Are Thoughts Useful or Harmful?

Are Thoughts Useful or Harmful?

Thoughts occur when one considers ideas given a certain subject (Thordanston & Shafran, 2012). Humans are naturally very smart creatures; as such, they are naturally subjected to having thoughts. The thinking process that occurs within them is superior and unique to that of other organisms. This superiority in thinking reaps benefits to the human society. One of the very important advantages of having thoughts is making it possible to establish rules and principles. As such, because of the very existence of thoughts, humans have the capability to think before acting. It is, therefore, because of thoughts that humans can exist with each other and effectively address challenges that come in one’s day to day life. Manifestation of thoughts come in two forms – negative and positive. Consequently, thoughts lead to either bad or good actions, as well.

Foremostly, it is to be acknowledged that too much thinking harms the brain. Medical doctors, therefore, advise their patients not to indulge in too much thinking (McKay et al., 2011). Susceptibility to overthinking usually occurs when an individual is facing major stressors. When there is a trigger for stress in the external environment, an individual ends up thinking about the problem at hand too much. In cases like this, it is advised that the stressed person seeks help from friends in order to find an avenue to share his or her thoughts rather than have this all to him or herself. Too much thinking and suppressing these thoughts and emotions to oneself are proven to be very unhealthy to humans.

At this point, we take a closer look into the positive effects of thoughts. One needs not to worry because with right thoughts definitely arise better dispositions and relationships among other people. Let us define right and good thoughts as thinking good of others, thinking about doing good for others and thinking of ways to improve the environment. It is seen that individuals who have these good thoughts are more likely to do good things, as well. Good actions are, in essence, natural consequences of good thoughts. It is, therefore, unlikely for someone who has good thoughts to do bad things. It is consequent from these notions that deviating one’s attention from negative thoughts also avoids conflicts. One might even say that the key to a more peaceful society starts with more peaceful thoughts among its constituents.