Hard wired to notice dangers

Our brains have evolved to focus more on the negative than the positive to stay alert to danger. This is called the ‘negativity bias’. They do this to help keep us safe, but it means that sometimes we don't notice all the good stuff. Instead, our brains are more likely to remember difficult moments, conflicts or disappointments.

When we dwell on these more difficult experiences, it can affect our mood, making us feel low, frustrated or anxious. This bias, which we all have, can stop us from noticing the good things that happen in our day.

However, we can train our brains to notice and focus on the positive too. Choosing to pay attention to moments of connection, compassion and joy, and to really take in these moments and let them sink in, can have a powerful effect on our mental wellbeing. Practicing things like mindfulness and gratitude can enhance our ability to notice what our minds are doing and to shift attention to things that are going well. These practices literally change our brains!