In the context of an alarming increase in mental ill health in Ireland and urgency around how we are going to tackle the real pain faced by many, we need to focus our energies on promoting “being sound” and overall wellbeing, which is at the core of positive mental health.
Why does negativity stick so damn much? There is a very good evolutionary reason for this called the “negativity bias”, which refers to the way in which negative experiences weigh more heavily on the brain than others. We’ve evolved to be fearful and heavily attuned to the strong possibility of a threat in order to sustain our survival, whilst underestimating our resources to deal with them. Left unchecked, the negativity bias can become a serious impediment to good mental health, as it has been found to be synonymous with anxiety and depression.
The negativity bias plays a significant role in our views about ourselves, in our emotions, in our ability to take in information and in our decision-making. Studies in Psychology and Neuroscience have shown that for every upsetting thing that happens, we need five positives to balance it. Knowing that not all emotions are equal gives us a sense of control over what we can do to counterbalance negativity, and this is where making a conscious effort to be “sound” to ourselves and others comes into play, including practicing self-compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness.
Humans are a deeply social species whose most joyful and sad moments arise from the fulfilling or lack of “belonging” with close others. Given this deeply ingrained social drive, science shows us that as children we are biologically wired to be kind to others which sets the stage for developing empathy and relating meaningfully to others. Time spent with emotionally warm or “sound” adults in whose company you feel safe and at ease can you give you a wonderful feeling of wellbeing. One of the best ways to lower stress levels and relax your body is to spend time with really genuine people, those you can cry and laugh with, in essence those you can be FULLY YOU with.
Being with sound people is the ultimate mood changer and the answer is found in your brain. A meeting of the minds or a good laugh with the right person can activate optimal levels of your “feel good” brain chemicals and drastically lower your stress levels, by relaxing your heart rate and blood pressure. The endorphins can act as a natural pain reliever, whilst the serotonin release can serve as an antidepressant or mood lifter without the side effects.
Being kind and showing altruism for others boosts serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and wellbeing, a phenomenon also known as a “helper’s high”. There is a growing body of research indicating a strong link between volunteering and emotional wellbeing. Common reasons for the link include feeling useful, purposeful and valued; feeling connected to community and a sense of belonging; and feeling a sense of perspective on life and appreciation for life’s blessings. Helping others helps the person to take a break from the stressors in their own lives and makes them better equipped to handle future stressful situations.
Amazingly, being kind increases oxytocin levels which reduces inflammation associated with all sorts of physical health problems such as diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, obesity and migraines. Oxytocin is also known as a “cardioprotective” hormone because it protects the heart by lowering blood pressure. Being kind can also reduce your risk of heart disease and help you to live longer, due to the strong and meaningful relationships you develop with others. Maybe that’s why they say sound people have really big hearts… So with all this science backing it up, what better reason to join the #SoundEffect movement and be sound to yourself and others? Get involved!
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