Did you know stress has a way of affecting your mental and physical state without warning? Coined as "The Silent Killer", stress and anxiety wreak havoc on the body if not managed properly. Most experts categorize stress into "good" stress and "bad" stress, but it's important that you don't have too much of either one. Stress manifests itself covertly in various situations such as pressure at work, family issues, or even triggering a flashback from a traumatic event. That is to say, stressors usually create secondary responses that eat away at your well-being. Everyone experiences stress to some degree but knowing how to cope with it is key.
Presidential elections and changes within government are stressful for many because it brings about uncertainty for the future. The constant bombardment of poll results, debate outcomes, and political speeches on the media put a lot of people on edge regardless of the candidate they supported. Media companies intentionally use controversial language and images on their websites but what is this "clickbait" really doing to our health?
The link between stress and mental health is much stronger than one would imagine. Constant exposure to stressors leads to changes in brain circuitry according to neuroscientists. Not all stress is evil. A little stress can be beneficial when preparing for an exam or performing in a play. The trouble comes when the body becomes fixed in a state of chronic hyperarousal.
There are a few things you can try to relieve an anxious state: Exercise, deep breathing, therapy, and neurofeedback. Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but it can also elevate your mood. It is recommended to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your schedule 3 to 5 times a week. If you are experiencing high anxiety in the moment, remove yourself from the anxiety provoking environment, find a comfortable setting and take a few moments to engage in slow breathing. This exercise can be an immediate stress reliever and can be performed at any time in just about anywhere. Talking out your problems with a mental health professional can alleviate stress as well. The ability to get things off of your chest and process with another person is very beneficial. The therapist can help with setting goals, gaining perspective or modifying flawed thought patterns. Lastly, neurofeedback is an efficient intervention that trains your brain to respond to stress in a healthier manner.
As a center that specializes in neurotherapy and mental health, we treat each client uniquely. We look at how their daily life is being impacted by stress and anxiety so that we are better able to understand what progress looks like to them. We have the advantage of incorporating various neurofeedback devices to help the brain to respond more positively during stressful situations. Call today to see if neurofeedback is right for you or a loved one.
