Posts & Resources
Research areas that are implemented into practice include:
- Ways to improve Neuroplasticity
- Balancing neurotransmitters through lifestyle and activities
- Development of self-efficacy & its impact on learning & performance
Integrated Approach
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the property of the brain that enables it to change its own structure and functioning in response to activity and mental experience. New synaptic connections are formed or changed from learning a new skill, environmental influences, practice, and psychological stress. Therefore, your brain changes everyday based on what you do, feel and think. This can work for you or against you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an effective combination of talk therapy and behavioral therapy that examines your thinking and action patterns. CBT first focuses on developing skills to recognize unhealthy thinking when it happens, and then to changing that thinking to reduce or eliminate problematic behaviors with positive actions. It places responsibility in the hands of a client while supporting and providing tools to solve their problems.
How does nutrition, exercise and sleep effect our mental wellbeing?
Nutrition & Gut Health
As Hippocrates the father of medicine once said: “Our health begins in our gut!” and for a good reason. Around 70% of our immune system is located within the gut and around 90% of the “feel good” hormone Serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin is important for regulating mood, appetite and overall well-being. Due to our lifestyle and poor nutrition choices, there is an imbalance in the microbiota of our gut which can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings, inflammation, obesity and other health problems. So, getting our gut healthy is incredibly important.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that create feelings of calm and well-being. It also relieves stress, improves memory, better sleep, helps with anxiety and depression and boosts your overall mood.
Mental Wellness
Mental Health
Mental health is a dynamic, ever-changing state. Depending on our circumstances we may feel down, stressed or anxious one day but good the next. Good mental health gives us a sense of well-being and confidence of our ability to cope with daily stressors while being able to function effectively despite daily challenges. It has three components. Realistic Thinking. Acknowledging Your Feelings & Productive Action
- Vitality – feeling alive & engaged
- Self-control – the capacity to own and take responsibility for oneself (physically, mentally, socially)
- Sense of security with oneself & with others
- The capacity to face difficult experiences & work them through over time
- Healthy focus on oneself & ability to set healthy boundaries
Fears
One of the main blockages people experience is fear- an intense emotion and a survival mechanism in response to perceived or real danger that has biochemical and emotional reaction. Some fears may result from trauma, some from loss of control and some from feeling physical sensations in a certain situation.
Great Professionals to listen to – Public Figures
- Dr. Jordan Peterson- Clinical Psychologist Home | Jordan Peterson (jordanbpeterson.com) Jordan B Peterson – YouTube
- Dr. Huberman – Neuroscientist Huberman Lab
- Daniel G. Amen, M.D. (@doc_amen) • Instagram photos and videos – brain health