Besides staff having to deal with the fallout of Covid 19 many have been living with thoughts such as “I’m over this”, “I’m so tired”, and “I’ve just got no energy or motivation”.
Research shows that as humans we have a tendency to not only register negative stimuli more readily, but also to dwell on these events. Neuroscientists refer to this as the negative bias, or “negativity bias”.
Feelings of anxiety often involve rumination or negative looping thoughts which grab our attention, stick to our memories and have a powerful affect on performance and dealing with stress.
This negativity bias can effect how staff feel, think and act. It can lead to staff feeling overwhelmed, resisting change and damaging relationships. Dwelling on dark and negative thoughts makes it difficult to maintain an optimistic outlook in the workplace.
Overcoming negativity bias involves establishing new thought patterns by consciously shifting and redirecting attention and focus. This shift of focus allows space, even momentary to put attention on uplifting feelings and experiences and away from negative thoughts.
Mindshaping Art is a simple and effective way to redirect attention. Studies show that both viewing and creating art triggers powerful mood enhancing chemicals in the brain stimulating the release of dopamine. Also known as the “feel good” hormone, dopamine is a neurotransmitter acting as a chemical messenger between neurons and promotes positive feelings like pleasure, joy and happiness.
To counteract an inbuilt bias, you need to take deliberate action to shift your attention.