“Three experts offer tips for overcoming mental chaos and reclaiming a balanced brain.”
The first expert is Eric Maisel, PhD, psychotherapist, creativity coach, and author of 40 books, most recently Natural Psychology: The New Psychology of Meaning (Natural Psychology Press, 2012) recommends:
“monitoring your breathing and monitoring your thinking at the same time” as a “quick way to get centered and quiet monkey mind.” He shares his 10-second technique.
The second expert is Henry Emmons, MD, integrative psychiatrist and author of The Chemistry of Calm: A Powerful, Drug-Free Plan to Quiet Your Fears and Overcome Your Anxiety (Touchstone, 2010) recommends:
reconnecting with your body by getting “out of your head and into your body.” He suggests techniques like “placing your hand on your lap” and paying attention “to the feeling of warmth that’s exchanged between your hand and body” or simply listening to music
I was thrilled to be third expert and share tips for rebalancing your biochemistry and neurotransmitters…Trudy Scott, CN, nutritionist and author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings (New Harbinger, 2011)
I suggest the amino acid tryptophan and quality grass-fed red meat if low serotonin is the issue. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that “helps produce feelings of well-being and also helps you switch off worry and ruminating thoughts.” I also recommend eating a protein-rich breakfast – something that is key for every one of my clients.” If you experience “poor focus, scattered thoughts, ADD-type symptoms and fatigue” “the supplement to try is tyrosine.”
Have you been able to switch off monkey-mind with any of these tips?
You can read the whole article in the April 2013 edition of Experience Life magazine here or pick up a physical copy from bookstores or grocery stores.
It’s a great magazine and I love this summary on the about page: “Experience Life is your guide to a healthy way of life. Your road map toward real and lasting self-improvement. Your antidote to all the fuss and nonsense that dominates the vast majority of health and fitness publications. Because being healthy is a revolutionary act.”
I agree with all 3 methods – the one I usually find helps the most is mindfulness, being conscious of breath and returning my attention to the body.
Trudy, congrats on getting quoted in this article. You’ve turned me into a believer of protein at breakfast – and I do see the difference.
Good for you Sue – pleased to hear it makes a difference! And thanks for the congrats on the article – I’m so pleased that my story actually also made it on to the cover (see bottom left of the cover)
Trudy,
Everyone takes their health for granted until something goes wrong. Eating healthy and creating healthy habits is the way to go. You feel better and you think better.
Trudy,
I had already used the first two methods before working with you. The Tryptophan was amazing – I couldn’t believe how quickly it quieted the mind chatter!
Yes Terry, it’s quite amazing isn’t it? For most folks it sounds too good to be true and then when they try it…wow! they see results literally within 5 – 10 minutes, as you did!
I always learn something from your posts, Trudy. I am constantly amazed at the connection between food and productivity!
Oh yes – big time connection!
Trudy,
Your tip to “breathe” sounds simple and at the same time breathing techniques are vital to staying balanced.
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon