I get calls from potential clients on a regular basis who are out of work, have anxiety and need help improving their focus, motivation, and ability to be stay calm in the face of challenge, and present when they interview for jobs.  Another way to say this is that they need improved peak or optimal performance.  This is a very difficult economy for many folks and losing a job can have devastating effects on a person’s confidence and financial worries, on top of family, social obligations, and the pressures of an intense life what we all experience.

Lou (not his real name) comes to me with this situation.  He already has had depression and anxiety issues and has been on multiple medications to help him be able to function well in a stressful position that demands excellence in work performance from him.  He worked for a Fortune 500 Company before being laid off due to the economic downturn.  His losing his position had nothing to do with incompetence; they simply had to lay some folks off due to the economic reality.

Tipping point…

Really, every human has their tipping point, past which they lose their ability to function well.  Biological stress is a serious and actual problem when there is too much of it and for too long a time.  One person can effectively deal with it, while another cannot.  Lou is one such person.   Each of us has the same body and psyche, but as well, each of us is unique in the limits of the amount of stress we can cope with. Genetics, personality characteristics, learned coping behaviors or lack thereof, diet, immune system capability, past traumas and illness, as well as current stressors all play a part in how much we can resist the stress before it puts us into exhaustion and collapse.  This is the science developed by Hans Sale (Link), endocrinologist.

His instincts kick in to help resolve his stress…

Lou had done some Neurofeedback many years ago and it had helped him get through a particularly stressful time.   He does a search on the Internet, and after reading a number of other therapist’s websites; he calls me to interview me.  He is attracted to the non-linear approach of comprehensively feeding back to the brain it’s own behavior each time it begins to produce electrical events that are synonymous with fight or flight. And from the beginning of his training sessions, he is amazed at how good the NeurOPTIMAL approach makes him feel.  His sleep alone improves within the first few sessions.

Here are his comments as he wrote on his pre-post form that I ask clients to fill out:

• Before session 2: a little fatigued; brain is tired, brain fog, pain in body
• After session 2: calmer after treatment; not so anxious like I had a brain work-out
• Before session 3: my brain, sense it is overwhelmed due to physical exertion- feel somewhat lonely, feel the immensity of built up stress that my system is still holding onto
• After session3: much more relaxed, brain feels clear, felt tension release- really liking this so far
• Before session: 4 stronger mentally, somewhat fatigued emotionally- less fight or flight- less anxious, more patient with my children, better able to assess my ability to handle stressful events
• After session 4: Really good!
• Before session 5: Physically good- emotionally less reactive, mentally- rested and alert; I feel less reactive, responding to stress, sleep is better; sleep is not 100% great, but seems to be getting better, reducing sleep medicine and still getting enough sleep
• After session 5:   Very good!  great session, felt rush of energy flowing in my CNS.  Incredible!
• Before session 7:  continuing to exercise more and eat better; clearing of brain fog; better focus, less anxious; slept until alarm went off last few nights
• After session 7: anxiety levels down, better sleep now and generally more consistent; more confidence in job interviews; more flow in my life.
• The last session, he honestly said to me, “If I felt any better, I don’t know that I could handle it” while laughing out loud!

Sometimes when someone is on multiple medications as this gentleman is, you just don’t know how the brain will respond and in what time sequence.  But from the beginning, Lou has responded wonderfully.  When you are with him, he seems lighter and happier and more confident.  His home life is better, he tells me.

Facing his stress in a more resilient way…

Lou is still having to set up and go to interviews to find work. But he is more calm and focused in doing so.    He even gets a chance, through his networking, for a position in his old company.  He tells me how each step has gone from the phone interview to the face-to-face ones.  He is not in the grips of his anxiety and depression and is even feeling motivated and confident.  We just completed his 14^th training session and he is happy that he let his instincts get him to my office.

What’s is next?

Sometimes, especially when the pressure is on, we need support to keep us resilient enough to face our challenges and persevere until we achieve our goal.  If I can help, please contact me and I am happy to speak to you about your situation.

