Best of Our Blogs: March 3, 2017

The world is so noisy with its dramas, tragedies and immediate need for attention. It’s easy to get lured by it and then forget you can only do so much on the outside. Real answers and solutions come from deep within.

We’re frantic if we missed the latest newscast or political commentary, but we miss a lot more when we lose connection from ourselves.

It’s why I’ve committed to spending at least five minutes a day in silence. There may not always be easy answers, but sometimes quiet is it’s own balm. Silence calms our need to know.

Silence is a good thing unless it’s being used by someone else to control you. If you’ve been too busy this week with obligations, outings and outside turmoil, you might have missed this week’s top posts on silent treatment, dating a narcissist and something you need to be aware of if you’re a therapist.

Unloved in Childhood: 10 Common Effects on Your Adult Self
(Knotted) – It’s no wonder you struggle with intimacy. It’s all the ways your relationship with your mother has shaped you. Reading this may be what you need to start healing from your past.

8 Ways To Cope With Someone Who Has Delusions
(Caregivers, Family & Friends) – The person you love is suffering from delusions. How do you help when you feel helpless yourself? This post will show you how to protect yourself.

10 Common Mistakes Therapists Make During the First Session
(The Exhausted Woman) – If you’re a therapist, this will save you hours of frustration that comes from working with a difficult, unsafe or manipulative client.

4 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
(Happily Imperfect) – You feel alone, unimportant and incompetent in your romantic relationship. Could you be dating a narcissist?

The Silent Treatment And What You Can Do To Stop It Cold
(Therapy Soup) – Being ignored isn’t just annoying it’s used as a method of control. If your partner punishes you by giving you the silent treatment, you need to read this.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/03/best-of-our-blogs-march-3-2017/

3 Ways to Work Through the Anger Stage of Grief

(And how to get over it.)

Saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing I ever tried to do. I couldn’t do it.

People told me to reach out to God but I was too angry. People told me to call them but what did they know? I was too resentful. I’d see old men and wonder why did they get to live and he had to die? I was too pissed.

When Kubler-Ross did her seminal work on grief, she was sure to include a stage on anger.

The 10 Biggest Lies I Told Myself When My Son Died

While researchers have discounted stage theory, the experts agree that anger plays a major role in grief and loss. It colors the grieving by pushing others away, making excuses for behavior, and withdrawing to avoid the pain.

For many, being angry is more acceptable than being sad. Sad comes from hurt and we don’t want to hurt anymore.

We fear exposing our vulnerability, so we lash out at those around us. It could be towards someone close or a total stranger. It’s scary if you’ve been the nice guy or girl all your life but now, you’re the emotional bitch.

Anger is your body’s natural reaction to threat. The threat can be real or perceived. Someone died, there’s nothing more threatening.

While grieving, you are not yourself, you are going to misperceive a lot. I said, “A LOT.” There’s nothing, nothing wrong with being angry. You lost someone precious, your indignation is righteous.

When people tell you to let it out, that there are no wrong ways to grieve, they’re not thinking about anger and are not expecting a “meltdown” so they tend to get confused or defensive at best and retaliatory at worst.

Meanwhile, your emotions flap in the breeze like laundry on a line. It’s a scary time and here are three steps to help you through the anger stage of grief:

1. Recognize You’re Not Yourself.

You’re coming to grips with the “new normal”. Remember: When normal people go through abnormal events, they tend to act abnormally.

Repeat this in your head, then say it out loud.

2. Express Your Anger.

That’s right, say it. Anger is normal, but what you do with it is either constructive or destructive. Lashing out is destructive but holding it in can be equally destructive.

By recognizing it early you can deal with it in a constructive manner: “Strike while the iron is COLD.”

Give yourself some time to cool down then come confront the person or situation with an “I” statement followed by a feeling, followed by a behavior. For example, “I get pissed every time you tell me what to do…”

When we grieve, we need structure but we loathe others telling us how we feel or what we should do about it.

3. Ask for Forgiveness.

This is the hardest one and the one that makes me angry the most. But, it’s the one that brings the most release.

Practice grace. While you’re grieving, you find out that life is all that matters, all else is vanity. The only way to let go of anger is to ask for and grant forgiveness.

7 Ways To Support Your Partner After A MAJOR Loss

Get better at it. Print up a card and read it verbatim if you need to: “Forgive me for being such a bitch when I told you to perform an unnatural act…” or “I forgive you for saying, ‘you are young, you will get over it.'”

