Today we're talking about how positive language can improve your mindset, your mental health, and how fashion can help you get there. Kimberly Wilkerson of Token Clothing Company™ is today's contributor. Read on to find out how win your favorite set of PJs that boost her mood.
Think for a moment about how to fill this in: “I ____.”
How would you fill the gap? Remember that after “I am” he follows you.
So, what word or phrase would you put behind the most creative and powerful three-letter phrase we have in our human language?
Words can damage your mindset and mental health
Do you remember the decades-old saying we used when we were told something unkind to us as children?
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
We tried to be bold with this comeback, but the response hid the truth. Words hurt us. And words strengthen us, heal us, and change us. In short, the effects of language are powerful and words matter. Always. And it's not just the words we're told. It's the words that are spoken around us (consider TV shows/movies, news reports, podcasts/radio talks, etc.). It's words, we think. We are words to say. We are words write.
And these are the words we use.
So I'm giving away a luxury set Pajamas with a Purpose™ to one of you, dear readers. Read it Learn how to enter the giveaway.
Negative language effects
Consider this two-letter word: “No.”
As evidenced in the book Words Will Change Your Brain (Newberg A. & Waldman, M., 2012), if you were in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow while reading the word “No,” we we were immediately seeing a significant increase in amygdala activity and the release of stress hormones and neurotransmitters increase hheart rate and blood pressure and disrupts the normal functioning of brain areas involved in logic, reasoning, language processing and communication.
The word “no” is an important word and can be used in specific situations. For example, in a fight-or-flight situation, we know that our body increases our ability to handle danger, and increased blood pressure and heart rate are a necessary response.
The language effects here are profound. The word “no” is also a negative word that creates an immediate neurological response that affects our entire physiology. It is associated with prolonged exposure to negative words increased hostility, which is a risk factor for increased morbidity, mortality, depression, and divorce.
Positive language effects
But there are also positive language effects. Consider these words: hope, optimism, joy, love, gratitude, compassion, truth, peace, humility, and forgiveness.
Using an fMRI scanner, we would see that when you focus on these positive words, your amygdala and emotional centers in your brain calm down. Even the word “yes” will produce similar results.
To focus positive thoughts and words stimulate the motivational areas of your brain responsible for moving you. As you practice relaxation and repeatedly focus on positive words, anxiety and depression tend to decrease, and the number of unconscious negative thoughts tends to decrease.
As neuroscientist and physician Andrew Newberg concluded with his team's brain scan study,
“. . . concentrating and focusing on positive thoughts, feelings and results can be more powerful than any drug in the world, especially when it comes to changing old habits, behaviors and beliefs.
(Newberg, 2012, p. 35)
Mental Health, Self-Talk, and Positive Affirmations
When considering mental health outcomes of chronic health conditions, research points to the benefits of purposeful, positive, self-affirming language practices.
For example:
- A study on groups of people in 2021ing psoriasis looked at the effects of a brief, self-affirmative intervention on depression, anxiety, and well-being. Results showed significant improvements in well-being, depressive symptoms, and anxiety two weeks after the intervention and at one-month follow-up.
- A A study of 2023 individuals with chronic pain demonstrated self-affirmations are associated with better psychosocial health, including depression, anxiety, anger, and social isolation.
- Research also suggests positive self-talk and affirmations can activate brain systems that restore self-confidence when threatened and improve educational, health and relationship outcomes that last for months and years.
Does language have a positive effect on water?
Before you read this next section, remember that our body is about 60% water. . .
Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher who has extensively studied the influence of language on the properties of water on the planet, found that water formations can be physically altered by being influenced by positive or negative words.
In her study, Dr. Emoto placed positive words and phrases (such as “thank you,” “love and gratitude,” “wisdom”) written in multiple languages on water bowls with selected words and then froze the water samples. water, thus forming ice crystals that can be photographed and observed. He followed the same procedure using negative words and phrases (e.g., “You idiot!” “You make me sick.” “I'm going to kill you.”).
The observed results of water exposed to negative words were defective and misshapen crystals. Water exposed to positive words formed beautiful and intricately shaped crystals.
Dr. Although Emoto's water crystal research has faced scientific criticism, the idea that words shape outcomes resonates deeply with many.
Awareness of what we think and say to ourselves and others should be increased. As we put energy and effort into intentional words every day, we will achieve intentional results.
Can fashion really improve your mindset and mental health?
I believe it can be.
As an expert in communication and language disorders (I'm a speech-language pathologist) and an entrepreneur looking to advance mental health outcomes, I launched the fashion company Token Clothing Company™ two years ago. sharing the science behind the language. We create products that provide customers with transformative experiences in their mindsets that increase self-love, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Because clothing is a basic necessity and daily necessity in the United States and most parts of the world, I (and the leaders of the fashion industry) have a unique opportunity to take advantage of what can be considered as simple a task as getting dressed every day. — to improve and benefit society in the area of mental health and well-being, creating a ripple effect among people of all ages, races, ethnicities and cultures.
To learn more about us Pajamas with a Purpose™, see here.
Intelligent Fashion™ uses words to shape mindset and mental health
Intelligent Fashion™ is clothing that applies neuroscience and positive psychology data to improve mindset and transform negative into positive outcomes for the wearer. Artists, creators, leaders and contributors can integrate the science-based strategy of Intelligent Fashion™ in countless ways, allowing freedom of expression in design to benefit and delight both the creator and the wearer, while improving the mental health and well-being of both.
Research shows that some effective strategies for overcoming self-criticism include practicing self-love, self-appreciation, self-acceptance, and self-forgiveness, and these should be practiced daily. It makes sense to combine these experiences with a task we already do every time: get dressed.
Use positive language to improve your mental health
You and I can each take a step toward mental health by using positive language. We have the ability to change clothes, talk to ourselves in a kind and compassionate way in the mirror in the morning and at night, stop bullying and negativity around us, and celebrate the positive moments in our day. change our results as we use positive language.
The Gift of Showing the Power of the Tongue
I want to give away a pair to one lucky person Pajamas with a Purpose™ — via Token Clothing Company™ — includes powerful self-affirmations that rub against your skin (remember the words that look inward in Emoto's water experiments). Pajama tops are reversible and can be read by the wearer (in the mirror) and the observer. This way you can improve your own mindset and also influence the mindset of your friends and family.
These PJs are also ultra soft, luxurious and beautifully combine beautiful fabric and timeless design with Intelligent Fashion™ to uplift your mindset and infuse you with the power to dream. They are available in lavender or blue, sizes XS-XL.
To win, just do the following:
- Comment here with your thoughts on this post and include a link to where you shared this post on social media.
- Please make sure your email address is accurate so we can contact you if you win.
For additional entries, go to Instagram (coming soon) and follow the instructions there.
If you win, you will be able to choose the color and size.
This contest is open to those in the US until November 30thc2024. Winner will be contacted on December 1stSt2024.
About Kimberly Wilkerson
After years of learning the power of communication as a speech-language pathologist, Kimberly Wilkerson launched Token Clothing Company™, a brand that elevates everyday wear to create a thought-provoking and love-inspiring experience by joining beautiful fabric and timeless design. Transforming negative user outcomes into positive outcomes with neuroscience and positive psychology data.
Kimberly's personal journey to elevate her mindset and overcome limitations influenced her transition from clinician to fashion entrepreneur. He loves to share how the power of language can affect anyone.
Kimberly currently lives in Idaho and enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, except in the dead of winter, when she escapes to the tropics for snorkeling and scuba diving.
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