Brain Health Kuel Category Expert: Patricia Faust, MGS
We are in the midst of a paradigm shift. The reality that we operated under previous to 2020 no longer exists.
2020 turned out to be the year of the unknown. And as we move from the shadow of the pandemic, we are still in no man’s land.
Our Brain Is Hardwired:
Where does that leave us? How are we to process the unknown that we are so fearful about? This is a complicated question. Our brain has been and continues to be on high alert.
The purpose of our brain is survival – our brain is hardwired to sense threats and respond with ‘fight or flight’. This year we have not seen an end to the threat of COVID and all of the losses we have sustained as a result. So now we are suffering from COVID fatigue and at the very worst, brain burnout. How do we continue to move through this year in such bad shape mentally and emotionally?
“It is now up to us to dig in and build some resilience from all of the losses of COVID.”
What We Cannot Change Forever:
There comes a time within the paradigm shift (a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions) that we need to accept the changes that we have no power over. Fighting the good fight over what we cannot change, keeps us in a state of fear and anger. Our brain is quite capable of changing to our new reality.
We have the power to make that happen. We just need to realize that positive change is something that we must actively work on every day. This may seem like a ‘pie in the sky’ approach but it is just as viable as keeping your brain in chronic stress/threat mode. It is now up to us to dig in and build some resilience from all of the losses of COVID.
Power To Break Chronic Stress Cycle:
Where do you start with that transformation? First of all, take three deep breaths. Breathing actually has the power to break the chronic stress cycle. Then start small.
Forgive yourself for any responsibility that you are experiencing because you lost your job, or you can’t find a job. You need to reignite your belief that you are worthy and that these circumstances do not dictate who you are. You cannot keep going back to your old ways and continue to say, “what if”. Be honest with yourself about what you need to do. Believe that what you need will come to you. When you shift your thoughts about where you are and where you want to be and totally believe that you can accomplish this change, your subconscious brain will start taking you where you need to go. You will improve your brain health. This means you need to listen to your underlying thoughts.
“As crazy as your subconscious beliefs might seem to you – it is your real truth..”
Programmed For Survival:
When you get ready to go to sleep, write your questions about “what’s next?”. Be aware of any thoughts that come to you in the morning. Your conscious brain blocks many of your subconscious thoughts because your brain is again – programmed for survival.
Your conscious brain is in that mode of chronic stress. As crazy as your subconscious beliefs might seem to you – it is your real truth. Believe in it and trust in it. Then do one of the hardest things you might ever do. Start over. Our world and culture are no longer the same as before. We must make the appropriate changes in order to move forward.
Big Leap Of Faith Forever Changed:
There is another big leap of faith that you must take. In the realm of losing everything financially, you must believe that you can make changes to turn that around. There is nothing more terrifying than finding yourself with no money.
Anyone who has experienced this situation knows of the sleepless nights. Trying, in vain, to figure out how to pay bills. Learning to relax in that situation and believing that you will make it, works wonders for your brain! There are many things about having no money that teaches you some big lessons.
Small Steps:
You really drill down into what is important. You have to be willing to let go of the way you saw yourself. No money doesn’t mean you are a failure, but it can mean that you have to make some serious course changes in your life.
Changing your life is huge, but doable. Small steps consistently made will keep you moving forward resulting in small victories to improve brain health.
This solution might not be for everyone.I ask that you trust in yourself. You have the power to change your life. Your brain is so capable of doing that. Just believe in where you are going next. Use the power of your brain to the MAX!
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About the Author:
Patricia Faust is a gerontologist specializing in the issues of brain aging, brain health, brain function and dementia. She has a Masters in Gerontological Studies degree from Miami University in Oxford Ohio. Patricia is certified as a brain health coach and received a certification in Neuroscience and Wellness through Dr. Sarah McKay and the Neuroscience Academy. My Boomer Brain, founded in 2015, is the vehicle that Patricia utilizes to teach, coach and consult about brain aging, brain health and brain function. Her newsletter, My Boomer Brain, has international readers from South Africa, Australia, throughout Europe and Canada. She has also been a frequent guest on Medicare Moment on WMKV and Cincy Lifestyles on WCPO.
