Skip to content

depression

Nebula

Depression, Mindfulness and the Inner Critic

mindful

There is a great deal of current research about how various meditation practices actually change the brain in positive ways. This is incredibly exciting and with the help of functional brain scans, researchers can see in real time what parts of the brain are stimulated and calmed through these practices. Parts of the brain related to higher brain function have been measured and have actually increased in size from these meditation practices. This is called neuroplasticity.

Some meditation practices teach how to concentrate on one specific image or mantra to help focus the mind. An important and emerging meditation technique is associated with Buddhism and is called Mindfulness. It is actually being integrated into many Western psychology practices not just because of its effectiveness but because it does not require people to embrace a belief system different from what they already have.  Read More »Depression, Mindfulness and the Inner Critic

More on Exercise, Mental Health and the Brain

brain

Nearly everyone knows that exercise reduces your stress. By working out the physical tensions at the gym, the mental tensions seem to dissipate more easily because you simply feel better. It’s also been shown that exercise increases the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that tends to moderate the nervous system’s response to stress.

Did you know that regular vigorous exercise in many cases is just as effective (or even more effective) than antidepressant medications for depression? It’s true. It’s your endorphins that have been identified for creating those wonderful feelings of well-being and even euphoria. These drugs are just waiting to be accessed in your own brain pharmacy, and for a little bit of physical effort, they are yours for the taking. Though I am not a long distance runner, the 40-minutes of cardio effort on the stationery bike and the elliptical cross trainer that I submit myself to 3-4 times a week definitely provide me with a happy buzz that endures. I love the feeling I leave with when I’m done exercising.

Read More »More on Exercise, Mental Health and the Brain