We have probably all heard some variation of the phrase “just think positively” and we all know it can be easier said than done. However, we really should consider the benefits of reframing our mindsets. Not only is this advice that some of my Spellers have been giving each other, but there is also scientific evidence showing that it can change our brains.
Let’s take a look at neuroplasticity.
What is it? According to one scientific journal, it is “the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections.” [1] Our Spellers rely on this ability of the brain to build these connections to learn the motor skill required for Spelling to Communicate. Communication and Regulation Partners (CRP) even rely on this ability as we learn to track letters to relay the messages of our Spellers. CRPs typically rely on sensory feedback like the feel of our pen or our hands on a keyboard or our sight to see what we are writing or typing but when tracking letters that our Spellers are pointing, doesn’t give us the same feedback that we are use to so CRPs have to learn, adjust, and build new neural pathways too. But, I digress.
There is an article entitled “How Does Thinking Positive Thoughts Affect Neuroplasticity?” that gives a quick summary of the effects of negative versus positive thinking:
Negative Thoughts
- Slow down brain coordination
- Make it difficult to process thoughts … or find solutions
- Hinders creative ability
- Decreases activity in the cerebellum
- Impacts the left temporal lobe (fear factor), affecting mood, memory and impulse control
Positive Thoughts
- Synapses (areas connecting neurons) increase dynamically
- Increases mental productivity by improving cognition
- Intensifies ability to pay attention, to focus
- Improves ability to think and analyze incoming data
- Improves ability to solve problems quicker and enhance creativity [2]
So, what could this mean for our Spellers? Well, a few things. Positive thinking will help:
- Their neuroplasticity will be more efficient (meaning that new purposeful motor skills could be acquired more rapidly)
- With emotional regulation
- Give them more control over impulses
We know our Spellers have so many goals, desires, dreams and we all want nothing more than to help them accomplish them. We know that many of our Spellers are overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, trauma, and just being hard on themselves for not accomplishing their goals quickly or having uncontrolled impulses. That being said, let’s talk about one way that we can help them.
We can help our Spellers improve their positive self-talk. “Self-talk is your internal dialogue. It’s influenced by your subconscious mind, and it reveals your thoughts, beliefs, questions, and ideas.” [3] Changing your self-talk can be challenging but with support and proper strategies, it can be done.
First steps include:
- Identifying scenarios that often become traps for negative self-talk. This allows you to have strategies planned out ahead of time.
- Check in with yourself. How are you feeling? How has your self-talk been today? Identify what thoughts you can reframe into a positive light.
- Have a laugh. Laughter does a body good, relieving tension and stress. Ask someone to tell you a joke or watch a funny video.
- Find those positive people in your life. Everyone, but especially Spellers, pick up on the attitudes and moods of people around them.
- Use positive affirmations. Find a mantra that has meaning to you or write positive notes to yourself and leave them around the places that you frequent.
When it comes to affirmations and mantras, they aren’t all created equal. Help your Speller find, or make up, something that is simple and really resonates with them. You can help them do a quick google search for inspiration if needed or here are a few examples:
- All will be well
- “I am, I can, I ought, I will” -Charlotte Mason
- Release, peace, tranquility, love, joy
- I have the power to create change
- Be easy
- I am in charge of how I feel
- Nothing can dim the light that shines from within
- I am enough
“Research suggests people with positive self-talk may have mental skills that allow them to solve problems, think differently, and be more efficient at coping with hardships or challenges. This can reduce the harmful effects of stress and anxiety.” [3]
Another great idea that can help Spellers give themselves gentle reminders is to have them write positive messages about themselves or reminders of the progress they have made with their goals. A great tool to use with this is the good ol’ sticky note. They can be easily changed out and stuck to doors, mirrors, and walls without any damage.
The true experts are the Spellers themselves so let’s hear a bit from them! I asked my Goal Gang group to choose and answer a question that I posed.
1. How has reframing your mindset to be more positive helped you accomplish your goals?
“Being positive means more than grinning through hard times. It’s a mindset that keeps your life from succumbing to the darkness that exists in the world around us. You have to choose to be in the light and see what the next step on your journey will be.
The easy way out is giving up but then your goals fall away unmet. Taking yourself to new heights requires a positive mental mindset.” -Noah McSweeney
2. What strategies do you use to help you remember to stay positive?
“I think about how lucky I am to be able to communicate and how it felt before. That helps me to remember how far I have come. I talk to God throughout the day and he helps me to remain positive. I also channel some of my favorite songs in my head, partially to try and distract my body from whatever it is choosing to do and partly because I love music so much, specifically Willie Nelson’s music! Connecting with my friends who are also spellers is the best strategy to lift my mood and focus on the positive that exists in the world.” -Ryan Wotton
“I try getting into a mindset that gets me regulated. I focus on the positives of every situation and breathe through any dysregulation.” -Kaleb Austin
“My friends inspire me to stay positive because they believe in me, which helps me to believe in myself. When I am feeling discouraged or it is hard to find motivation, it is a good bet I will be asking myself what my friends would say in this situation to encourage me. Also, what would I say to them? Sometimes we need to be reminded to be as kind to ourselves as we are to others.” -Caden Rainey
If these ideas can help even one person, I will feel accomplished in writing this blog. We all deserve to hear positive messages from others but we even more so deserve to hear them from ourselves. We don’t need to let negativity drag us down or define us but most of us do, occasionally, need reminders from others to remember to think positively about ourselves. Be kind to yourself.
Resources:
[1] Mateos-Aparicio P, Rodríguez-Moreno A. The Impact of Studying Brain Plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci. 2019;13:66.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/#article-97078.r1
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/positive-self-talk#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
About the Author
Katlyn Billue is an S2C Practitioner, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Mentor for I-ASC. She loves educating about all things S2C – why we do what we do, how we do it, and the benefits of staying within the scope of S2C.
