Words have a powerful impact on both mental and physical health, and leaders bear a significant responsibility in choosing words that resonate within a nation’s collective consciousness, either undermining or strengthening social cohesion.
When political or thought leaders normalize belittling, insulting, or threatening language, it sets a precedent for their followers to do the same. It has now become almost impossible to discuss an emotional or controversial topic on social media without it devolving into personal attacks.
Positive words can uplift mood, foster a sense of connection, and enhance self-esteem, while negative words can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Repetition of negative words impacts your health
Repeated repetition of words that trigger anger and fear reinforces harmful beliefs and thought patterns, cementing a pessimistic or fearful worldview. They turn on the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, elevated cortisol levels, and muscle tension.
A well-known study published in 2015 in the journal Psychological Science analyzed Twitter language from different counties across the United States. The researchers found that the frequency of negative words related to anger, stress, and fatigue was a strong predictor of heart disease mortality in those areas. This predictive power was even stronger than traditional factors like smoking and obesity rates.
Negative social media interactions can turn on stress pathways in the body, leading to chronic inflammation, higher blood pressure, and other risk factors.
Positive affirmations promote mental well-being
In contrast, repeated positive affirmations or mindfulness practices involving positive language can lead to lasting changes in brain pathways, promoting greater mental well-being.
Kind, supportive, and empathetic language strengthens relationships and builds social bonds, which are crucial for mental health. Positive words turn on reward centers in the brain, while negative words trigger fear and pain.
Words can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, reduce stress levels, and promote relaxation. Here are just some examples of many: love, peace, stillness, breath, kind, smile, cheer, kind, value, and gratitude.
The Power of Mantras and Prayer
Various studies have revealed that recitation of certain prayers and mantras has a particularly positive effect on heart rate variability and cardiovascular health.
The song “Ave Maria,” particularly in its various classical renditions like those by Franz Schubert or Charles Gounod, is known to have a profound calming, and soothing effect on the body and mind. The spiritual connection can evoke feelings of comfort, protection, and spiritual upliftment, quietening the mind and reducing mental chatter.
One of the most widely used and revered mantras in Tibetan Buddhism is “Om Mani Padme Hung”. The mantra is particularly helpful in purifying negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and attachment. Practitioners can cultivate a more compassionate and loving mindset, leading to greater emotional balance and resilience. Chanting the mantra typically involves deep, rhythmic breathing, which can improve oxygenation of the body, enhance lung capacity, and promote a sense of physical calm.
In summary, the words we hear and use in our vocabulary shape who we are, impacting our relationships and our physiological and psychological health.
In moments when the external world pulses with negativity, it’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries and elevate your own vibrational energy. Cultivating a space of stillness, positivity, joy, and self-care becomes essential.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
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