]]> http://optimalperformancetraining.com/job-loss-stress/feed/ 0 http://optimalperformancetraining.com/what-exactly-is-fight-or-flight/ http://optimalperformancetraining.com/what-exactly-is-fight-or-flight/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:55:48 +0000 david http://optimalperformancetraining.com/?p=160 What exactly is flight-or-flight? and why does it work against your optimal performance?

Fight-or-flight is the collection of physiological (body) and psychological (mind & emotions) changes that occur when you face a perceived threat–when you face situations where you feel the demands on you outweigh your resources to effectively cope.

When some event in your life triggers the state of fight or flight, a series of changes occur within your body and mind, often without our awareness. They include:

•A quickening of the pulse

•A burst of adrenaline (can mean shaking, feeling queasy, or hyper-alert)

•Redirection of blood from your brain and core to periphery

•The release of cortisol (stress hormone), putting you in a heightened state of alert. Your internal alarm system is on- even though you might not hear it!

Within seconds of any situation which causes you to become upset, which is fight-or-flight, the primitive amygdala (trauma center in your mid-brain) automatically sounds a general alarm.  The adrenal system promptly floods the body with adrenaline and stress hormones. Non-essential physiological (body) processes switch off.  Digestion stops, skin cools, and blood is diverted from viscera and small muscles into the outer, large muscles in preparation for a burst of emergency action (fight/flee/freeze).  Breathing quickens and becomes shallow, the heart races, and blood pressure skyrockets, infusing the body with oxygen while the liver releases glucose for quick fuel.  The entire body is suddenly in a state of high alert, ready for fight-or-flight.

Fight-or-flight is designed only for emergencies: not for everyday living!

Our culture today places so many demands on us, that we live in this state too often for good health and well-being.

In this state, learning ability, as well as other mental functions (including problem solving, reasoning ability, and relating to others) are inhibited. This response is incredibly powerful and can indeed be life-saving.

However, we experience this response on a regular basis through pressure at work, traffic jams, anticipating the future or stewing about a past event, family and relationship challenges, the intensity of school, and many more situations that are not life-threatening.

What makes it worse is the body’s design: if we get to really fight or turn and actually run, all those electro-chemical responses get used up.

But to be in this fight-or-flight state and not have to fight or run for our life, is extremely disabling and explains why stress is indeed the biggest killer.

What we need most of our day is the opposite state, called the Relaxation Response. It brings us out of the fight-or-flight state. Research shows that the NeurOPTIMAL™ approach to Neurofeedback will induce the balanced production brain waves, which will then reduce our heart rate and blood pressure, relax muscles, and increase the quantity of oxygen flow to the brain.  Incredibly, because your brain is plastic (adaptable) it will remember howit does this in the future because it changes in response to experience. In other words, you can train your brain; you can increase your brain fitness.

Many researchers have also noted that this Relaxation Response is very beneficial for super-learning, enhanced creativity, healing, and optimal performance in life.

“The Relaxation Response is a physical state of dynamic rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress.”

Herbert Benson, M.D.

Herbert Benson, M.D., is the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI), and Mind/Body Medical Institute Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

A graduate of Wesleyan University and the Harvard Medical School, Dr. Benson is the author or co-author of more than 180 scientific publications and 11 books:

The Relaxation Response, 1975

The Mind/Body Effect, 1979

Beyond the Relaxation Response, 1984

Your Maximum Mind, 1987

The Wellness Book, 1992

Timeless Healing: The Power and Biology of Belief, 1996

The Relaxation Response – Updated and Expanded

(25th Anniversary Edition), 2000

The Breakout Principle, 2003

Mind Over Menopause, 2004

Mind Your Heart, 2004

The Harvard Medical School Guide

Johnny’s (not his real name) Mom contacts me to say that he is having anxiety and school is about to begin. Can I help? He is feeling upset in anticipation of the school year and all the stress that that brings with it. He is upset allot and that is affecting the family as a whole. It’s true, if one family member is not doing well, everyone feels it. Whether we are an adult or a child, we all have to deal with the anxiety of anticipating changes that school and life brings, and honestly, some of us cope better than others.

