MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDS – NEUROTRANSMITTERS!
WELCOME EVERYONE! We have a SPECIAL EDITION of #Wellness Wednesday this week. As many of you know, I was so happy to participate in the Indomitable Women Podcast Series in which I was interviewed by Kat Tozier.
My episode will be featured all week long. And, several additional interviews with women who have overcome the odds will continue throughout the summer.
I loved spending this time with Kat. I must say, it’s a bit harder to speak what’s on my mind than it is to write it. After all, when I’m writing I can change my sentences and wording all day long! But, Kat was so easy to work with. A real professional who put me at ease even when speaking about difficult, personal issues. And, as a survivor of three different cancers we had a lot of ground to cover!
Unfortunately, we only had so much time. And, we just weren’t able to really get into some topics that I feel could benefit from a little more exploration. To that end, this blog focuses on the particular topic of neurotransmitters and their importance in our overall well-being.
As you may recall, neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced by our brain. Many are essential for good health and influence our every thought and action. Especially, those “feel good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
And, here are FOUR VERY EASY WAYS to GET THOSE NEUROTRANSMITTERS FIRING and to KEEP THEM FIRING:
- SMILE. This is one of our most basic human responses. When our facial muscles form a smile we literally can trick our brain into thinking it’s happy. Our brain immediately increases its production of both serotonin and dopamine, which provide us with feelings of joy, confidence and well-being. Smiling also lowers the level of our stress hormone cortisol. This in turn stabilizes our mood, calms our nervous system and provides us with more energy. Moreover, smiling releases endorphins, which help relieve pain and create a mild euphoria. And, it doesn’t matter if your smile is forced or natural. The benefit will be the same
- AFFIRM. There is great power in the spoken word. You see, speech is energy. It affects our emotions and the way our brain works. When we say things like, “I am capable,” “I am strong,” or “I am healthy and happy,” it helps our brain build new neural pathways. Positive declarations, like smiling, release serotonin and dopamine into our systems. We begin to feel all the wonderful things we are verbally declaring. So, every morning as you stand in front of the mirror – speak your words out loud – firmly — in the present tense. It’s just a matter of time before your reflection begins to mirror everything your speech aspires to be.
- MOVE. Once again, I always like to say this is not about weight loss, toned abs or tight buns. It’s not about running a marathon or lifting 50 pound weights. It’s simply about moving. It’s about the mental clarity we gain from moderate exercise — especially during times of stress. Keeping the body moving helps reverse the detrimental effects of stress. It decreases our levels of cortisol and increases our levels of serotonin and dopamine. Simple movement helps repair the neurons in our brain that can be damaged by stress and depression. Just a leisurely walk or a few stretches can help keep our brains fluid and flexible, our mood elevated and our self-image positive.
- MEDITATE. There are many forms of meditation. Personally, I’ve been practicing Transcendental Meditation for most of my life. But, many meditations are surprisingly similar. Most require one to sit comfortably with the eyes closed. Some utilize a mantra – or sound. Some use visualization. But, all require that we carve this time out for ourselves. No interruptions. No phone calls. No texting. Just quiet, easy contemplation. It’s nothing we make happen. It’s simply something we allow to happen. As we focus softly on our body or, perhaps our breathing, our nervous system begins to relax. Our blood pressure decreases. Our levels of serotonin and dopamine increase. And, our feelings of physical well-being and mental peace take over. It’s the perfect way to balance a hectic day.
So, there we have it. Just a little more information on an important topic. Four very simple tips to help us feel good and stay healthy every day!
Many thanks again to Kat Tozier for all the time and attention she has invested in her wonderful Podcast Indomitable Women. It’s always so inspiring to hear the stories of women who have faced and overcome the challenges that so many of us experience. For as we share, we learn. And, we are all in this together.
On that note, thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and,
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Please visit IndomitableWomen.org for more information and a library filled with Inspiring Stories from women facing all kinds of challenges.
And, you can listen to My Interview with Kat Tozier at: http://indomitablewomen.org/iwpodcast/iwp003
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