HEALING MINDStress is an omnipresent part of life. It is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium.
Stress triggers the “fight-or-flight” response of our sympathetic nervous system causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body, readying the body for emergency. These chemical changes can cause the mind to be irritable, distracted and forgetful. Chronic stress can cause destructive effects in the brain, It can shrink your brain, harming your brain's memory and learning capacity by reducing the volume of gray matter in brain regions associated with emotions, self-control and physiological functions. Body Mind Connection According to a recent study conducted by Texas Tech University faculty, Yi-Yuan Tang, the presidential endowed chair in neuroscience and a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, "Meditation has long been promoted as a way to feel more at peace. But research shows it can significantly improve attention, working memory, creativity, immune function, emotional regulation, self-control, cognitive and school performance and healthy habits while reducing stress." Dr. Tang has developed a novel method of mindfulness meditation called Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160718112531.htm |
HEALTHY MIND A healthy mind keeps a positive attitude; connection with family and friends and active with continued learning, reading, intellectual stimulation.
Healthy Lifestyle-Maintaining a balanced life with family, friends and work. Eating a balanced diet and keeping well hydrated. Engaging in regular exercise will help lower stress levels by giving you an outlet for stress and anxiety reduction. Reactions to stress-Take a deep breath and maintain a positive attitude. Be more mindful and present. Take a break-Even just take some time out to relax during your day. Meditation, reading or going for a walk in the evening can do just as much to reduce stress as sitting on a sun-drenched beach. Even taking five minutes to get some fresh air during the day will allow you to lower your stress levels sufficiently to feel much better for the rest of the day. More about Meditation: Meditation is the practice of sitting quietly and depending on the technique an individual may clear their mind, focus on breathing, or think of specific item, place, or individual that they find relaxing. Meditation can improve brain activity and enhance an individual's sense of well-being. Meditation can help a person cope with depression, pain, anxiety and fatigue. According to a study conducted by MD Tavee and MD Stone, meditation can also help improve the quality of life in people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. References
Tavee, J., & Stone, L. (2010). Healing the mind: Meditation and multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 75(13), 1130-1131. doi:10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181f4d8ab http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-causes-and-effects.htm http://www.stress.org/stress-effects/ http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.aspx http://psychcentral.com/stress/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/stress http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/stress/ |