Simple Yet Surprising Technique to Lower Stress

Can Functional Medicine Help Address Your Stress? 

Did you know that the brain cannot tell the difference between an actual threat like the house being on fire, vs a potential threat such as worrying about job security during this pandemic? In both situations, the brain activates a fight and flight response.

This response prepares us to react as if there is an imminent danger (even if it’s only a worry about your job). The brain releases hormones and behaviorally we can become more aggressive or shut down.

We also have lessened ability to access the logical and critical thinking areas of the brain because so much of our awareness is stuck living in the fight or flight response.

“You can see how this is absolutely the opposite of how you should react…”

You can see how this is absolutely the opposite of how you should react when you are trying to be strategic about the next steps if you do in fact lose your job. You need to be cool, calm and logical – not reactive and temperamental. Thanks brain, but no thanks!

So how can you manage this reaction better? There are lots of tools at your disposal – these are what I teach people as a Brain Health Coach. But for today, here is a tool for you to use to help down regulate the fight and flight response and get you back into the higher thinking states.

It’s simple – just breathe. Breathing slow and deep – counting your inhale for a count of 4 and your exhale for a count of 8, will have your body calm and convince your brain there isn’t a real danger. No one would breathe like this if the house was on fire so we are using our body as a remote control for the brain.

It isn’t easy to think your way out of a fight and flight response, and using your body can be a great way to trick your brain into shifting gears. Try this technique not only during a triggering situation, but throughout the day to build more resiliency for when stress does happen.

Functional Medicine is About Getting to the Root Cause

At Omnia Health we practice functional medicine. The core premise behind this approach is to get a deeper understanding of what’s really going on with your body, your lifestyle, and your mindset.

That’s why we work with our patients to slow down, take a deeper look at what’s going on in all areas of their lives and work with the patient to create a long-term plan that will help resolve many health issues with awareness, education and of course, some simple techniques like deep and slow breathing!

So, take a deep breath and if you have any questions or concerns, please drop us a note or give us a call!