What might cause anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by major life changes, work, school, social relations, financial problems, being over-scheduled, inability to accept uncertainty, pessimism, negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations are a few of the things that can go with anxiety. Our interactions with other humans put pressure on us and some of us aren’t as facile as others in dealing with certain personalities and the social demands that go with that.

What is happening inside when we are experiencing anxiety?

When we experience ongoing anxiety (or any negative emotional state), our nervous system is in a fight-or-flight or unresolved stress response mode, or simply said, in ‘arousal’- it is aroused and not calm. We are feeling that we are threatened (even if mild) even though we may not always be able to put our finger on it. In the animal kingdom, when the animal experiences a threat to its survival, it fights, flees, or freezes; thus the term fight-or-flight. When the animal no longer experiences that threat, it ‘shakes’ until the stress leaves it body (called streaming), resolving that fight-or-flight state and triggering the Relaxation Response. The Relaxation Response is the opposite of fight-or-flight, and the way the body brings itself back into a relaxed, secure mode of living in the present moment.

Learning ability inhibited…

But in this fight-or-flight state, learning ability, as well as other mental functions (including problem solving and reasoning ability) are inhibited. Since flight-or-flight is a life saving physiological state for when threatened and need to protect ourselves, it is not meant for more that short periods of time. However, many people experience this response on a regular basis through pressure at work, traffic jams, relationship challenges, social pressures, school and work pressure, and many more situations that are not life-threatening, and thus we are depleted quickly.Again, any state other than clam and relaxed will ask more energy of our body than can be replenished in current time; we use up reserves.

To be in this state (increased blood pressure, shallow breathing, hyper-vigilance, speedy mind, etc.) and not have to fight or run for our life is extremely debilitating and explains why chronic stress is indeed the biggest problem for humans. It appears that our culture is addicted to these arousal states and we are thus unable to bring ourselves out of this protective survival mode into the Relaxation Response where all our body, emotional, and cognitive processes function at a rate conducive to enjoying satisfying work, activities, and relationships; calm, present, productive, alert, and relaxed.

Orient away from fight-or-flight…

Within a few sessions of seeing him, Johnny’s anxiety is gone they tell me. His Mom and Dad seen a big change in his behavior; his brother has noticed it too, and Johnny as well notices a palpable shift in his mood and lack of anxiety in anticipating the start of school.

After seven sessions they decide that he is fine and he no longer comes in for the brain training sessions. They are clearly relieved that another mother who had brought her children to see me, told them about this FDA approved brain training method of providing the brain information about its own behavior and it producing it’s own adjustments.

Natural state of the brain…

Our natural brain state is calm, relaxed, and efficient, able to adapt quickly to the countless adjustments that are demanded of us daily in our technological society.

See the website for other articles as well as comments by clients about the benefits of NeurOPTIMAL™ neurofeedback training.

By JIM ROBBINS

By David Delaney

david@optimalperformancetraining.com

Bob (I have changed his name) finds that he cannot stop himself from being on the go all day long.  And then he has problems getting to bed and staying asleep.  Sometimes in the middle of the night, when he cannot sleep, he will get up and read or get on the Internet, which further adds to the problem.  He is overloaded and this overload is affecting his health and well-being.  He came to me based on a recommendation by a client who thought that I could help him.

 Pent up energy…

Sometimes we end up doing so much that we recognize we are overloaded and the ‘doing’ is some sort of mechanism that is not actually effective and is taking us in the wrong direction.  Why would we need to check email many times daily?  Wouldn’t a few times be effective, and then have some time to read something of interest and take a few moments to regenerate by closing our eyes and gently breathing?  How about a walk to get your focus off the things that are weighing on your mind?

