MindCraft Challenges

Our perception of patterns isn’t the result of just one neuron firing—it’s made up of many neurons participating in pattern recognition. This is likely a reason that drawing is a powerful tool to shift our minds away from negative thoughts—drawing requires pattern-matching networks to create and check patterns as the artist is drawing.

Challenge:
Can taking time to draw help improve your mood? Carry some drawing paper or a sketchbook with you for a week. When you feel stressed or stuck with negative thoughts, spend 10 minutes drawing whatever you want. Rate your mood before and after on a scale like this:

😨 😦 ☹️ 😐 🙂 😀 😁

Read More:
Mood repair through art:
https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2011.557032
On using creativity to find meaning in life:
https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618771981
(see Table 1 for many ideas!)

Ethan Kross and his colleagues have recommended using distanced talk to shift thinking from negative emotions and a cycle of rumination to positive actions to achieve goals (hope).

Challenge:
Use distanced self-talk five times daily for several days to coach yourself at points of stress, during negative thoughts, or when you feel you made a mistake. Note whether your control over your emotions, thoughts, and ability to take positive actions improves.

Read More:
How to change your self-talk:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419861411