As reported on The Telegraph website in July 2013, researchers believe it is possible to teach yourself to have a more positive outlook by practising simple exercises such as meditation and clicking on images of smiling faces.
Studies of the brain show that the right side of the brain is more active in people who are more negative and anxious. It has been discovered however that by simple exercises it is possible to change the way the brain works. By making the left side of the brain more active, people can develop a brighter attitude to life. The idea behind this application is to train your brain to identify positives more readily.
The findings of the scientific studies were shown in a BBC Horizon documentary that followed a Mr Mosley who wanted to become a happier person. Over the course of seven weeks he followed two exercises aimed to make him more positive. The exercises involved meditating and looking at a screen showing fourteen blank or angry faces and one smiling one. Mr Mosley had to click on the happy face to train the left side of his brain to seek out positive images.
After several weeks Mr Mosley told the BBC 2 Horizon programme: ‘The Truth about Personality’ that he felt happier. The scientists said the activity in both sides of his brain had become more equal, a sign of growing optimism. He said: “I feel quite frankly astonished that you can notice that much change in just seven weeks. I set out to see if it was possible to change my mind and I think I might have done it.”
This app provides the ‘smiley face’ part of the exercise for you to do for just 5 -