 Fewer and fewer quiet moments…

Yet, we find ourselves more and more finding less and less quiet time in our lives.  Many of my clients tell me that they cannot take quiet time.  They have to have the television on when they are home or the radio has to be on.  They wish that they could, but are unable to give themselves quiet moments where they are in repose.  Something is keeping them from it, they say.

When we take time for repose, we are signaling our brain to relax and change modes.  Yes, of course, we have to take action; that is the nature of this culture.  However, unless we consciously shift gears, we do not give our organism the chance to de-stress and regenerate and we know that all organisms can regenerate themselves from the constant process of decay.  This is basic science, which we may have forgotten.

 Breathing and the Central Nervous System…

Breathing, slow and gentle, signals the Central Nervous System to relax and just ‘be’.  When we consciously breathe, we send blood to the brain and trigger the release hormones into the bloodstream that induce the para-sympathetic nervous system (that which brings us out of fight and flight and into relaxation) release pent up stress, to discharge the reserve of held energy and move it through our system.  When we consciously encourage this blocked energy to begin to move by way of breathing, we subsequently encourage mental, emotional, and physical relaxation.

 So why do we resist doing it? 

Because survival is our number one motivation, it can actually work against our personal well-being when we become overloaded.  When stress accumulates in our system, it encourages more accumulation of stress unless we can learn to observe the signs and signals of stress within.  I am angry with my partner and really, she has done nothing out of the ordinary.  Or, I am eating more than I actually need. Or I am upset with someone to the point of obsession.  Any time I am charged, it is probably indicating that I am overloaded and need to recognize and act to reduce that overload.

Now that charge can’t be helpful; if I am in a survival situation where I need reserve energy to deal with the threat it is helpful indeed.  Past that, it can only deplete us and this is not the normal state to maintain in daily life.  Creativity and clear analysis never happened in fight or flight.  In addition, we can train ourselves to come out of fight or flight, what is called arousal, only when we recognize its signs and signals.

Noticing your breathing pattern is a central sign of your physical state.  Is it shallow, or irregular, mostly in the upper chest?  Or is it long, and, deep, and slow?  

 Time to Check In, Rather Than Check Out…

Checking in occasionally is helpful in monitoring and regulating ourselves to maintain internal relaxation and balance.  Driving is a wonderful time to work on relaxation breathing since you receive instant feedback by feeling your back and buttocks against the seat.  If you are breathing slowly and deeply, without straining, you feel the respiratory diaphragm at the based of your ribcage moving downward on the inhale and relaxing back up on the exhale.  Try this and see what you discover?

 Self-regulating…

Bob has been observing himself in the past few months and is able to better regulate his breathing throughout the day. He has noticed that he accomplishes more quality work and his sleep is improving too.  He feels generally better and more relaxed and experiences less anxiety and panic in his day-to-day life.  He never believed that focusing on breathing could have made such an impact.  Now, he even tells others about its benefits and encourages friends and family to do the same.  He has really learning the benefits of self-regulation and relaxation.

 Scientists say that our brains are hard wired for negativity…

Shawn (not his real name), a newer client of mine, comes to me and no matter what we discuss, he is oriented toward a negative, unsuccessful point of view.  It seems that he was raised this way with the idea that life would always be problematic and you could not change that fact.  He even has tremendous resistance to recalling successful or positive times in his life without finding the negative side of the situation.  He is depressed and anxious, and his whole orientation is toward life never changing no matter what he does.  He is hard wired for negativity.

Orienting Toward the Negative… 

In Dr. Randy Borum’s article entitled, “Re-Train the Negative Brain” (first appears in Black Belt Magazine, January, 2008, pp. 48-50) he explains that numerous studies have shown that the electrical (or neural) connections in your brain are stronger and faster when they are responding to something unpleasant than when responding to something neutral or pleasant.  Since the negativity gets the most ‘juice’, it seems obvious why negativity can become the major orientation.  This is a survival tactic from antiquity to insure our survival since our brain needs to evaluate information automatically and often without our conscious participation in order to remain safe.  When given the choice of positive, neutral, or negative, it will choose negative almost every time research shows.

