For Emily McDonald, neuroscientist and influencer followed by thousands of people on TikTok, the way we nourish our minds directly influences our mental well-being. She warns against three insidious behaviors that, in the long term, sabotage our cognitive abilities.
Avoid Toxic TV Programs
According to Emily McDonald, anxiety-inducing shows and horror movies can be disruptive to more than just your morale. These contents stimulate the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and interfere with sleep – an essential pillar of good brain function. “Toxic TV simply normalizes toxic behaviors – which embed themselves in your brain and become your mindset“, she confides. She explains that she has removed television news from her daily life to preserve her mental peace.
Avoid sad songs when everything is going well
Music profoundly influences the brain. Emily McDonald points out that neuroplasticity makes the mind receptive to everything it perceives, including the lyrics of a song. Listening to melancholy songs while in a good mood could alter this emotional stability. “The words you sing in music embed themselves even more deeply in your mind than if you simply spoke them“, she says. She specifies, however, that these songs can help to externalize negative emotions when they are already present.
Banish judgment, towards yourself and towards others
For the neuroscientist, judgment is a largely underestimated toxic habit. Criticizing others often reflects an inner harshness. “As I give myself more recognition and forgiveness, I find that I do it for others too“, she testifies. This kindness towards oneself constitutes an essential key to maintaining more peaceful relationships and a less stressed brain.
Simple advice with lasting effects
Emily McDonald sums up her philosophy in one word: balance. Watching positive programs, choosing music that uplifts the spirit, and learning to forgive yourself can transform the way the brain responds in everyday life. Three small adjustments, for a big step towards mental serenity.