The psychologist explains how this 12-senson trick helps you feel better

Dr. Rick Hanson, who founded the Wellshoping Institute for neurosectance and wrote six books, including bestseller, <x0Hardwiring Stepiness: The New Brain Science of Location, Calm, and Confidence”, says our brain needs only 12 seconds to create new connections between neurons.

DR. RICK HANSON

Neurons are brain communicators. They carry messages from one part of the brain to another and from brain to other areas of the nervous system. In a TEDx Marin speech he highlighted the 12-second trick.

A 12 - second trick to positive thinking

When we're stressed, the cortisol levels rise. Many cortisol increases our chances of succumbing to depression or anxiety. If you face an obstacle or feel sad, frustrated, or nervous, try to use the 12 - second rule of being more positive.

To do that, you spend at least 12 seconds thinking of a positive memory, image, or relationship. Think of all the reasons your brain classifies this memory, image, or relationship as something good. Do it whenever you feel stressed or in a negative territory. In time, the brain will train itself to see the bright side instead of focusing on negativeity.

This does not mean that you are ignoring bad things that need to be dealt with. That means you're rebuilding your brain to tilt positive rather than negative. It can build resistance to difficult situations, improve overall spirituality and even help in the fight against post-traumatic stress.