HOW IT WORKS

In the book ‘Words Can Change Your Brain’ (Penguin, £9.99), neuroscientist Andrew Newberg and co-author Mark Robert Waldman explain: ‘A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.’ They also found that reading positive words, such as ‘love’ and ‘peace’, alter the expression of genes, strengthen parts of our frontal lobes and promote cognitive functioning. This propels motivational pathways of the brain into action and even builds resilience.