I’m manipulating my brain’s algorithm to program the positive

I’m always on the lookout for strategies that will help me make my life with ALS go a little bit smoother, and I’ve recently found a new one. It’s easy to do and, most importantly, it adds a layer of calm to my days. It might surprise you when I reveal that it involves manipulating an algorithm — my own.

Algorithm is a word we hear a lot about these days, and it’s not always been complimentary. For example, algorithms are used with social media to lead us down rabbit holes of interest, but often result in mental aggravation. Marketers use algorithms to track our online clicks and inundate us with ads for products they think we desire.

Our brains can also generate those negative rabbit holes. Many ALS patients have constant thoughts of despair and hopelessness that put them in what I call the ALS waiting room. They ask, “Why me?” and imagine dismal futures.

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Train the brain

But I’m using the flip side of my brain power to generate positive thoughts and experiences. No, this is not a Pollyanna la-la-la attitude. But one based on neuroscience and its effects on the brain. For instance, when we begin keeping a gratitude list, we feel happiness and contentment. Our brains learn to look for things to be grateful for, because the list awaits us each night.

I expand on that brain training by starting each day with the mantra, “I am happy. I am healthy. I am fit. I am successful. Every day in every way I am getting better.” The words set my expectations, and they shape my perception of what I have on my to-do list.

Our brain and body are the most accurate data source we have. They’re constantly giving feedback. The challenge is learning to listen and turn down the volume of the noise surrounding us. By noise, I mean the constant rumble of world events, the daily challenges of our ALS symptoms, and the background chatter of family, friends, and caregivers sharing their own life troubles.

I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t know what is going on in the world or show empathy for people in our circle of care. I employ the same shield of mental resilience that I use during ALS Awareness Month. I believe what we patients read, say, and hear what others tell us matters. It can shape our beliefs and affect our attitudes, expectations, and mind-body synergy.

A circle of good feels

The more I tune into what my body and brain are feeling, and strive for peace and calm, the better I feel.

What I’m doing is programming my brain the way the big-time marketers program an algorithm. I’m building my personal algorithm to live well while I’m living with ALS.

So far, the results have been positive, and I plan to keep going to make the changes permanent. I feel more positive, less anxious, and more joyful. I invite you to try this strategy for yourself and develop your own algorithm.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.