Every day, an invisible force: the dynamic connection between our thoughts and habits quietly steered our lives. While many people focus on external circumstances when trying to make life changes, the true starting point lies within the mind. Our thoughts generate feelings, which drive our behaviors. Repeated behaviors solidify into habits, and over time, these habits build the lives we experience — for better or worse.

Understanding this chain reaction gives you the key to personal transformation. When you learn to recognize and reprogram your thoughts, you can create healthier feelings, develop empowering behaviors, and ultimately form habits that support your goals and dreams.

The Cycle: Thoughts → Feelings → Behaviors → Habits

The heart of human experience is the relationship between thoughts and feelings. A single thought — often so fleeting we barely notice it — can trigger a cascade of emotional responses. For example, the thought “I’m not good enough” can stir feelings of sadness, shame, or anxiety. Those feelings may influence behaviors like procrastination, withdrawal, or overcompensation.

Behaviors repeated over time become habits. If you consistently procrastinate because of feelings of inadequacy, procrastination can become a habitual response — not because it’s who you are, but because it’s the path your thoughts and feelings paved for you.

Understanding the chain reaction from thoughts to habits is so powerful. It empowers you to change the trajectory of your life at its true origin point: your inner world.

Recognizing Feelings to Uncover Thoughts

Most of us live on autopilot, reacting to life without questioning why we feel or act the way we do. However, feelings are important signposts. When you slow down and pay attention to your emotional state, you can trace the feeling back to the thought that created it.

Let’s say you suddenly feel anxious before a meeting. If you pause and explore that anxiety, you might uncover a thought like “I’m going to mess up and embarrass myself.” Recognizing the feeling gives you a doorway into the unconscious thought patterns driving your emotional and behavioral responses.

Here’s a simple process you can use:

1. Notice the feeling. Label it: fear, anger, sadness, joy, etc.
2. Pause and get curious. Ask yourself: What thought might have triggered this feeling?
3. Write it down. Seeing the thought on paper often helps you recognize its influence and exaggeration.
4. Challenge or reframe the thought. Is it true? Is there another way to see the situation?
5. Let Go. Ask yourself if you can release the thought. If you can, great. If not, feel into and allow the resistance to the thought. Often, allowing the resistance is all that is needed to release it.

By using feelings as a guide, you become better at recognizing the thoughts that shape your world. And remember that neurons that wire together, fire together. But the opposite is true too. Neurons that stop firing, unwire. As you let things go, you unwire those neural pathways.

How to Reprogram Your Thoughts

Once you’ve identified the thoughts that are creating unwanted feelings and behaviors, the next step is reprogramming them. Here are several proven methods:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT)

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, not external events, cause our feelings and behaviors. Using CBT techniques, you can learn to challenge irrational thoughts and replace them with healthier ones.

For example:

• Automatic Thought: “I’m terrible at public speaking.”
• Challenge: “Is that 100% true? What evidence do I have to support or refute this?”
• Replacement Thought: “I’ve spoken in public before and did fine. I can prepare and do my best.”

Over time, practicing these shifts rewires your mind and changes your emotional responses.

2. Visualization and Affirmations

Visualization involves imagining yourself thinking, feeling, and behaving positively. Affirmations are positive statements that help counteract negative thought patterns.

For example:

• Visualize yourself confidently speaking in front of a crowd.
• Repeat affirmations like “I am calm, prepared, and capable.”

Visualization and affirmations help create new neural pathways that support healthier thoughts and habits.

3. Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness trains you to observe your thoughts without getting hooked by them. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you develop the ability to notice negative thoughts early — before they spiral into powerful feelings or impulsive behaviors.

A simple mindfulness practice:

• Sit quietly and focus on your breath.
• Notice any thoughts that arise without judgment.
• Let the thoughts float by like clouds.

This detachment helps you reclaim your power to choose which thoughts you engage with. If you tend to get anxious, this may not be the best approach as it can increase anxiety. But many of my patients in this situation, find that doing a guided process helps alleviate that problem.

4. Somatic Work

Since thoughts also live in the body (more on this shortly), somatic techniques like body scanning, breathwork, or movement practices (yoga, dance, etc.) can help you process and shift ingrained thought-feeling patterns.

Somatic work can release old emotional memories that were locked into your muscles and nervous system, allowing space for new patterns to emerge. I have patients report feeling a tightness, twitching, or other physical experience when they are doing somatic work and a thought arises.

5. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is extremely helpful in rewiring the brain. LENS neurofeedback in particularly, works quickly. My patients often notice changes in how their brains function differently as a result. This amplifies when the person focuses on changing.

Thoughts Live in the Body Too

It’s tempting to think of thoughts as purely mental events, but research in neuroscience and somatic psychology reveals a deeper truth: thoughts are embodied. They create real physical responses in your body. Think of your body like the hard drive of a computer. We store thoughts throughout the body, not just in the brain. It is why my patients report having deep memories arise after doing somatic work.

When you think a stressful thought, your body doesn’t just “think” it — it feels it. Stress hormones, like cortisol, are released by your body. Your heart rate may quicken. Your muscles may tense up. Over time, chronic negative thinking can contribute to physical illness, fatigue, and even autoimmune conditions.

Many chronic health issues are linked to the accumulation of unconscious, unresolved emotional patterns. The body remembers what the mind tries to forget. This is why people who carry deep-seated guilt, fear, or grief often experience physical symptoms like migraines, digestive issues, or chronic pain. Just a note. I say this not to blame the person, nor do I want to say it’s in their heads. The emotions are real. The physical experience is real. And there is no blame. It is an understanding that the body responds to our thoughts. And these thoughts may have been formed when we were very young.

Healing the body often begins by healing the mind. When you change your habitual thoughts, you change your physiology — from your brain chemistry to your immune function.

Building Better Habits Through Thought Mastery

Once you understand how thoughts create feelings and feelings drive behaviors, you can intentionally plant the seeds of better habits. Here’s how to apply this practically:

1. Start small. Choose one habit you want to build (e.g., exercising daily).
2. Identify the underlying thoughts. Notice any resistance thoughts (“I’m too tired”, “It won’t make a difference”).
3. Reframe the thoughts. Replace them with empowering ones (“I always feel better after exercising,” “Small steps lead to big changes”).
4. Create emotional fuel. Visualize and feel the pride, energy, or joy that comes from completing the behavior. Visualizing yourself going through your workout can help you break the non-habit.
5. Reinforce consistently. Repeat the behavior daily, linking it to positive thoughts and feelings.

Over time, the new behavior becomes a habit — an automatic expression of your conscious thought programming.

Why “Thoughts and Habits” Are the Cornerstone of Personal Growth

Mastering your thoughts and habits isn’t just about personal success; it’s about aligning with your true nature. At your core, you are not your fears, insecurities, or limiting beliefs. We often learned these early in life and reinforced them through habit. But we are more than these things. Otherwise, how could we notice them?

By reclaiming the power to direct your thoughts, you create a positive feedback loop:

• Healthier thoughts → Better feelings → Empowered actions → Life-affirming habits → Fulfilled living.

No external circumstance has more power over your life than the thoughts you consistently choose to believe. And when you master your habits, you master the outcomes of your life.

Final Thoughts

The journey of transformation always begins within. By recognizing the feelings that arise, uncovering the thoughts that fuel them, and reprogramming your inner dialogue, you can change the behaviors and habits that define your existence.

Your thoughts are not just fleeting mental events. They are the architects of your emotions, the sculptors of your behaviors, and the builders of your life’s habits. And because thoughts live not just in your mind but also in your body, taking care of your mental landscape is essential for true, holistic wellness.

Remember: the quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life. Choose them wisely, nurture them patiently, and watch as your habits — and your life — transform in extraordinary ways.

Learn more about how to change habits and transform your life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have lasting effects on physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Recovering from TBI often involves a multifaceted approach, combining traditional medical treatments with complementary methods such as neurofeedback and targeted nutrition. Many years ago, I wrote an article in Holistic Primary Care about this combination. This article serves as an update on that article. I explore supplements for TBI recovery in this post with an understanding of why they work.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury and its AftermathSup

A sudden jolt or impact to the head can cause a TBI, leading to brain damage. This can cause symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Recovery can be challenging and prolonged, as the brain requires adequate support to repair and regenerate damaged cells. Studies have shown a link between TBI and dementia in adults 55 and older. A 55-year-old with a moderate concussion or a 65-year-old with a mild concussion is more likely to develop dementia than a cohort with no concussion. Therefore, treatment of some sort is critical for long-term health. Supplements for TBI recovery, combined with neurofeedback, can support recovery by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and underlying nutrient deficiencies.

