Self Care
What is one way we can change the way we think?
Challenge negative thinking
Can’t erase, must replace
This is called our "Protective Brain" because it is always looking out for our safety and our immediate happiness.
Amygdala (or Watch Dog)
What are examples of issues that impact a central part of your life and cause more severe stress?
incarceration, money, relationships, not being able to support your loved ones, grief/loss, those that are chronic (physical handicap)
What stresses you out?
Family, friends, finances, grief/loss, unknown
What is mindfulness?
Being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it was different.
Enjoying the pleasant without trying to hold on to it when it changes
Being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way
This part of the brain helps us control our impulses, focus our attention, and also helps regulate emotions.
Wise Owl (Pre-Frontal Cortex)
Which part of the brain is most sensitive for trauma survivors?
The amygdala (aka Watch Dog)
In which state is the Pando Aspen Grove
Utah
Name 4 ways to practice self-care
Exercise
Talk to someone
Practice self-compassion and/or gratitude
Practice Spirituality
Journal, Read/Write Poetry, Listen to music
Mindfulness (meditation, breathing, yoga)
Rest/sleep
What does the Pre-frontal Cortex (Wise Owl) do?
This is the learning, reasoning and thinking center of the brain—it is the part of the brain that can see the big picture
What does it mean when we say "stress is cumulative"?
The more stressors you have the more intense they feel
What is self-advocacy?
Knowing yourself
Knowing your needs
Knowing how to get what you need
What is self care?
Learning how to calm down the Watch Dog (Amygdala) so you are better able to access the wisdom of the Wise Owl (Cortex) helps you manage your emotions and solve problems more skillfully
What happens when the "Watch Dog" or Amygdala interprets something as a threat?
The Fight, Flight or Freeze response system is activated
Name 3 negative impacts stress has on the body
•Digestive problems
•Anxiety
•Headaches
•Depression
•Sleep problems
•Weight gain
•Memory and concentration issues
•High blood pressure
•Heart disease and stroke
•Ulcers
What makes the Pando Aspen Grove so special?
It appears to be 40,000 individual trees but is actually a one tree forest, the largest living organism in the world.