My March 23 post introduced the quantum Zeno effect—a quantum phenomena first demonstrated by George Sudarshan at University of Texas in 1977. The study found that the longer something is observed (in this case, decaying atoms), the longer it takes to change. In 2005, Stapp and Schwartz applied the quantum Zeno effect to mental experience.

I didn’t understand the “watched pot never boils” theory until the recent studies about the brain’s neuroplasticity emerged. We can now see neurons in the brain, how they move and act, and how the brain changes and grows. It’s very exciting, to say the least.

But what does this have to do with managing stress to create a healthy, balanced life? When I work with people plagued by anxiety or depression— or any negative state of mind, for that matter—I know that these individuals have developed a super highway, if you will, of neurons that have been the focus of attention time and time again. That attention creates bigger neurons, stronger routes, and resilient links. It becomes familiar and easy to focus on.

Huh?

If you are anxious or having a panic attack, your brain creates huge “trees” of neurons that grow with the attention you give them. That is, the more you pay attention to the negative, the more negative brain cells you are growing.

When I engage in trainings and individual coaching sessions, I am always listening to what people are truly focused on in an attempt to determine where their attention is. Most of us don’t have this awareness, at least initially, so it’s important and helpful to be present and listen to what’s really going on. What we are paying attention to (and feeding) is critical. What you pay attention to gets bigger, stronger, faster in your brain.

To shift this negative balance, paying attention the the positive shouldn’t be a challenge, but for many, it is. Because those neural pathways become deep rooted in our brains, it is even more difficult to change and influence away from the pattern. Paying attention to happy or positive thoughts (something spiritual, maybe situated in nature, a past positive experience or emotion) can make significant changes for the better in your brain. Your brain grows cells in the prefrontal cortex area which can support the positive.

Try this simple exercise to reinforce the positive and change your brain. Ask yourself: What actions would I take that would cause me to be happy happy (or, motivated, cheerful, calm, grateful)?

Focusing on such positive thoughts is good brain food. What you pay attention to gets bigger and stronger. Why not make it positive rather than staying rooted in the negative? Remember that the unconscious mind loves repetition. Continually focusing on what you want out of life will help you get there, positively! Go on—change your brain.