The brain and the human body do not function in isolation from each other; instead, they operate like a symphony that produces cognitive distortions.
Therefore, keeping the body in shape and following a health regimen can increase mental health conditions and provide great impacts on overall development.
With that, here are some counseling recommendations and techniques that will keep our brain to its fullest functioning potential. Continue reading this article and understand the benefits of these suggestions.
Be Conscious Of Your Cognitive Health
Distorted thinking is a crucial matter. Thus, it is vital for us to gain control of our mental health and to understand that we are primarily responsible for taking care of our body and keeping it in shape. The moment we get to establish our role in managing our cognitive health, the importance of a close and trusting relationship with our healthcare providers becomes more meaningful.
According to Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D. a Clinical Health Psychologist, “Investing in your health now can pay dividends for the rest of your life.”
Understand that emotional disorders and mental illness both rely on negative things and negative thought patterns. Therefore, subjects concerning a person’s cognitive health should be openly discussed with a physician and with the healthcare team to organize a plan for illness prevention and cognitive behavioral distortions. Physical examinations regularly for mental filters are required and should be medically reviewed by a physician. It is also wise to follow a certain way of advice from your healthcare provider or even just one suggestion.
Prevent Cognitive Distortions
What is cognitive distortion? How does it happen? What are things one can do to avoid the condition and not feel upset?
It are distorted/negative thoughts, irrational patterns, or negative thinking patterns. It impacts many factors such as self-esteem, emotional reasoning, own opinions, behavior, and even reality.
Some of the most common listed in the book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David Burns:
- Polarized thinking
- Jumping to conclusions
- Mental filter
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Control fallacies/ Control fallacy
- Fallacy of fairness
- Always Being Right
Cognitive anxiety distortions can be tackled on your own or through cognitive therapy.
Relaxing In The Goodness of Silence
Society’s rapid evolution often leaves us overwhelmed and stressed with very little room to relax and process what’s happening. To benefit more from daily encounters and avoid distorted thoughts, a person’s cognitive needs a sufficient amount of time, and uninterrupted silence to handle and process all information that was learned and experienced.
If we don’t allow our body to slow down, it will eventually malfunction and will hurt our well-being. Give your body and mind the opportunity to recuperate by freeing yourself from responsibilities or obligations, even for a day.
“So if you’re ever feeling brave enough to get an honest look at who you are and who you could be, try a silent retreat. It could be a wild ride,” suggests Kimberly Russell M.A., M.S.Ed.
Creating An Exercise Routine
Though many would not consider the thought of doing exercise for whatever reason, creating an exercise routine is highly beneficial for cognitive function. Exercise that is done regularly not only reduces the evidence risk of having future events of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease but also enhances mental and physical functions.
Anxiety and depression are also prevented because workouts can stimulate the release of happy hormones. To avoid a change in mental struggle, the quality of enough sleep, energy levels, and an overall sense of well-being are all improved by engaging yourself in exercise.
Cultivate Strong Relationships With People
Social Interaction Is A Must!
A person’s ability to efficiently interact with other people is essential in preserving or cultivating healthy relationships. Isolation can cause health issues as it focuses on negative feelings and disqualifies the positive results of life. Research demonstrates the positive aspects of having a constant stream of social networks to reduce the possibility of developing dementia. Consistent development and sustainment of new relationships enhance health-promoting behaviors such as stress reduction and effective emotional expression.
Furthermore, new friends and most people can share information, experiences, emotions, wisdom, trust, and challenges that you have never encountered or known. Stronger connections with people offer the much-needed motivation that one needs to power through.
One of the connections I made was with a social worker from BetterHelp. At first, I was undergoing talk therapy until she became one of my trusted confidantes.
Finding Purpose In Everything
Your life must be driven by a strong desire to find purpose in anything and everything you do. Finding meaning in life is one of the leading contributors to longevity. Being determined enough to be actively involved in whatever never-ending pattern of life brings is significant in yearning for healthy well-being.
Positivity can take you further and higher. A psychologist at Stanford, Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., pointed out, “If you want to be happier and more successful in life, it’s important to fight the brain’s natural tendency to focus on the negative. Instead, try looking at the world through a positive, self-compassionate mindset.”
Understand The Impacts Of Cognitive Distortions
Insight And Takeaway
It is our primary responsibility to continuously discover, hone, and nurture these different roles to relate them to the purpose and meaning of life circumstances and avoid unpleasant feelings. Developing multiple interests and skills during your lifespan, no matter the age, is necessary for keeping your cognitive aspect fully functional and in fewer distortions but with the superb condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The 10 Cognitive Anxiety Distortions?
Cognitive anxiety distortions, also known as cognitive distortions, are patterns of thinking that can lead to negative thoughts and feelings. These distortions are common among people and can impact their mental well-being. Identifying and challenging these cognitive distortions is essential for promoting healthier thought patterns. Some examples of these distortions include black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, overgeneralization, personalization, and mind-reading, among others. Recognizing and addressing these distortions in our thoughts can lead to more balanced and less negative thinking patterns, ultimately contributing to improved mental health.
What Is An Example Of Mental Illness?
An example of a mental illness often involves common cognitive distortions and distorted thinking patterns that can significantly impact mental health. For instance, conditions like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder can manifest through cognitive distortions such as jumping to conclusions, mind reading, emotional reasoning, polarized thinking, and discounting the positive. These cognitive distortions contribute to negative thoughts and perceptions that are characteristic of many mental illnesses, highlighting the importance of addressing and managing these distorted thinking patterns for improved mental well-being.
What Causes The Mental Condition?
Is Overthinking A Cognitive Distortion?
How Do You Beat Cognitive Distortion?
Is Cognitive Distortion Normal?
What Are Cognitive Anxiety Disorders?
What Is The Most Common Cognitive Disorder?
How Do You Know If You Have Cognitive Problems?
Is Cognitive Distortion A Mental Disorder?
What Is The Root Cause Of Cognitive Distortion?
How Do I Stop Cognitive Distortion?
Is Depression A Cognitive Distortion?
What Mental Illness Causes Cognitive Distortion?