The Brain and what is Real vs Imagined

4th Nov 2019

The Brain and what is Real vs Imagined

Did you know the brain can’t tell the difference between what is imagined (e.g day dreaming, visualised) and what is an actual event... time to start visualising !

Think about that for a moment… the mind can’t tell the difference between what is imagined and what is reality.

Research is showing us that the brain activity is similar for both an imagined and a real event. Neuroscientists at Harvard taught a simple 5-fingered combination of piano notes to a group of people – thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger – which they played over and over again for 2 hours a day. They did this for 5 consecutive days. Another group of volunteers didn’t actually play the notes, but just imagined playing them. They imagined the combination – thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger – for 2 hours a day on 5 consecutive days.

The researchers examined the brains of the volunteers every day using a technique called TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and found that, each day, there was little or no difference between the brains of those who played the notes with their fingers and those who played the notes in their minds. The brain areas in both groups grew significantly in size.

So what exactly does visualization mean… visualisation is the act or an instance of visualizing... a technique involving focusing on positive mental images in order to achieve a particular goal.

We day in and day out visualise, daydream and zone out, and often these can be negative thoughts and imagery rather than what we actually want in our life.   What if we flipped it around – and decided to only imagine the great things we want.

The visualization process is something many elite sportspeople use regularly as part of their training and preparing their mindset to achieve their sporting goals. We can use Visualisation as a powerful technique for refining self-image and imagining positive scenes and outcomes, working to create more positive attitudes and behaviours for yourself.

Some of the Benefits of Visualization are -
Increase Relaxation
Decrease Stress and Anxiety
Increase Confidence
Increase Focus and Goal Setting
Improve Self-Image
Reduce Pain, Stress and Anxiety

Take some time to start imagining new more positive outcomes for yourself... Imagine only the things you want to come true. By making visualisaton and self hypnosis part of your daily routine in a positive way, you will start to notice changes to your mindset over time.

Click here to learn self hypnosis and self visualisation 

Further Research Visit