Only then can you let go of the anger. Forgiving the one who died my be harder yet. Writing a letter, praying, or simply talking out loud to them could be effective for you.

Lastly, letting go of the anger does not mean letting go of the one you lost. Just the opposite. Letting go of your anger means that you can see the world more clearly, and in turn see the one you for whom you grieve more clearly.

You will be even closer to the one you lost, your memories will be more complete, and your grief, more focused and bearable.

Don’t believe me now, just remember what I am about to say. You will be a better person than you were before. You will see the value of life and what is truly important.

You may not want that, you may still hurt because of the hole in your heart and you will likely get angry in the future. But because of this horrible situation, you will have the chance someday to help someone else who is hurting like you now hurt.

This guest article originally appeared on YourTango.com: The Grief Stage They Didn’t Tell You About: “Why Am I Such a B!%@#?”

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/02/3-ways-to-work-through-the-anger-stage-of-grief/

The Importance of Raising Good Men and Strong Women

The decision to become a parent is not one to be taken lightly. Sometimes it occurs by carefully considered choice and in other circumstances, it comes as a surprise. Ideally, a child is welcomed into a family; cherished and nurtured with both food and love. Sadly, that is not always the case.

The offices of psychotherapists are filled with clients who were subjects of relationships gone awry, of neglect and abuse. Words that sting as harshly as objects used to deliver punishing blows are spewed in anger, causing sometimes irreparable damage. The adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” is inaccurate. Words hurt. Those spoken and those left unsaid. Many reflect multi-generational patterns that are passed on as certainly as DNA. Cringeworthy statements that clearly let a child know that he or she was an accident, a burden, unwanted and unworthy are the insidious seeds planted that lead the person to treatment if they are proactive and to downward spirals, addiction and perhaps death, if not.  

A few years ago, I met a young woman who had a ‘surprise’ pregnancy with a man who was no longer her partner. Subsequently, she had a miscarriage and although she felt sad about the loss, the experience came with a bit of wisdom that she shared with me. “When you have a baby, know that you are not just raising a child, but an adult.” Not something that many parents think about, as evidenced by some of the conversations that occur behind the closed door of my office.  

I am astounded when I hear that many families simply exist in the same house. They rarely talk about things of consequence. Independent living skills are not taught. Stories are not read at bedtime. Hugs and kisses are not part of daily interaction.  Words are offered at high-decibel volume, since the speaker may feel unheard. Holes in walls and in hearts are sometimes the fallout.

Even in two-parent, mixed gender homes in which love is demonstrated verbally and physically, a divide may still exist that keeps mom and dad in prescribed roles, with him as the stoic or explosive breadwinner and her as the nurturer. Both the parents and children miss out. Many clients have shared that they wished their fathers had modeled ways of being genuine and revealing of feelings in functional ways and that their mothers had been more assertive, not always needing to be the peacekeeper and mediator between them.

When exploring the idea of birthing or adopting a child, many couples list reasons both pro and con, healthy and dysfunctional:

• Someone to nurture
• Someone to validate them
• Someone to take care of them in old age
• Proof that they can do a better job than their parents
• Carrying on a family name
• Because they love children and are good at caring for them
• Because they have the resources to do so
• Because their friends and family are raising children
• Because their parents want to be grandparents and are pressuring them
• Because it is a cultural or religious norm
• Because they can’t envision a life without them
• Because one partner already has a child with a previous partner
• Because they erroneously believe it will save a faltering relationship

Although there are those who are uncomfortable with the word “parenting” used as a verb, I see it as empowering. As an adoptive mother of a soon to be 30-year-old son, for whom I became a single mom when he was 11 and I was 40, there were many days when I put my consciously best and unconsciously worst parenting skills to work in raising him. Regardless of the age of either party, “parenting” and “childing” doesn’t end; it merely changes form. Sometimes he seems like the wise elder offering guidance to his 28 years older mother.

Recently, I read an article written by the divorced father of two sons. In it, he explains the reasons why he celebrates the birthday of his former wife in loving and grand style. Many who find themselves in conflict, stay together “for the sake of the children” and would be better off divorcing. How about if former partners treated each other with care and respect instead? I have a few friends whose marriages have ended, but their loving relationships have not. They remain friends and co-parents to their children, modeling what cooperation and co-existence can look like.

