Complaining
- medsalontoyou
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Complaining
All of us know someone who complains frequently, maybe it’s you! It turns out that although you may think expressing your opinion, positive or negative, is liberating, complaining may actually be damaging your brain. Neuroscience research has demonstrated that complaining for more than 60 seconds can lead to actual structural and functional brain changes, particularly in the region known as the hippocampus, which controls memory and emotional regulation.
It turns out, just as in many cases of disease, the changes are due to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone which is secreted in fight or flight situations, but when chronically released leads to depression, anxiety and even chronic illness Complaining also promotes the “fear” pathways which simply compounds the need to complain, compounding the negative brain effects. Training yourself to see positivity and hopefulness will actually repair the brain pathways, leading to a more positive approach. Meditation helps with this, as does taking part in creative activities.
Obviously, in order to keep our brains healthier, we should try to complain less. What do we complain about in the first place? The other day, a potent told me that anxiety results when we perceive a difference between our desires and reality. It would follow then that acceptance is the key.
Remember the serenity prayer recited at every AA meeting, all over the world, every day: We ask God to grant us the serenity to accept that which we cannot change, the strength to change that which we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Liberation does not come through complaining. In fact freedom from fear comes when we let go of that over which we have little control. The universe is perfect. Let it do its thing!
aIf we change the way we look at the world, the world changes. We create our own reality with our thoughts, which we control. So why not look at the world in such a way that you complain less about it. Your brain will be healthier and your life more fruitful. Stop complaining - it may be killing you!
In health,
Dr. John Monaco
MONACO Wellness
(813) 541-6440
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