Check these out…
You like the puppies, don’t you? I knew you would! And you can thank me now because I just improved your brain function and may have extended your life span.
I sh*t you not.
Fact: Powerfully pleasing imagery can be a killer natural ADD remedy – and a great brain hack for anyone.
In her book Positivity, Barbara Frederickson details research showing that test subjects whose anxiety was driven high by an impending public speech, were able to reverse negative cardio vascular effects in less that a minute by viewing relaxing imagery — a tranquil film clip of ocean waves, a puppy playing, etc.
A separate study at the University of Virginia showed that viewing “very cute images” of puppies and kittens enhanced fine motor skills. Fine freakin’ motor skills?! Yep.
Then, more recently, researchers at Hiroshima University found that subjects who viewed pictures of baby animals as opposed to adult animals or pictures of food, performed better on both dexterity tests and a visual search test.
Is it any wonder that we put pictures of our families, including our pets, around us in the workplace? They are loving, pleasant images. We also tend to surround ourselves with pictures of ourselves doing things we enjoy – whether it’s boating, tailgating, or shooting unsuspecting deer.
In yet another study, self-affirmation – e.g., thinking about one’s values – was shown to encourage abstract thinking, self-control and delayed self-gratification.
It turns out, I’ve been using both of these principles – pleasant images and reiteration of my values — unwittingly for years!
On my laptop I have a screensaver combining a rotation of images that make me feel relaxed and content…which I’ve embedded subtly with my mantras for living…
THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THEIR DREAMS – is embedded into the awe-inspiring sculpture of Joe Louis’s arm in downtown Detroit (go see it if you can!).
THERE IS NO PROBLEM HERE (…in the Now – from Eckart Tolle) – quietly placed under the KTM logo. (Ya, that’s me…draggin’ a knee.)
HAPPINESS IS THE WHOLE AIM OF HUMAN EXISTENCE (partial Aristotle quote) – woven into my mom’s collar. (Miss you, Mom!)
These are just three of many. But you get the idea.
Positivity author Fredrickson also recommends we create our own Joy Portfolio – “a physical collection that is a shrine to each shade of positivity”. Like a vision or dream board, but made up of images and objects representing moments of joy. That screensaver I guess is my Joy Portfolio, but maybe I’ll create an “analog” version too.
So, what is the imagery surrounding the place(s) where you do the most working and thinking?
Take advantage of this knowledge by Taking Action: Spend just one hour in the next day or two creating a screensaver…or printing out some super-pleasing images of loved ones or of you being powerfully blissful.
Or just get some pics of PUPPIES!!!
Yours in cuteness,
Alan
Alan P. Brown, an internationally recognized Productivity Coach, TEDx Speaker and #1 Best Selling Author of Zen and the Art of Productivity: 27 Easy Ways to Have More Time, Earn More Money and Live Happier is the host of Crusher™TV, where he and his Guest Experts share simple ways to get more done in less time with less stress. Follow Alan on Twitter and on Facebook.
P.S.: Want to know more ways to beat back your ADHD symptoms? Tricks to beat procrastination? How to get prioritized and manage your time? Have you heard about my award-winning video/audio program ADD Crusher™? Learn more HERE.
