Automatic behaviour
For the past 4 years, I have been taking this particular road on my way home. And recently, I discovered a new alternative stretch which helps me to avoid the traffic congestion! And guess what? On several occasions, I would still unknowingly turn into my usual familiar road even though I wanted to take the other road.
Does this sounds familiar to you?
I call it my automatic behaviours. Some may called it habits. A more sophisticated term is subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is not clearly visible or measurable. However, it’s impact on our behaviour is subtle and yet powerful.
Over the years, we tend to develop certain good healthy habits while others may have picked up damaging or unhealthy habits. Take a look at addictive behaviour. It is another form of automatic behaviour. The most common addictive substance is smoking.
What causes automatic behaviour? It is a combination of genetics, how our brain are wired, strong feelings or emotions which were attached to certain memories, events or individuals, routine or habits and our collective learning.
A child who was traumatized by an abusive parent may believe that the world is a dangerous place and have difficulty trusting people. A man may easily turn to excessive alcohol to escape from his emotional stress whenever he had a bitter argument with his spouse. A parent may lose control and allowed her emotional release or anger get the better of his/her when his or her child make a small mistake – because he or she was physically beaten by a punitive parent for the slightest mistake or misadventure.
So, are we completely powerless in this fight against our inner negative forces? The answer is NO. When we choose to realize, increase awareness and acknowledge the existence of this powerful automatic behaviour, half our battle is won. Look for the root causes, be it biological ( genetic or chemical imbalance in the brain ), psychological ( childhood issues or current stressful lifestyle ) or social. If these behaviours are out of our control despite our efforts to contain them, then consider seeking help to deal with it before it ruin our lives.
Everyone deserves love and discipline to be what they CAN BE.
Linda Cliatt-Wayman in this video proves to the world that every child deserves to be loved and to receive guidance , in order to achieved their fullest potential, regardless of their background or poor social circumstances.
I am greatly touched by her sharing.
GUILT IS A POWERFUL EMOTION.
GUILT IS A POWERFUL EMOTION.
Healthy sense of guilt help us to reflect on our mistakes. We could then rectify it and move on in life.
Unhealthy guilt or excessive guilt could wreck our emotions leading to excessive self blame, painful regrets or even severe depressive state!
Many a times, the feelings of guilt is so strong and overwhelming even though there is no evidence of wrong doing !! This is called irrational or illogical guilt.
Some of us may have certain temperament or higher tendency to feel guilty. It may be due to a harsh self-critical tendency or high expectations of self. It could be due to difficult childhood experiences.
However, the absence of guilt feelings may spell danger too. It may result in extreme self-righteousness or self- justification with no regards for what is right or wrong!
So what is the solution ?
1) Seek and understand the Truth about what is right and wrong.
2) Understand that none of us is perfect. We all make mistakes and learn from it daily.
3) Knowing that we only need to do the right thing and not to please anyone’s expectations.
4) Knowing that we just need to try. And do what we CAN DO. Not what we cannot do.
So folks, I shall leave you with my favourite quote by Mother Teresa.
Do what we can do
I always remember this quote which I observed many years ago in my boss’s office. Somehow it sticks to my memory cells!
Sometimes, we may feel discouraged, disappointed, disheartened or a sense of failure when we could not achieve certain things. Of course, we should keep trying and not give up easily. However, life is about knowing when to persevere and when to let go and move on. It is about understanding ourselves. Understand “me” and others.
When we become fixated or preoccupied with what we could not do, we may develop low self esteem, self pity or depression. And we may lose sight of our own abilities, capabilities, strengths and talents.
Hence it so important to remember to focus on what we can do and not what we cannot do.
Hacking Into Your Happy Chemicals: Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins and Oxytocin
Courtesy of mural by Ernest Zacharevic
We might not have a money tree, but we can have a happiness tree. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are the quartet responsible for our happiness. Many events can trigger these neurotransmitters, but rather than being in the passenger seat, there are ways we can intentionally cause them to flow.
Being in a positive state has significant impact on our motivation, productivity, and wellbeing. No sane person would be opposed to having higher levels in those areas.
Here are some simple ways to hack into our positive neurochemicals:
Dopamine
Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them. Procrastination, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm are linked with low levels of dopamine. Studies on rats showed those with low levels of dopamine always opted for an easy option and less food; those with higher levels exerted the effort needed to receive twice the amount of food.
Break big goals down into little pieces — rather than only allowing our brains to celebrate when we’ve hit the finish line, we can create a series of little finish lines which releases dopamine. And it’s crucial to actually celebrate — buy a bottle of wine, or head to your favorite restaurant whenever you meet a small goal.
Instead of being left with a dopamine hangover, create new goals before achieving your current one. That ensures a continual flow for experiencing dopamine. As an employer and leader, recognizing the accomplishments of your team, e.g. sending them an email, or giving a bonus, will allow them to have a dopamine hit and increase future motivation and productivity.
Serotonin
Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Loneliness and depression appears when serotonin is absent. It’s perhaps one reason why people fall into gang and criminal activity — the culture brings experiences that facilitate serotonin release. Unhealthy attention-seeking behavior can also be a cry for what serotonin brings. Princeton neuroscientist Barry Jacobs explains that most antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin.
Reflecting on past significant achievements allows the brain to re-live the experience. Our brain has trouble telling the difference between what’s real and imagined, so it produces serotonin in both cases. It’s another reason why gratitude practices are popular. They remind us that we are valued and have much to value in life. If you need a serotonin boost during a stressful day, take a few moments to reflect on a past achievements and victories.
Have lunch or coffee outside and expose yourself to the sun for 20 minutes; our skin absorbs UV rays, which promotes vitamin D and serotonin production. Although too much ultraviolet light isn’t good, some daily exposure is healthy to boost serotonin levels.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and builds healthy relationships. It’s released by men and women during orgasm, and by mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding. Animals will reject their offspring when the release of oxytocin is blocked. Oxytocin increases fidelity; men in monogamous relationships who were given a boost of oxytocin interacted with single women at a greater physical distance then men who weren’t given any oxytocin. The cultivation of oxytocin is essential for creating strong bonds and improved social interactions.
Often referred to as the cuddle hormone, a simple way to keep oxytocin flowing is to give someone a hug. Dr. Paul Zak explains that inter-personal touch not only only raises oxytocin, but reduces cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system; rather than just a hand shake, go in for the hug. Dr. Zak recommends eight hugs each day.
When someone receives a gift, their oxytocin levels can rise. You can strengthen work and personal relationships through a simple birthday or anniversary gift.
Endorphins
Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and help to alleviate anxiety and depression. The surging “second wind” and euphoric “runners high” during and after a vigorous run are a result of endorphins. Similar to morphine, it acts as an analgesic and sedative, diminishing our perception of pain.
Along with regular exercise, laughter is one of the easiest ways to induce endorphin release. Even the anticipation and expectation of laugher, e.g., attending a comedy show, increases levels of endorphins. Taking your sense of humor to work, forwarding that funny email, and finding several things to laugh at during the day is a great way to keep the doctor away.
Aromatherapies: The smell of vanilla and lavender has been linked with the production of endorphins. Studies have shown that dark chocolate and spicy foods can lead the brain to release endorphins. Keep some scented oils and some dark chocolate at your desk for a quick endorphin boost.
A version of this article first appeared on The Utopian Life. Courtesy of author Thai Nguyen.
Thai is a perpetual student and teacher. He is currently working on two Masters degrees — one in Mental Health, and the other in Theology. He enjoys sharing everything he learns on The Utopian Life. You can also connect with him on Facebookand Twitter
