【How the brain works】Did you know why you can't remember as much as happy memories?
"I only remember dark history, but for some reason I can't remember the fun things..."
Have you ever felt that way?
All that comes back to me in an instant are memories of embarrassing pasts and failures.
And yet, for some reason, I can't remember as much as the happier moments.
In fact, there is a reason for this "brain mechanism".
Why do you only remember "dark history" vividly?
The brain stores memories by filtering them by emotional intensity and importance.
In particular, negative experiences such as "embarrassment", "scary", and "pain"
It is easy to be remembered as a "red flag for survival".
In other words, the brain
"Don't make the same mistake next time"
And it clearly engraves the dark history.
Are happy memories easy to "overwrite"?
On the other hand, what about a happy experience?
"Fun travel", "delicious food", "time with loved ones"──
All of these are pleasant memories, but your brain doesn't consider them "safe experiences" and give them importance. **
Furthermore, when similar happiness experiences accumulate,
The brain overwrites and stores it in a "lump sum".
✅ > For example:
- Favorite sweets to eat every weekend
- Annual homecoming and fireworks display
→ Many similar experiences cause memory to become "blurry"
"3 small habits" to develop the ability to remember
But it's okay.
Memory has the property of "becoming stronger by remembering".
Happy memories will be engraved in the following ways:
- 📓 Write 3 good things about today' before going to bed
- 💬 Tell someone "what made you happy today"
- 🖼 Look back at the photo and put into words how you felt at that time.
🧠 > The brain recognizes that this is important and increases the priority of memory.
Conclusion: "Memory" can be chosen
Memory is not "something that just remains", but "something that can be nurtured".
That's why...
"What made me happy", "The moment I was saved", "The day my heart warmed"
In order to keep such happiness in my heart.
Why don't you develop your own "ability to remember" from today?