This negative orientation appears to be an artifact of surviving in the wild.  If I am not aware that a wild animal could attack me, I might let down my guard and lose awareness of the fact that threat could be imminent.  This is orienting toward the negative.  Our brain is always asking ‘what is different about this moment’ in order to continually access and insure its safety. 

Survivial in the wild… 

Living in a big metropolitan city is akin to living in the wild sometimes.  I recall walking across 42^nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan at 2 AM one Saturday evening after leaving a party in the late 70’s; being aware of a male a half-block away coming across the street toward me.  I ran a fast as I could away from him until I felt safe.  I was oriented toward the negative, for sure, not knowing his intentions but I did not want to find out the hard way at 2 AM.  What was different about that moment was I did not feel safe and fight or flight chose flight for survival.  It was not a ‘conscious’ decision.

That is the down side of this research.  However, there is an upside to it and it is that of the brain’s ability to learn and adapt positively, adaptability being its actual nature.  So if we know how to re-train positive adaptation, our brain can change it’s orientation to a more positive outlook.  By consciously focusing on what is positive, satisfying, and safe and then savoring it, we are able to shift our brains orientation to a more positive outlook.  And focusing on the positive, we cause our brain to change, literally.

The brain can change…

Shawn and I have been meeting for NeuroCARE neurofeedback sessions and self-regulation training and after a few months he is less negative and depressed and feeling more capable of recognizing and letting go of his family’s tendency for negativity than ever before.  By feeding back to his brain moment to moment how it is generating its own negativity, Shawn is slowly orienting toward a brighter outlook, learning to drop negativity when it arises and quickly come back to the present where all possibilities exist.

By David Delaney, M.A.

www.optimalperformancetraining.com

david@optimalperformancetraining.com

George (not his real name) is a seasoned singer/performer with many years of experience performing for audiences.  However, he has always had to deal with a low self-esteem issue that, even though he is loved by the audiences her performs for, he questions his skill and this affects his performance of course.  He was referred to me by a voice therapist who knew about my background in the performing arts and suspected that I might be able to help him.

In speaking with him, I saw that he had this self-defeating mechanism, which affected his confidence and the ability to trust his choices moment to moment; which the performing artist needs in live performance.  I have seen this with many people, especially those who have real talent but who don’t completely trust themselves.

Relaxation…

Since relaxation is the hallmark of creativity and spontaneity, those of us who provide Zengar NeuroCARE neurofeedback training have found that performing artists benefit greatly from neurofeedback training.  Training the brain (Central Nervous System or CNS) to orient to the present allows us to improve focus and concentration, strengthens our body-mind interaction, and reduces the nervousness that can inhibit our performing at our peak.

Research in the past 15 years has demonstrated that whatever has happened in our past be it trauma, accidents and injuries, emotional issues, mental liabilities- all can become triggered by present issues and this causes our brain to lose it’s present moment awareness and orientation.  The same neurons (nerve cells) that were involved in the original condition (the time the teacher embarrassed you in front of the class, or the time your Dad was upset and yelled at you, etc.) can be set-off by present stressful events. Therefore, your brain is acting as though that event is happening all over again with it’s attendant reactions and energy loss.

In this approach to neurofeedback training, because we monitor all brainwaves with an EEG in a non-linear fashion and communicate back to the brain how it is behaving comprehensively moment to moment, and since our brain is adaptable in it’s very nature our brain learns to let go of these negative events, and return to the present moment.  It is designed on the mindfulness model of observing physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and continually retuning to present moment focus.

Neuroplasticity: adaptability…

When our brain (which is extremely sophisticated and is all about solving the constant problems of survival) learns to orient to the present more often through this training, it becomes more adept at returning sooner to the present. Neuroplasticity, the ability of our brain to find new and more effective and efficient ways to behaving, is what this training takes advantage of. 