Key Nutritional Deficiencies and Supplements for TBI Recovery

Demonstrated research shows that many nutrients play a role in brain health and recovery from injury. For instance, inflammation and oxidative stress are common in TBI, and certain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds can counteract these processes. 

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, reduce inflammation and support cognitive function. They promote membrane stability in neurons and may improve mood and cognitive outcomes in TBI patients. Studies have found that TBI patients with higher DHA levels experience better recovery rates, as DHA supports cell membrane repair and synaptic plasticity. Omega-3 fatty acids in higher doses (3 grams per day) may reduce depression in patients with no other interventions.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Supplements

TBI often increases oxidative stress, which can lead to further cell damage. Antioxidants can neutralize these effects and protect brain cells from further harm. Key antioxidants for TBI recovery include:

Vitamin C: Known for its neuroprotective effects and ability to reduce inflammation.

Vitamin E: Protects cell membranes and reduces free radical damage.

Coenzyme Q10: Supports cellular energy production and can mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, often observed in TBI. CoQ10 is a very important supplement for TBI recovery because of the energy requirements needed by the brain. Watch my video about mitochondria to learn more. 

Blueberry Anthocyanins: Anti-inflammatory and reduces oxidative stress, this is highly important for brain healing. They also help regulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor), something that gets mis-regulated after a brain injury. 

3. Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is common in TBI patients. It plays a critical role in stabilizing neural activity and reducing excitotoxicity (neuronal damage caused by excessive neurotransmitter release). Magnesium supplementation can help reduce symptoms like headaches and cognitive issues, making it a valuable addition to TBI recovery protocols. Magnesium also is important for ATP production. 

4. Curcumin

Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly beneficial in brain-related injuries. Studies suggest curcumin may reduce amyloid plaque formation, commonly associated with cognitive decline, and improve neurogenesis (the process of creating new neurons). The research on curcumin for TBI is conflicting. Some studies show it being effective, while others have not. Variations in the quality of supplement may be a factor in these results. If you try curcumin, find a high potency version. 

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a variety of neurological and cognitive issues, such as mood disorders and slower recovery from brain injuries. Vitamin D supports brain health by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine production and regulating calcium levels. Studies show that supplementing with vitamin D can improve outcomes in TBI patients, particularly those with mood-related symptoms.

6. Riboflavin and other B Vitamins

Riboflavin is essential as a coenzyme in ATP production. As I’ve already discussed, brain healing requires high amounts of energy. Patients given 400 mg of riboflavin daily for two weeks within 24 hours of the TBI showed significant improvement than patients given a placebo. Studies with other B vitamins in humans are limited. But B12 deficiency is associated with cognitive decline and is crucial for neurological function. As we get older, our ability to absorb B12 diminishes leading to potential issues. If you are over 55, you may want to see about getting B12 injections to help.

7. Zinc Picolinate

Clinical studies show zinc deficiency is a big problem for patients with TBI. In rat studies, severe zinc deficiency worsened the effects of TBI. Studies in humans showed that increasing zinc immediately after a concussion improved outcomes and lessened the severity of symptoms. Zinc is also important in forming the protein metallothionein, which protects the blood-brain barrier. 

As you can see, there are many supplements for TBI Recovery. Key nutrients like omega-3s, magnesium, and antioxidants address underlying inflammation and oxidative stress. I like to combine nutrients with LENS neurofeedback, though I can’t always provide that to patients. But the research continues to validate natural approaches to TBI treatment, offering a non-invasive option to recovery. 

Dr. Gil, a naturopathic physician in Honolulu, has over 20 years of experience using LENS neurofeedbackLENS neurofeedback and the Walsh Protocol to help patients with TBI. His approach incorporates nutrient therapy alongside LENS sessions to provide a comprehensive recovery plan that targets both physiological and neurological aspects of TBI. For more information on this approach, you can contact Dr. Gil at info@askdrgil.com or 808-726-2772.

Some Sources:

Mitigating Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review of Supplementation and Dietary Protocols

Improving treatments and outcomes: an emerging role for zinc in traumatic brain injury

Dementia Risk After Traumatic Brain Injury vs Nonbrain TraumaThe Role of Age and Severity