It’s Possible to Prevent Yourself From Thinking of Bad Memories

Most people have undoubtedly had unpleasant thoughts that they wish to forget. For instance, a song that makes you think back to a painful breakup or a picture that reminds you of a distant friend. Well, according to new research, there might be a method to prevent being routinely tormented by bad memories.

Researcher Fradkin and his colleagues sought to look into looking into the prevention of bad memories. Their research question was: “Instead of trying to get rid of such painful thoughts after they have already come to mind, can we ensure these reminders will not automatically evoke the painful thoughts?”

So, Fradkin and his colleagues conducted trials using linked words and discovered that although participants could not entirely break the ties, they could make them less automatic. According to the research, the self-reinforcing effect is diminished when individuals are driven to avert such memories. In other words, think about other associations you have with that memory."

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✨Takeaway: Many individuals may find this new research insightful. When you hear a song that you usually tie a bad memory with, start making other association with it. For instance, instead of automatically thinking about the painful break up when you hear it; think about the happy feeling you felt when you first heard it. Instead of becoming instantly sad when you think about a lost loved one; think about a good association with that person. Over time, the research shows that the memory will atomically become more positive!

✨Reflection: Have you ever had to turn off the radio or avoid a song because it makes you think about a bad memory?

#Memories #BadMemory #Mind #NewResearch