The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

by Alex Korb

what you do with your mind—how you focus your attention, intentionally shape your thoughts, and purposefully calm your emotions—can directly change your brain.

You can’t always change where you are, but you can change where you’re going.

By changing the firing rate of neurons in a few key regions, you can influence the pattern of activity in the entire brain.

Norepinephrine—enhances thinking, focus, and dealing with stress

Oxytocin—promotes feelings of trust, love, and connection, and reduces anxiety

brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) aids in the growth of new neurons and overall brain health.