How To Surprisingly Improve Your Life in Exactly 5 Seconds

Jana Ciaravolo
Lucid State
Published in
4 min readNov 23, 2019

--

It’s proven by Science. I checked!

Image by aytuguluturk from Pixabay

W e always hear people counting down before doing something exciting like jumping off a cliff or lighting up a firecracker. We do it too! “In three, two, one, go!” That’s normally how it goes.

And oftentimes, no matter how incredibly stupid that activity is that we set out to do, we do it anyway. Do you know why? Because we counted down.

Call it a quick shot of bravery if you will. But it works. Neuroscientists from Yale and UC Boulder actually discovered the science to this behavior.

Our Killer Brains

When we feel the instinct to do something out of habit, it takes a few seconds before we decide whether to do it or not. In those few seconds of hesitation, we unknowingly signal our brain that something is not right.

As an effect, our brains switch to “Protective Mode” and attempt to shield us from feeling scared, intimidated or uncertain by killing our initial thoughts.

For instance, you feel the urge to go to the gym today. Deep inside you know how much cozier it would be to stay at home and just curl up on the couch. After all, what’s one more day of staying in? This train of thought lasts for a few seconds. But, this is enough time to lead your…

--

--

Lucid State
Lucid State

Published in Lucid State

Stories and insights captured during those fleeting moments of clarity. Share your perspective.

Jana Ciaravolo
Jana Ciaravolo

Written by Jana Ciaravolo

A digital nomad. Passionate about learning, sharing and hydroponic gardening. Has decided to shed her corporate wings to become a penniless freelancer.

Responses (8)