Tag Archive for: relaxation

If I had known what I know now

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We often hear this phrase. If I had known what I know now…

I confess, when I realized the impact of stress on the brain and how it absolutely cannot work in the same way at that moment, I thought “this explains it”! If I had known what I know now, I would certainly have taken steps to relax before my exams at school (from high school to university)!

“Stress eventually becomes harmful. Over time, high cortisol levels degrade the brain and other body systems. This kind of brain damage is associated with a number of health problems, including depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as memory loss and dementia.” Let’s talk science

Imagine this scene.

You’re in a large auditorium – at the theater or elsewhere – and suddenly the power goes out. What happens?

The lights go out and those that come on are just the little beacons to indicate emergency exits.

In a way, this is the same phenomenon that occurs in the brain when we’re under stress. The lights go out – the circuits that aren’t ESSENTIAL to our survival shut down – and all that’s left are tiny spotlights that shine dimly to show us which way to go.

What are “non-essential” circuits?

Just think about it. Patience, communication, concentration, a sense of humor… and that’s what will keep me alive. Nervous reflexes, more adrenalin, faster heartbeat, shorter breathing, etc.

Had I known…

I’m sure I’m not the only one to have stood in front of my exam paper and been left completely blank by questions I knew the answers to the night before! When I got to the exam room, I now realize that I was developing a higher level of stress. Hello closed circuits! Impossible to remember anything! My brain didn’t work in the same way at all!

Why am I telling you all this?

Because everyone in exam time (children and adults alike) risks experiencing this “radio silence” if they let themselves be overwhelmed by stress! The circuits won’t work as well BECAUSE OF STRESS!

Once you’re aware of the impact stress has on brain function and know the quickest way to zap stress effectively, you can change things!

You know what medium I’m talking about, don’t you? HAHAHA! YES!!! LAUGH!

So my little 5-cent tip* is to take a few minutes before entering the exam room to breathe slowly and LAUGH. For at least 3 minutes! Laugh and breathe. It’s the best way to calm your nervous system, center yourself and reset your circuits before the stressful activity.

I say it sometimes. If I had known what I know now, I might be a dentist right now! HAHAHAHAHA!

Here’s a little gift to help you.

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

*Do you know Charlie Brown? How about Lucy’s consultation counter where she charges 5 cents for her advice? See? hihihi!

How about a hug to reduce your anxiety?

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Yes! How about a self-treatment to reduce anxiety?

Most of us suffer from anxiety from time to time. At least, we suffer from high levels of stress. Experts agree that chronic stress causes many problems, including insomnia, depression, exhaustion… and very serious illnesses.

And right now, when our whole world seems to be falling apart, when our usual landmarks have disappeared, hello STRESS AND ANXIETY! For many, the sense of security we once felt may be gone.

However, there are some simple, practical exercises that have been around for a long time that can help reduce or even eliminate this anxiety.

I’ve discovered an exercise that can be practised at any time when anxiety strikes. It is also suggested as a daily practice to help increase our inner security on a daily basis. It not only helps us feel grounded, but also more balanced physically, mentally and emotionally.

It’s a“self-cuddling” exercise derived from a technique developed by trauma and stress expert Dr. Peter Levine. I’ve made a video here to demonstrate how it works. Click on the link to do it with me.

How to exercise self-care

Before starting the exercise, I’d like you to think of your body as a container, not just for your physical organs and systems, but also for your emotions. It’s all in our bodies. Keep in mind that if you feel anxious, it’s because your “system” doesn’t feel safe. So we aim to maintain feelings of security within ourselves through“self-cuddling“. In this way, we dominate overflowing emotions such as anxiety.

You can do the exercise standing up or sitting down.

  • Place your right hand under your left arm, just under the armpit.
  • Then place your left hand on your right shoulder.
  • Feel the loving embrace you give each other.
  • Inhale slowly to the count of four and exhale to the count of seven.
  • Note the sensations in your body.
  • How are you feeling?

You can continue to breathe slowly and deeply, or normally. Stay in this position for as long as you need, until you feel calm and more relaxed. This may take 30 seconds or several minutes. The idea is to stay present to our sensations and emotions. Without judging them.

You pay attention, you breathe, you relax and you give yourself a big dose of love. All this helps calm your nervous system.

It’s another great technique that works very gently. A self-cuddle to reduce anxiety!

Well, of course, laughter also works little miracles in the body! You don’t have to convince me of this, and if you haven’t already experienced it, I invite you to laugh intentionally and energetically for two or three minutes. Then watch your body and mind calm down. Need a little boost? Do the exercises with me here

So the next time you feel the anxiety creeping up on you, when your stress level is too high, give yourself a nice loving hug… and laugh!

It really works!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda