinking, it is also worth ensuring the regular supply of endorphins to the brain, e.g. through physical activity, being outdoors and following your passions.

It is also worth taking care of your satisfaction by meeting friends and a balanced diet, which also has a positive effect on your well-being, he alth and thus the mind.

How a thought arises - how to deal with crowds of thoughts?

Many people have a tendency to constantly analyze, break down into prime factors, make guesses and, consequently, often also create black scenarios. Therefore, people who are wondering how to deal with crowds of thoughts should first of all find effective ways to calm down.

One of them is meditation, which helps to calm down the new things that keep hitting the mind. It should be emphasized that this is a technique recommended by many psychologists and which can be used without fear indetachment from religion.

When practiced as a mindfulness practice, meditation most often involves focusing on the work of the breath. Just sit down and breathe slowly for a few minutes. If it is difficult to focus on inhaling and exhaling, don't pretend that the thought is gone, or blame yourself for it, and try to imagine a river into which you put the thought and it flows away with the flow.

The rush of things in your head can also be calmed down by focusing on the here and now. This means that when you eat a meal, you should only think about the activity, the taste of the dishes, what exactly is on the plate, what it gives you, etc. It is not worth thinking about the past or the future.

A good way for people who are wondering how to deal with a crowded mind is to find activities that are enjoyable. By devoting yourself to specific activities resulting from passion, you can devote yourself completely to them and detach yourself from the buzzing thoughts in the mind.

About the authorSonia Młodzianowska Journalist, editor, copywriter. He publishes in he alth and parenting magazines and portals. He belongs to the Journalists for He alth Association.

Category:

Psychology