Decoding Inner Voices
Mental flexibility could just be the key to better mental health. For many of us we have an inner voice that constantly talks to us about our encounters every day, commenting on the environment, feelings and tasks. The default mode network (DMN) is responsible for this ongoing conversation in the brain that would be easily brushed aside when engaged with good work but becomes overwhelming during downer period preventing one from getting out of negative thought patterns.
Brain Networks and Attention
If we point our attention at any particular thing such as when doing a project or watching a lovely sunset then DMN ceases its function and central executive network (CEN) takes over. Salience network is responsible for shifting focus between these two forms of attention. In case of repetitive thinking, being trapped in depression or anxiety state becomes inevitable while brain imaging studies show increased connections within DMN and between DMN along with salience network.
Attention, Flexibility and Mental Health
To some extent, how easily one can disengage their inner monologue determines how effective mental health treatment will be. Hypnotizability varies widely among individuals – some people cannot be hypnotized at all. Strong functional connectivity between CEN and salience networks suggests high hypnotisability indicating that DMN is not dominant.
Hypnosis Versus Mental Health
Some people benefit from hypnosis because it helps them divert their attention away from the default mode network (DMN). It implies that targeting attentional flexibility may hold promise for psychiatric disorders.
Psychedelics: Radical Solutions
Carhart-Harris, who is known as a leading researcher in psychedelics, has shown reduction in the activity of the default mode network by psychedelics. When DMN gets disrupted participants often report ‘ego dissolution’ which means they feel connected with everything around them. A significant improvement was observed after psilocybin treatment in a group of twelve patients suffering from persistent depression (Carhart-Harris et al. 2016). Psychedelics produce state of hyperplasticity which may lead to rapid and profound changes in brain circuits, potentially freeing us from DMN dominance.
Summary
In the psilocybin study, all participants showed improvements in their symptoms, with two-thirds remaining depression-free after a week and seven out of twelve maintaining improvements after three months. These results indicate that psychedelics can dissolve rigid pathways in the default mode network as they foster mental agility.
Everyday Strategies for Mental Flexibility
Though psychedelics are potent solutions there are day-to-day practices that can assist you in increasing mental flexibility and reducing dominance of DMN:
Interrupt Your Inner Voice
When you find yourself trapped inside repetitive thoughts, deliberately switch your attention. Breathing exercises, looking at the sky or engaging others in talks help to weaken the grip of inner voice upon your mind.
Get Engrossed In Activities
Look for activities that naturally hold your attention. The more you engage in tasks which require focused attention; the stronger will be your CEN.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Negative thinking patterns need to be constantly evaluated. One should look for evidence against these beliefs sometimes with support from friends or therapists. This helps put thoughts into context thus diminishing their weight and meaning.
Developing a Mindset that is Adaptable
Depression prevention, anxiety protection and eradicating distorted beliefs are some of the benefits that come with mental flexibility. You will be able to get into healthier psychological conditions by enabling your mind to become more adaptable. Ensuring the CEN is strengthened while weakening DMN can lead to significant mental health improvements.
Concluding Remarks
Having a flexible mind is an active way of taking care of our mental health and well-being. Enhancing attention flexibility through clinical treatments such as hypnosis and psychedelics or daily practices can help us have a healthy and balanced mind in life.
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