Hundreds of thousands of years of evolution and the human brain is still primarily concerned with one thing: survival. This means that the “happy” chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are saved up for moments of need - when the brain perceives threat and are only released in short bursts which disappear quickly. Think about why people automatically throw their arms up in victory when they’ve accomplished something whether it’s a marathon or a work related win. That is literally the body responding to “happy”. But “unhappy” has a physical response as well. The unhappy chemical, cortisol literally weighs the body down, causing us to slouch or slump under the pressure of the chemical build up. It’s not a good feeling. The good news is, you can encourage more of the happy chemicals that lift you up by trying these tips:
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You and I know that anxiety is a real and heartbreaking reality for more than 18% of America’s population. In the simplest terms, anxiety is the fear that negative outcomes from the past will reappear in the future. No wonder those who suffer from anxiety like patterns; but isn't it sad that the pattern of preference is fear?
I knew a woman who’s favorite refrain was “the best way to predict the future is by looking at the past”. She was not a happy human. In fact, she saw misery almost everywhere because that’s what she was looking for. Here’s the truth. The past does not equal the future. Sure nature loves cycles and behavior patterns are a real thing. But the reality is each of us has it within ourselves to change our course. Whether it’s Yoda or Dumbledore or some other guru you choose to follow, the message that “you have the choice” is true. Check it out.
That’s it. No, of course it’s not easy. You have to do the work. But once you decide, trust that you have the power to make it so. Do you know what you could be doing right now? Reading that book? Walking the dog? Doing the never ending pile of laundry? If you're a normal human, its overwhelming just thinking about all that let alone mustering up the energy and resources (yes time is a resource) to do it. Good thing you have permission to take a break! You don't have to go everywhere and do everything. An author I love, Elizabeth Gilbert introduced me to the concept of “Il bel far niente". It's a cherished Italian ideal meaning "the beauty of doing nothing". So relax. Of course you can do it all. But you have permission to take a break. |
AuthorI've been a counselor and educator for over 10 years and I genuinely believe that through careful curation, everyone has the potential to be who they want to be and do what they want to do. ArchivesCategories |