Positive Vibes and the Science that backs it up

Mantras and positive thoughts become habit with consistency and repetition- this works for sleep too! It has to do with neuroplasticity...

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Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and evolve.  This is something children excel at, but as an adult, we just need to try a little (a lot) bit harder. Neuroplasticity shows it's possible shorten neural pathways that communicate messages to different parts of your brain.

Why does that matter?

The shorter the pathway, the easier it is for you tointrinsicallybelieve something to be true.  So, “wishful thinking” can be solidified in your brain by intentionally repeating those thoughts. This is why mantras of all kinds work for many people. AccordingChantal McCulligh at AnxietyGoneneuroplasticity is one of the best forms of natural anxiety relief!  Changing your mindset and rewiring your brain requires an active shift from habitual thought to conscious decision-making based on goals. Those decisions and goals lead to positive outcomes ie: less anxiety and better sleep. To do this, you need patience, and a well-functioning OFC.

So, what’s an OFC and how do I use it?

The OFC (orbitofrontal cortex) is the part of your brain towards the front of your head, near your eyes. It helps with decision making processes, by giving information about the consequences, risks, and rewards of our actions. The OFC tells you that the stove top is hot, so you don’t have to THINK about avoiding it- you just do. Unless you’re sleep deprived.

Restorative sleep is not just helpful, but necessary to maintain connectivity between the parts of your brain (check out this post for more info). According tothis study from the Netherlands, "NREM sleep is of importance… in maintaining the ability for fast ‘switching’ between intrinsically and extrinsically driven brain states” Wondering if your less-than-ideal sleep is affecting your OFC? Fill out this 1 min quizZz to get our advice on it!