Billy Flynn, the author of the previously mentioned article, shares his reasons for his interactions with their mom. “I’m raising two little men. The example I set for how I treat their mom is going to significantly shape how they see and treat women and affect their perception of relationships. I think even more so in my case because we are divorced. So, if you aren’t modeling good relationship behavior for your kids, get your shit together. Rise above it and be an example. This is bigger than you.

Raise good men. Raise strong women. Please. The world needs them, now more than ever. Doubtful that too many wiser words were ever spoken.

 

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/02/importance-of-raising-good-men-and-strong-women/

PODCAST: Bestselling Self-Help Author Talks Bipolar Disorder

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe and Vincent welcome guest Julie Fast, a world-renowned mental health expert and bestselling author of multiple books, including Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Get It Done When You’re Depressed, Bipolar Happens!, and The Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. Listen as she discusses her history with bipolar disorder, the bicycle accident that saved her life, and her role as consultant for the television show, Homeland.

 Listen as Our Hosts Discuss Bipolar Disorder with Julie Fast

“I thought I would either be a photographer or a Broadway star, and then bipolar disorder got in the way…” ~ Julie Fast

 

 

Find Julie Fast online:

• www.juliefast.com
• www.bipolarhappens.com
• www.facebook.com/fastjulie

 

 

About The Psych Central Show Podcast

The Psych Central Show is an interesting, in-depth weekly podcast that looks into all things mental health and psychology. Hosted by Gabe Howard and featuring Vincent M. Wales.

Gabe Howard is a professional speaker, award-winning writer, and mental health advocate who lives with bipolar 1 and anxiety disorders. Diagnosed in 2003, he has made it his mission to put a human face on what it means to live with mental illness.

Gabe writes the Don’t Call Me Crazy Blog for PsychCentral.com as well as is an associate editor. He also writes and Video Blogs for Bipolar Magazine Online. He’s been a keynote speaker for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), MHA (Mental Health America), OSU (Ohio State University), along with many other venues. To work with Gabe please contact him via his website at www.GabeHoward.com or e-mail Gabe@GabeHoward.com.

Vincent M. Wales is the author of several award-winning speculative fiction novels and the creator of costumed hero Dynamistress. He lives with persistent depressive disorder and is a trained suicide prevention crisis counselor with additional counseling background. A Pennsylvania native, he obtained his BA in English writing from Penn State. While a resident of Utah, he founded the Freethought Society of Northern Utah. He now lives in Sacramento, California. Visit his websites at www.vincentmwales.com and www.dynamistress.com.

 

Previous Episodes can also be found at PsychCentral.com/show.

Subscribe to The Psych Central Show on iTunes and Google Play.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/02/podcast-bestselling-self-help-author-talks-bipolar-disorder/

Neuroeconomics: Merging Psychology and Economic Theory

In an attempt to explain the internal processes governing the occurrences in the economic world, neuroeconomics is an emerging interdisciplinary field attempting to merge psychology and economic theory. Simply put, the biological basis of behavioral economics — how and why people make judgements and decisions with economic consequences in terms of simple cerebral biology. But why should we be interested?

Surely considering the brain in more behaviorist, 20th century “black box” terms is much more simple — input information, output decision. And whilst, arguably, many economic theories do consider human behavior and choice in such a way, psychology would argue otherwise. Neuroeconomics attempts to bridge the gap between input and output, analyzing the chemicals and structures, which provide the biological basis for individuality in processing and decision-making.

Whilst the majority of the cerebral cortex is in fact dedicated to the interpretation of such complex or ‘higher order’ judgment functioning, the study of the biological response is relatively limited. This is surprising, given the untold benefits to corporates and executives whom, in theory, would thrive from findings; sectors in marketing, education, health, managerial and so on, in which research into human heuristics and biases would greatly inform product, workforce, and knowledge development. So why are not all corporations capitalizing on the biological blueprints for consumer, workforce and public decision-making? One word: ethics.

Neuroeconomics assumes that the neurotransmission and chemical balance in cerebral areas responsible for higher order and consciousness (such as the prefrontal cortex) result in the socioemotional basis for most of our decisions. Yes, contrary to economic theory, most human decision is not rational or uniform, but relies on the illogicality of trust, affect and gratification. So how ethical is it for these processes to be manipulated for capital gain? Brain imaging techniques and genetic screening in consumers, the aging population, even Wall street traders has given us greater insight into the likelihood of particular decisions, judgment and risk taking, allowing those utilizing the information to cash in on their carefully biologically tailored advertisements, behavioral change interventions, and so on. Does this mean in years to come scientists will be able to access unconscious desires and preferences for profit? Well, yes and no.

