Visit 4: The Mind-Body Connection - The impact of stress & moving towards healing

Transcript

1. The Mind-Body Connection The impact of stress and moving towards healing Meghan Lefkowitz, LCSW Integrative Psychotherapist Sutter Institute for Health and Healing
2. Autoimmune Disease and Trauma A study following 120,572 participants for five years showed that those with a diagnosis of PTSD were 58% more likely to have an autoimmune disease than those without PTSD
3. The Stress Response During a stressful event, the brain signals the body to release a surge of adrenaline and cortisol, the body adjusts to suppress functions not needed for immediate survival. Blood and oxygen are redirected to parts of the body to support your ability to fight or run. Fight or Flight Sympathetic Nervous System
4. The Stress Response o The fight or flight response is a natural survival mechanism triggered in response to perceived threats or stressors. o This response is essential for dealing with immediate challenges, but chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to negative health effects over time, including increased inflammation, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders and impaired immune function.
5. Who might be more impacted by stress o Acute stress = traumatic event exposure o Chronic stress or complex trauma = ongoing exposure to traumatic events; an ongoing lack of physical or emotional safety. o Highly sensitive people o Empaths o Intergenerational trauma What we know- Trauma exposure or sensitivity to stress = ongoing perceived threat = ongoing activation of the sympathetic nervous system
6. Parasympathetic Nervous System o The primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to promote rest, relaxation, and restoration of the body's internal processes. It helps conserve energy, regulate digestion, slow heart rate, and stimulate functions of the body that aid in recovery and maintaining a balanced state. Essentially, the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body "rest and digest" in contrast to the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system.
7. The Impact of Stress Reduction When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it promotes a state of relaxation, this activation leads to positive physical impacts on the body. o Reduced heart rate and blood pressure: The parasympathetic nervous system's activation slows down the heart rate and reduces blood pressure, contributing to a state of calmness and relaxation. o Improved digestion: The "rest and digest" response supports enhanced gastrointestinal functions, including increased digestive enzyme secretion. o Enhanced nutrient absorption: When the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, the body is better able to absorb and assimilate nutrients from food o Strengthened immune system: reduction in inflammation and promotion of immune cell activity o Reduced muscle tension o Lowered cortisol levels o Improved sleep quality Through engaging in regular stress reduction practices, accessing feelings of peace becomes easier with time. This in turn allows the body to also experience the positive physical impacts of this state of calm. Remember… neuroplasticity!
8. Neuroplasticity o Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, refers to the brain's remarkable ability to adapt, reorganize, and change throughout an individual's life. o Through neuroplasticity, the brain can form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones in response to relaxation practices. This rewiring can help regulate emotional responses and reduce the hyperactivity of the stress-related areas of the brain. Over time, the brain can become more resilient to stress and better equipped to manage emotional reactions, ultimately leading to a more balanced and adaptive stress response.
9. Types of Stress Reduction Activities o Meditation o Therapy o Yoga o Breathing exercises o Time in nature o Mindfulness practices o Journaling o Gardening
10. Guided Meditation