Dipping Our Toes In
We have identified some core beliefs to adopt in preparation for the process of changing our neural pathways so we may better face changes and challenges in our lives. Now we can begin exploring the therapeutic efforts which act to truly change our neural pathways and shift our mental health. A combination of simple activities that target both our physiology and mentality is key. It is important to pay attention to both the physical state of our bodies and potential areas of weakness or injury, as well as our subconscious thoughts and mental programming. The following is a list of the principle areas worthy of focus whenever we want to change our neural pathways or shift our mental health:
Meditation: Meditation is magic and it’s a real thing. Our brains don’t know the difference between a real or imagined experience, and meditation is the practice of making an imagined experience become our reality. When we commit and spend enough time focused on certain thoughts, these become our new subconscious thoughts and will result in new perceptions and feelings. Most of us spend nearly all of our time operating on subconscious thoughts, completely unaware of the meaning we give to all that happens in our lives every day. Meditation gives us the opportunity to interrupt this subconscious programming and adopt new thought processes, take away or change the meaning we give to things, and free ourselves to experience life in a different and more fulfilling way.
Adequate nutrition: The power of food should not be underestimated. Most of us eat every day and multiple times a day, so it makes sense that what we eat is one of—if not the—most important determining factors in our overall health and wellbeing. The significance of nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals is profound. Without these building blocks, our bodies are not able to support our neurotransmitter and hormone production, both of which act as controls of our mood and energy. It goes beyond the content of the food, as well. True nourishment also considers how the food was prepared and how it was consumed. Was it cooked and enjoyed? Shared with others? Or was it processed and packaged? Eaten rushed or on the run? Both the content of our food and how we eat matter to our brain function and mental health.
Breathwork: The simple act of breathing is one of the most overlooked methods of shifting our physiology and neural pathways. Most of us don’t pay nearly enough attention to our breath, and certainly don’t practice therapeutic breathing as much as we should. Intentional deep breathing exercises have incredible power to switch our nervous system into a parasympathetic or relaxed state which offers vast benefits to our system. Being in a parasympathetic or relaxed state is critical when we are focused on adopting new thought processes and letting go of old ones.
Gut health: Gut health is critical since our gut is responsible for a significant amount of our neurotransmitter production and hormone regulation. Our gut is often referred to as our ‘second brain’ because of the intimate relationship it shares with our nervous system, and the role it plays in modulating our mood, energy, and immune system. If we have poor gut health, whether due to inflammation, inadequate nutrition, infection, injury, or dysbiosis (too many bad bacteria and/or not enough good bacteria), our neurotransmitter and hormone production can be drastically impaired. Optimizing gut health means optimizing neurotransmitter and hormone production which can play a huge role in optimizing our mental health.
Journaling: The brain believes what we write, when we write it enough and pair it with other efforts. Consistent journaling practices focused on new thoughts and experiencing different feelings helps change our neural pathways, adopt these new thoughts, and create different feelings. Writing about how we want to feel, who we want to be, or how we want to react in certain situations is a great asset in manifesting those experiences.
Movement: Physical movement is so important for our mental health. It acts on so many levels, whether by reducing inflammation, improving hormone regulation, supporting digestion, or relaxing our nervous system. Movement is also an important tool for getting in touch with our bodies, waking up our physical selves to the present moment, and also experiencing the sensation of letting go and moving forward. It literally shifts our physiology and frame of mind; if you are moving sufficiently and paying attention, you will always notice feeling differently after from the way you did before the movement. This reinforces physically and mentally how we are in a constant state of change and always moving into a new moment.
Each one of these efforts helps establish new thought pathways and release old ones, opening us up to the freedom of releasing fear around change and adversity. As with adopting any new habit in life, taking smalls steps and giving yourself lots of space to ease in and explore can make things less overwhelming and more manageable. In this light, we will explore each one of these efforts individually so you have the chance to dip your toes in to each before taking a daunting plunge. Surrendering to the discomfort of making change, staying committed, and showing up for yourself every day are the only initial requirements. You have everything you need within you, and you are enough just as you are. Be here and welcome the healing you so deserve.