Whilst the ethical implications of feeding the consumer’s biological process for preference in questionable at best, using these reductionist techniques to better inform consumer choice is not necessarily beneficial. Studies have shown that whilst initial choice in blind tasting, for example, is unconscious, contrary decisions are made based upon branding, cultural preference and so on. Given that we do tend to make decisions consciously in terms of consumption, these techniques may be somewhat redundant.

Moreover, to an extent, neuroeconomic study still relies on the same economic principles of assumption – this being that human brains, unfortunately for scientists, do not work in uniformity, and rather, decisions are made irrationally, regardless of the unconscious biology informing us otherwise. Therefore the direction of neuroeconomic study would do well to focus on what creates this irrationality and uniqueness in behavior – are we simply unconventional when we want just for the sake of it? Certainly research must be conducted with temporality in mind – understanding the static structure of choice and judgement with no consideration to situational influence is redundant in itself, let alone in combination with the unpredictability of individual human decision.

More specifically within the field of neuroeconomics, neuromarketing seems to provide the most controversy in terms of its future applications. Currently, the field aims to utilize the findings of neurological study regarding consumer choice, and aims to appeal to certain unconscious mechanisms, which govern decision boosting purchase and profit – in theory. Previous research has already attempted to determine the chemical basis of ‘trust’ (well established as oxytocin) as a powerful component in judgement and decision in terms of brand trust and familiarity. Whilst this may be a well-established marketing technique in the corporate toolbox, the contribution of chemical ‘manipulation’ certainly lends towards the unease fueling ethical qualms in the area. In the same vein, gender differences in cerebral organization is well established to predict judgment and choice behavior, and is well marketed to tailor to the different sexes, however, the thought of a brand ‘controlling’ consumers through biological means raises ethical issues in this case. Although, these techniques are well posited in countless campaigns, thus perhaps the field of neuroeconomics only provides a biological explanation for consumer behavior, which is already time-honored and utilized.

Regardless of the ethical implications of probing into the deepest levels of consciousness for the sake of an ad campaign, the field has many benefits, which should be considered in comparison. It must firstly be addressed, in fact, that neuroeconomics and health psychology are long lost sisters, and whilst we praise the work of psychologically informed public health campaigns, neuroeconomics must also be considered as a valuable informant. In such a way that neuroeconomics may be used as the basis to inform such behavioral psychology, it must also be considered as the biological basis for behavioral economics, providing valuable contribution to wholly effective public change for the better. Similarly, development in managerial sectors, workforce training and motivation has already proven to benefit from neuroeconomical research in terms of ‘reframing’. Neural study has indicated the more efficient work of employees when focusing on creative and emotional thinking, as opposed to logics and numerical training traditionally employed (as demonstrated by our human preference to avoid rationality in decision making). Focusing on the emotional intelligence and providing encouragement and training directed towards a more imaginative decision making process has innumerable benefits in employment satisfaction.

Moreover, applications of neuroeconomics to psychiatry must be considered in weighing up the pros and cons of the field. If it is possible to identify a specific genetic or chemical contribution resulting in a decline in cognitive functioning, thus ultimately leading to psychiatric disorder (with specific symptoms in impaired judgment and decision making symptoms), both fields are mutually informed. More simply, identifying such biological structures and process in neuroeconomic study better informs the neurological basis for psychiatric disorders, aiding medical or therapeutic intervention. In a similar way, the study of psychiatric disorder can be used as ‘case study’ for areas of cerebral dis-regulation and its effects on judgment and decision.

Whilst I do not claim even close to omniscient in the aforementioned fields of neuroscience, economics or behavioral psychology, I would dismiss the claim that neuroeconomics is a redundant area of study, but highlight the issues surrounding the biological basis for ‘controlling’ consumer behavior. Regardless, the need for further research concerning a biological model of decision is clear, with accuracy in the field’s current conclusions questionable at present.

This guest article originally appeared on the award-winning health and science blog and brain-themed community, BrainBlogger: Neuroeconomics – Capitalisation on Consumer Control?

