Ep. 165 – Take Yourself to a Deserted Island |

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Welcome to the Train Your Brain Podcast Episode number 165. Thanks for tuning in today! Dr. Trayford has a great tip to share to help with stress management. Guided imagery is a wonderful tool to relax. There are several different types, but typically there is audio guidance to lead you through a relaxation session. Often you’ll be prompted to imagine yourself on a deserted island. Whatever works for you is great; just make sure that you make a conscious effort to soothe your sympathetic nervous system. Thanks for listening!

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If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening.

Have you ever thought about going off to a deserted island? What does this mean?

This is just one of many stress management techniques you can try to see if it fits into your life, just like some of the other stress management tips like biofeedback, neurofeedback and breathing exercises.

There is a lot you can do get your brain to settle down. Most of them relate to our sympathetic nervous system, which is your fight or flight response. It can cause you to overreact and produce stress hormones and other things that can have a long term negative impact on your health and overall brain function.

Effective stress management engages the parasympathetic nervous system.

Taking yourself to a deserted island is a form of guided imagery. You’re going on a brain vacation journey. You can find a class to go to, a CD or a phone application. Basically, you’re listening to a guide that takes you to a place you conjure up in your mind.

You want to get comfortable, then you transition in your mind’s eye to a deserted island that is free of the stresses that would otherwise be wearing you down. This elicits your relaxation or parasympathetic response.

For people who are comfortable with guided meditation it can have some real stress management benefits. Whether it’s mindful meditation, progressive relaxation, you can google guided imagery. There’s another application called Calm. If you find that it works for you, continue with it. If you feel stress from being directed through an experience it might cause stress and this exercise might not be right for you.

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