Training outcome…

After a series of training sessions, George is seeing that the issue with which he came in with is suddenly a non-issue.  He says that he is finding that he has more present awareness and does not notice the nagging insecurity to be an issue.  He is not sure how it went away, but all he knows is that now when he performs, he is more focused and can accept what happens even if he does it is not perfect in his mind.  He is more enjoying his time on stage and is less and less critical and judgmental of himself.

  (c) 2008-2009, David Delaney.  This is a copyright of David Delaneyand Optimal Flow Training.  All rights reserved. 

          —Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing

The ancient art of T’ai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today’s busy lifestyles, and improve health. 

The graceful images of people gliding through dance-like poses as they practice t’ai chi (TIE-chee) are compelling. Simply watching them is relaxing. T’ai chi, in fact, is often described as “meditation in motion” because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — integrating mind and body.

Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, t’ai chi is a graceful form of exercise that has existed for some 2,000 years. Practiced regularly, t’ai chi can help you reduce stress and enjoy other health benefits.

Understanding T’ai Chi

T’ai chi, sometimes called t’ai chi chuan, is a non-competitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do t’ai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice t’ai chi. It doesn’t take physical prowess. Rather, t’ai chi emphasizes relaxation over force.

T’ai chi is used to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase flexibility
• Improve muscle strength and definition
• Increase energy, stamina and agility
• Increase feelings of well-being

T’ai chi has more than 100 possible movements and positions. You can learn the first third of the form and stick with that, or learn the full series of movements. Most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. And they all include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing.

Although t’ai chi is generally safe, consider talking with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. This is particularly important if you have any problems with your joints, spine or heart.

Stress reduction and other benefits of t’ai chi

Like other practices that bring mind and body together, t’ai chi can reduce stress. During t’ai chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your t’ai chi session.

T’ai chi may also help your overall health, although it’s not a substitute for traditional medical care. T’ai chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Older adults may especially find t’ai chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. T’ai chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury.

Despite its ancient history, t’ai chi has been studied scientifically in recent years. And that research is suggesting that t’ai chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction, including:

• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Improving balance and coordination
• Improving concentration and self-esteem
• Reducing the number of falls
• Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day
• Slowing bone loss in women after menopause
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cardiovascular fitness
• Relieving chronic pain
• Improving everyday physical functioning

Learning to do t’ai chi

Wondering how to get started in tai chi? You don’t need any special clothing or equipment to do tai chi. To gain full benefits, however, it may be best to seek guidance from a qualified t’ai chi instructor.

A t’ai chi instructor can teach you specific positions and how to regulate your breathing. An instructor also can teach you how to practice t’ai chi safely, especially if you have injuries, chronic conditions, or balance or coordination problems. Although t’ai chi is slow and gentle, with virtually no negative side effects, injuries are possible if t’ai chi isn’t done properly. It’s possible you could strain yourself or overdo it when first learning. Or if you have balance problems, you could fall during t’ai chi.  

During tai chi classes, the instructor can give you personal guidance and correct any errors in your style before they become habit. Eventually, you will feel confident enough to do t’ai chi on your own.

Putting t’ai chi into practice

To reap the greatest stress reduction benefits from tai chi, consider practicing it regularly.  Many people find it helpful to practice t’ai chi in the same place and at the same time every day, morning upon rising and night before retiring, to develop a routine. But if your schedule is erratic, do t’ai chi whenever you have a few minutes.

You can even draw on the soothing concepts of t’ai chi without performing the actual movements if you get stuck in stressful situations — a traffic jam or a work conflict, for instance. T’ai chi is taught through principles, such as imagine a string lifting your head toward heaven, or feel as though there is a 1,000 pound weight on your tail, and so on.  These images can be used anytime to recover internal equilbrium and to relax.

I am a certified T’ai Chi Instructor through the T’ai Chi Foundation.  I have been studying and practicing T’ai Chi since 1985 and have taught classes to the public since 1994. 

If you cannot attend classes consider purchasing theself-learning DVD from the T’ai Chi Foundation; you will also find book suggestions for further reading at this link.