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/01/neuroeconomics-merging-psychology-and-economic-theory/

How to Avoid Groupthink on Your Team

Picture this: You’re in an important meeting with senior leadership. The CEO is sharing the firm’s strategic plan, including how the company will “leverage big data to gain visibility into market opportunities producing measurable ROI”.

Um…what?

You do a quick scan around the conference room. Heads nod in agreement as the CEO concludes. Self-doubt kicks in. “Am I the only one who has no idea what she just said?” Even though you’re totally confused, you don’t ask questions for fear of losing face.

Later while grabbing coffee, a colleague divulges that they were lost amidst the jargon. Yet they didn’t speak up. Though you shared the same opinion, you both stayed quiet.

Is this simply irony — or is something more at play?

This phenomenon is called pluralistic ignorance. It describes a situation in which a majority of people in a group privately disagree with an idea, while incorrectly assuming others in the group accept it. Instead of standing up for our beliefs, we go along with what the group seems to favor.

Pluralistic ignorance is surprisingly common in the workplace — from the boardroom to how we evaluate our personal success. It even affects attitudes towards flex-work policies and the gender wage gap.

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely brilliantly demonstrates pluralistic ignorance in action with a clever stunt on his unassuming undergrads. It’s a short video but fair warning, it may seem eerily familiar to meetings you’ve found yourself in.

How to Break the Silence and Speak Up at Work

Voicing an unpopular opinion or going against business as usual can be nerve-wracking. But it’s also not healthy to always bottle up your thoughts, and typically, you’re not the only one who feels confused or who wishes they could speak up.

It’s time to do away with the myth that asking questions makes you look dumb. While there may be no such thing as a stupid question (as the old saying goes), there is such a thing as a great question.

Well crafted inquiry can diffuse pluralistic ignorance and the groupthink it creates. Asking great questions is at the heart of exchanging information in a way that shakes the status quo and increases understanding without putting people on the defensive. They’re particularly useful in the face of ambiguity, like in the above example when the boss is spewing jargon.

So if you’ve been holding back and not speaking up on account of the pluralistic ignorance effect, it’ll pay to invest time in becoming a master at Socratic questioning. Try this smart, strategic way of expressing yourself at the right time, assertively and with tact.

This includes clarifying questions such as:

• What do you mean by…?
• Could you put that another way?
• If I heard you correctly, what you’re saying is…?

And probing questions such as:

• What would be an example of…?
• How did you decide…?
• Could you expand upon that point further?

There’s definitely a deep-seated fear in speaking up against a group, so don’t beat yourself up for feeling tentative about it. It’s normal to be worried you’ll embarrass yourself, feel rejected or lose people’s respect. But it’s a good exercise in self-assuredness to get used to believing in yourself enough to risk contradicting the accepted group opinion.

If it makes it easier to tiptoe into this new territory, start out by testing your question-asking skills in small groups or one-on-one situations before transitioning to speaking up in high-stakes situations like meetings.

Remember, personal and professional growth stem from challenging yourself. A great place to start is by pushing yourself to express a dissenting opinion when appropriate.

Sometimes there isn’t strength in numbers. Sometimes the strength is in you.

Melody J. Wilding helps ambitious women and female entrepreneurs master their inner psychology for success and happiness. Learn more about better career and life balance at melodywilding.com.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/01/how-to-avoid-groupthink-on-your-team/

How Yoga Helps with Depression, Anxiety and Addiction

Aerobic movement of any kind helps to relieve depression and anxiety by boosting our brain’s dopamine levels and providing endorphins. But some types of exercises are superior for healing chronic conditions, mood disorders, and addiction. Yoga’s therapeutic benefits have been studied in recent decades, with much of the research being in randomized controlled trials — the most rigorous for proving efficacy.

There are many types of yoga, of course — from the more aerobic power yoga to a meditative gentle yoga. Hatha yoga, the most studied, combines physical postures (asanas) and controlled breathing with short periods of deep relaxation. I have found the most benefit from Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, a sequence of 26 Hatha yoga positions and two breathing exercises designed by Bikram Choudhury to engage and heal all of the systems of your body.

According to Sara Curry, Bikram yoga instructor and creator of the Sober Yogis program in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, medical miracles can happen when a person commits to a regular practice. In her TEDx talk, she tells the story of David, one of her yoga students who had a pacemaker surgically implanted in his chest. Six weeks after surgery, he began to practice with her six days a week. After only four weeks of yoga, David returned for a checkup with his cardiologist, and the doctor took him off three of his six medications and cut the remaining dosage of the other three in half.

