Autonomy and control wire into our brains directly into the reward center: the ventral striatum. 
When we perceive we don’t have control, we deactivate the reward center and activate the pain/stress pathway. In 2009 the Journal of Psychosomatic Research published this finding: helplessness accounted for a 5-times greater risk of hypertension than any other life factor, including disease. Yet, the prefrontal needs only the illusion of control to combat that entire process and activate reward. You are NOT a victim.
What stories of your own empowerment can you tell yourself today?
If you’re tired of being in the victim mentality, consider reading New Beliefs, New Brain or watch this ten-minute lecture designed to help you understand a bit more about your ability to navigate your own brain.
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