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JENICE: Here's something that relates more to emotional fitness than physical fitness, from the New York Post last week: "Research shows that feelings of love lead to a suppresion of activity in the parts of the brain that control critical thought. Once somebody begins falling head over heels, their brain activity suppresses neural activity associated with critical social assessment of people and negative emotions, researchers said in the journal NeuroImage. Maternal love apparently produces the same effect."
THERESA: So love does make us crazy!
JENICE: I found this interesting in light of a recent conversation that I had with Helen Fisher, the author of a new book called, "Why We Love." She says if you keep in mind how your brain chemistry typically responds to certain stimuli, you can better understand what you're experiencing when you're in a highly emotional state. For example, when you go through a breakup, she says one of the best things you can do is to exercise because that elevates "your plummeting levels of dopamine," which is "the neurotransmitter that provides the energy, elation, focussed attention and motivation to win a reward." Sunlight also is good because it "stimulates the pineal gland in the brain...." It's complicated, but fascinating stuff.
THERESA: When I'm stressed, it always helps to work out. And if I don't work out, I notice I get a lot more stressed. So, if I understand you correctly, it makes sense to take a walk or jog (outside in the sunshine, if possible!) whenever we feel unusually pressured.
APRIL:
I get incredibly stressed when I don't run. It's a stress reliever my body has actually gotten accustomed to expecting every day. So yes, I know what you mean!
THERESA: By the way, did everyone have a nice relaxing weekend, with some outdoor exercise? The weather was so perfect! We drove to Delaware Water Gap on Saturday and took a 5-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. After that, we didn't feel guilty having a bite of pie at my favorite bakery there when we got done!
YVONNE W:
I find that when I'm in a stressful situation I find a neutral place in my mind (very little thought going on) and settle there until I feel better. Because I've been exercising so long I just exercise on autopilot. It's easy for me to involved myself in a repetitious activity.
However, sometimes I'll try a something new and focus on mastering that activity, that way I don't dwell on the negative. I also love sunbathing even though I know it's not good for me. The sun gives me positive mental energy.
Eventually the stress subsides and I remind myself that I am truly blessed.
I always find exercising -- or even a walk outdoors with my dog -- to be a great tonic for depression or blahs. Of course, so's shopping, but exercise is better for my bottom and my bottom line!
Posted by: Laurie on June 21, 2004 10:54 AMI get stressed when I don't exercise because I worry about being disciplined and staying healthy. So I get a double shot of good will from working out, physical and mental. I don't find it necessarily improves my mood, though, when I'm in the grip of very negative energy. What helps me get through that, fortunately or unfortunately, is going to work, where I get so distracted that I sometimes can't remember what I was feeling so agitated about.
I totally agree with Yvonne. Sometimes you just have to stand back and let a sad/bad mood wear itself out. Fighting it just gets it to dig in!
Posted by: Laurie on June 21, 2004 11:16 AMI had a great and active weekend. I repeated the American Heart Walk (5K) with a couple of friends who couldn't do it the first time around. It's a really nice route along the Plaza in Kansas City along Brush Creek.
As far as love making you crazy ... What else is new? :)
Y
Posted by: Yvette W. on June 21, 2004 06:00 PMThey used to recommend eating chocolate after a break-up because it causes your brain chemistry to mimic the "in love" feeling. Who in their right mind would do that?
I agree with the woman who said to exercise. If I'm stressed about some dilemma, a good workout makes it easier to deal with and seems to speed up the decision making process so I don't spend any more time than necessary spinning my (emotional) wheels.
Posted by: Gloria on June 22, 2004 09:40 AMI agree with Gloria, eating chocolate because of a break up sounds horrifyingly close to emotional eating to me.
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