Source link:  The Mayo Clinic

by David Delaney

His father brings nine-year-old Harold (not his real name) to my office.  Neither he nor his mother is able to get him to go to sleep at night; sometimes they find him wandering around late because he cannot sleep.  He gets up repeatedly when they put him back to bed.   This kind of behavior is wearing on his parents!

They are really at their limits and have no solutions other than medication which they are not attracted to.  Then he wants to sleep with them, and when he does, he thrashes all night long and they cannot get the rest they need; and everybody now knows that good hygiene is vital to our health and well being if you have seen any of a number of PBS specials on the brain and sleep hygiene.

Get on the Brain Train…

Because the brain (Central Nervous System, hereafter CNS) is adaptable, changeable, it is possible to literally train it to let go of the habit of causing it’s own perturbation or stress, experienced as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inability to focus, to let go of stress states that become negative habits and prevent us from orienting toward relaxation.  

The Orienting Response…

The mechanism that allows us to maintain present and a relaxed focus has been termed the Orienting Response. The Orienting response, also called orienting reflex, is the reflex that causes us to respond immediately to a change in our environment (what is different about this moment? it asked constantly) first described by Russian physiologist Sechenov in the 1850s in his book Reflexes of the Brain, and the term was coined by Ivan Pavlov, who also referred to it as the “What is it?” reflex.  This Orienting Response takes us toward relaxed, present moment focus, rather than being hi-jacked by past, unresolved events that manifest as repetitive negative feelings, emotions, and thoughts that are counter to our personal survival.  If we cannot remain oriented to the present, we cannot face life’s constant changes.  Without a strong Orienting Response, we therefore are out of touch with what is happening moment to moment.

Why is our brain unable to remain present to what is happening?

Chronic or acute stress, overload, traumatic reactions, injuries, illness, flight-flight responses, and acquired family and cultural behaviors can all cause stress to build-up and negatively influence the function of our Central Nervous System.  Stress can be seen on a brainwave electroencephalograph monitor (EEG) when there is perturbation occurring in the CNS. Perturbation (literally being ‘perturbed”) is seen not as regular wave patterns, but as irregular, highly volatile patterns, meaning inefficient, ineffective use of our personal energy causing us to behave in ways that are counter to our own best interests.

Brain upset…

When there is perturbation in the CNS, you do not feel relaxed, calm, alert, present, and in harmony with yourself and the world,  but feel angry, depressed, anxious, hyper, unable to rest: perturbed.  By evoking this Orienting Response through brain training, your brain is able to literally ‘drop’ these negative states and come back to the present moment.  There have been thousands of people since the 1970’s who have benefited from this sort of training including Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts, business professionals, professional performing artists, people with depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury- just to name a few.

Brain Neuroplasticity…

Many people do not know that the brain can learn new ways of behaving on its own, but now with so much research over the past few decades, it is clear that our CNS is constantly learning and growing in response to what is asked of it- or shrinking if not challenged.  It is now known that a blind person’s brain who utilizes their hands to read brail will develop more sophisticated nerve branches in that area of the CNS which controls that function that you or I will.  People’s brains that have had a stroke are able to produce new neural pathways to help them recover functions which they lost, if appropriately directed.  

A relaxed CNS allows us to let go of the past to be in the present…

After one session of brain training, Harold falls sleep right away 4 nights that week.  His mother arrives for session number two clearly relieved.  She wants to continue training him so that he can help him achieve a more relaxed way of being, helping him move away from his hyperactive tendency.

_______

To learn more, sign up for the Optimal Performance Newsletter.  In addition, if you sign-up, you will automatically receive the report, “ The Five Most Common Impediments to Optimal Performance” delivered to your email address.

I also offer a free 30 minute in-person or phone consultation to better asses your needs and see if brain training can reduce the stress that keeps you from feeling and performing at your best physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Source:  1- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienting_response

(C) 2008, David Delaney.  Cannot be used without the written permission of the author.