“Our bodies can recover from tremendous amounts of trauma and chronic abuse,” Curry explains in her talk.

Curry and a team of counselors work with addicts on using Bikram yoga, group therapy, and meditation to help them stay clean. According to her exploratory study, hot yoga appears to decrease the length and intensity of symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These protracted withdrawal symptoms that include depression, anxiety, irritability, and sleeplessness can last up to two years after a person gets clean, and are the primary reason for relapse. Participants reported significant reductions in PAWS symptoms that negatively correlated to the number of classes taken a week.

I’m fascinated by the science of yoga — what specifically is happening in our bodies that makes these changes in us. Why is yoga more beneficial in relieving depression and anxiety, and controlling addiction, than, say, CrossFit? What about hot yoga, in particular, is so transforming?

Yoga Helps With Detoxification

“Ninety-five percent of all disease is a result of nutritional deficiency or toxicity,” explains Steven J. Saltzman, MD, an anesthesiologist with an interest in integrative medicine who practices Bikram yoga himself, in a question-and-answer session about the medical benefits of hot yoga that I recently attended. Most of our toxins are stored in fat cells just beneath the skin, so we release them by sweating the way we do in a 105-degree room.

It Gets the Blood Flowing, Boosting Your Health

Yoga redistributes blood flow, increasing oxygen delivery and improving the circulatory system. All of the postures in the Bikram sequence work to increase the flow of fresh, oxygenated blood to every part of the body. Bikram calls it extension and compression. In all of the postures, we are creating a tourniquet effect — cutting off the blood supply to different organs and glands. Then, after 20 seconds holding the posture, the blood’s volume and pressure have reached maximum capacity and the newly oxygenated blood rushes in and floods our system. According to Bikram, “no other form of exercise can create this volume and force.” Until listening to Dr. Saltzman, I was unaware that the recovery phase of yoga or any interval training program is as important as the maximum performance phase. The built-in Savasana in yoga trains and establishes our heart-rate variability, a predictor of heart health and of general health.

Yoga Helps You Control Your Breath and More

Learning how to breathe is a critical component of the yoga practice. If we stay on our mat and don’t lift a leg, but can maintain calm, stable breathing in the hot room, we are still receiving medical benefits from the class, a yoga teacher told me recently. Why is the breathing so important?

“By voluntarily changing the rate, depth, and pattern of breathing, we can change the messages being sent from the body’s respiratory system to the brain,” explain Richard P. Brown, MD, and Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD, in their book, The Healing Power of the Breath. “In this way, breathing techniques provide a portal to the autonomic communication network through which we can, by changing our breathing patterns, send specific messages to the brain using the language of the body — a language the brain understands and to which it responds.”

Bikram designed a breathing exercise, pranayama, to introduce each class because he believes that “improving the function of the lungs is almost always the first repair that needs doing.” Properly functioning lungs send fresh oxygen throughout the body, purifying our blood.

It Tames the Stress Response

Unlike some aerobic activity that increases cortisol levels, yoga tames the stress response by priming the parasympathetic nervous system. “It is established science that yoga destroys and metabolizes stress hormones,” explains Dr. Saltzman There is a meditative element of yoga that promotes mindfulness (helping us to stay in the present moment) that is effective therapy for depression and anxiety. Yoga moderates our stress response systems which, in turn, decreases physiological arousal — like reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. As mentioned above, yoga also increases heart rate variability, which can be an indicator of the body’s ability to respond to stress and an overall gauge for emotional resilience.

Yoga Provides You With a Caring Community

“The yoga community is one of the most supportive communities of compassionate individuals you’ll ever meet,” explains Sara in her TEDx talk. “We all struggle, thrive, fail, and persevere on the mat together. That’s how to learn what we say in yoga, Namaste, ‘the light within me acknowledges the light within you.’”

I have found this to be the case with my own group of yogis. There is a group of us that show up at 9 a.m. almost every day to fight together. Many of us are battling some kind of chronic illness, and all of us are trying to clear the mental clutter from our brains to make room for more positive and peaceful emotions. It’s extraordinarily encouraging to me to have them beside me as I meet my demons on the mat.

Join Project Beyond Blue, the new depression community.

Originally posted on Sanity Break at Everyday Health.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/03/01/how-yoga-helps-with-depression-anxiety-and-addiction/