How to Release Emotions Trapped in Your Body 10/30 How to Process Emotions Like Trauma and Anxiety

Therapy in a Nutshell2 minutes read

Psychology now emphasizes calming the nervous system for effective emotional processing, as seen in trauma and anxiety research. Learning to regulate the nervous system through simple exercises can promote a calmer state and improve overall mental health.

Insights

  • Modern psychology emphasizes calming the nervous system to effectively process emotions, shifting from solely changing thoughts to achieve emotional well-being.
  • Techniques like deep breathing and shaking to music can help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and improving mental health by signaling safety to the brain's fear centers.

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Recent questions

  • How does the nervous system regulate emotions?

    By calming down to process emotions effectively.

  • What are the automatic responses of the nervous system?

    Fight-flight-freeze for threats and parasympathetic for calming down.

  • How can physical activities help in releasing trapped emotions?

    By aiding in healing and restoring balance to the nervous system.

  • What is the role of Better Help in mental health support?

    Providing online counseling for various mental health issues.

  • How does Dr. James Gordon help trauma survivors?

    By using mind-body techniques to promote healing.

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Summary

00:00

"Calming the Nervous System for Emotional Health"

  • Psychology historically focused on changing thoughts to alter feelings, but modern research highlights the importance of calming the nervous system to process emotions effectively.
  • Trauma and anxiety research emphasize the significant role of the nervous system in regulating emotions and decision-making.
  • Better Help offers online counseling for various mental health issues, providing easy access to licensed therapists.
  • The nervous system has two automatic responses: the fight-flight-freeze response for threats and the parasympathetic response for calming down.
  • The parasympathetic response triggers physiological changes like slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting relaxation.
  • A healthy nervous system alternates between the activated and calm states, spending more time in the latter for optimal functioning.
  • The body's natural response to stress involves cycles of alertness, performance, and relaxation, akin to a polar bear's experience.
  • Physical activities like acupuncture, massage, and yoga can help release trapped emotions and trauma, aiding in healing and restoring balance to the nervous system.
  • Chronic stress or trauma can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, causing constant anxiety and difficulty in relaxation.
  • Learning to regulate the nervous system through simple exercises like deep breathing and muscle relaxation can promote a calmer state and improve overall mental health.

12:48

"Mind-body techniques for trauma survivors"

  • Learning skills in the course focuses on making intentional choices and creating calm by addressing survival and attachment needs.
  • Dr. James Gordon uses mind-body techniques to help trauma survivors, as seen in his work with Haitian nursing students post-earthquake.
  • An exercise involves shaking to music for 4 to 5 minutes, followed by deep breaths to signal safety to the brain's fear centers, activating a calming response.
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