Inspiration

~ escharae

2015 hasn’t really kicked off the best way, with me catching a cold that put everything I have to do this month on hold, and then stressing and freaking out because time is running out. But since I don’t want my blog to turn into a wailing wall, I thought I’d share some videos that have inspired me lately.

First, The Truth about Personality. This is a TV episode that explores the science behind what makes people more pessimistic or optimistic. Using some of the latest cutting-edge technologies, presenter Michael Mosley proves that it is indeed possible to change your mind, through cognitive bias modification and meditation. The episode also discusses the role genes and environment play by sharing the stories of identical twins.

http://http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1z3a38_e17-the-truth-about-personality_tv

Next, something that I have been finding useful when I feel stress turning into those creepy anxiety symptoms. It’s about changing your perspective on stress. Instead of thinking that it is bad for you and it is slowly killing you, think about how wonderful it is that your body gears up to adapt to a stressful situation or event, preparing you to fight or flight in case there’s a threat. I think to myself, “I’m prepared to fight, I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior, I can do this.” It’s about letting stress empower you instead of crippling you. But the video explains it better than I do so take a look.

Finally, empowerment through body language. I’ve been using this technique as well for some time. I did it before my job interview in October and generally when I have to speak in front of more than three people (I hate speaking in public). I take a moment to myself and practice a more confident posture. I don’t turn into Superwoman, but I find that I feel a little less insecure. For people who always perceive themselves as frauds even if they don’t have reasons for it this might seem strange and unnatural at first, but after some time you’re wondering why you haven’t done this all your life. Fake it until you become it.

10 thoughts on “Inspiration”

  1. These videos are awesome! And I love the idea that we can change our perspectives to being more optimistic. Because it is more than a perspective, isn’t it? It’s ingrained into our personality like you have written here before- that stuck with me.
    I’m sorry it has taken me so long to watch the videos- that’s my deal with audio/visual content.
    The second video especially is so intriguing!
    When I did Biofeedback training for stress reduction, sleep management, and pain management, we dealt with how posture and body tension can change the way the brain and body works. It’s so interesting, isn’t it? Now I try to do little things like loosen my jaw and relax my shoulders. Those simple things can send “positive” signals to the brain and body creating the chemicals that make people more optimistic. I feel much more optimistic since doing that training, so I’d say there’s a lot of good science behind “faking it” as the sociologist in the TedTalk calls it.
    Sorry so long. I’ll stop here. Great post! I really enjoyed this.

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      1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the videos! I try to remember some of those tips and apply them to everyday life, and it’s been helpful. And yes, I’m better from the cold, I’ve just been insanely busy and I have been mostly offline. I’m sure I’m missing on lots of great content around here and Twitter but I’ll be back full force in a couple of weeks, I hope. šŸ™‚

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  3. Reblogged this on Anything is Possible! and commented:
    Re-blogging with thanks to Escharae. To be honest, I chose not to watch the first video due to time issues, but the second two, about re-thinking stress, and the body language of attitude/perseverance, were excellent! Definitely worth 15 minutes each.

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