Category: anxiety

  • MASTERING RELAXATION: TAKING A LONGER EXHALATION FOR ANXIETY RELIEF

    MASTERING RELAXATION: TAKING A LONGER EXHALATION FOR ANXIETY RELIEF

    In the course of one’s life, it is almost inevitable to encounter distressing situations that trigger feelings of anxiety. Perhaps you have received an email from your supervisor with the ominous subject line “We need to talk,” a message that instantaneously sets off a sense of apprehension. The subsequent anticipation of the impending meeting, along…

  • SIX PRESSURE POINTS TO HELP RELIEVE ANXIETY

    SIX PRESSURE POINTS TO HELP RELIEVE ANXIETY

    Locate specific pressure points on your body that, when stimulated, can help with relieve anxiety temporarily. 1. Heavenly gate point – located in the upper shell of your ear, at the tip of the hollow area. Apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for a couple minutes. Stimulate for relief of anxiety, stress and…

  • HOW DIFFERENT MEDITATION TYPES CHANGE OUR BRAINS

    HOW DIFFERENT MEDITATION TYPES CHANGE OUR BRAINS

    Neuroimaging studies have illuminated the unique impact of various meditation practices on neural activity. Notably, focused attention meditation (FAM) and loving kindness meditation (LKM) yield distinct alterations in brain function, each with its own intriguing implications. FAM centers on concentrating attention on an object or bodily sensation to achieve a clear, undistracted state. Long-term practice…

  • BREATHE DEEP: THE SURPRISING ROLE OF HYPERVENTILATION IN EMOTIONS

    BREATHE DEEP: THE SURPRISING ROLE OF HYPERVENTILATION IN EMOTIONS

    The intricate connection between emotions and breathing finds expression in everyday phrases like a “gasp of surprise” or a “sigh of sadness.” This linkage is further evident in laughter and crying, where breathing patterns are noticeably altered. Within this framework, Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) emerges, characterized by abnormal breathing at rest and during activity without…

  • WHY DO OUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS INFLUENCE BREATHLESSNESS?

    WHY DO OUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS INFLUENCE BREATHLESSNESS?

    SPOILER ALERT! ~ Cues linked to breathlessness trigger sensations even without the original cause. ~ Negative emotions like anxiety and depression play a significant role in breathlessness perception. ~ Anxiety and depression often coexist with respiratory issues, intensifying breathlessness. ~ You would feel more out of breath when you’re in a place or situation that…

  • IS HAVING OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES DURING ANXIETY A BAD SIGN?

    IS HAVING OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES DURING ANXIETY A BAD SIGN?

    Depersonalization (DP), characterized by a sensation of detachment from one’s body and a distorted sense of reality, has garnered significant attention due to its intriguing connection with anxiety. Numerous studies highlight a strong correlation between depersonalization and anxiety, particularly in social anxiety and panic disorder. Anxiety emerges as a key predictor of depersonalization disorder, where…

  • THE DYNAMIC ROLE OF ATTENTION IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

    THE DYNAMIC ROLE OF ATTENTION IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has long puzzled researchers, leading them to delve into the intricate mechanisms that underlie the characteristic repetitive obsessions and compulsions. A prevailing hypothesis postulates that these behaviors could stem from an attention system that is either deficient or skewed, fixated solely on information pertinent to threats. This intriguing premise has spurred investigations,…

  • POOR MEMORY CONFIDENCE IN OCD CHECKERS

    POOR MEMORY CONFIDENCE IN OCD CHECKERS

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological condition that often brings with it a range of perplexing and distressing symptoms. Among these, a curious complaint frequently arises: individuals with OCD find themselves unsure whether they have truly completed a task or have simply imagined doing so. This intriguing phenomenon has spurred comprehensive research endeavors, seeking to…

  • AWARENESS OF HAVING OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: THE ROLES OF METACOGNITION AND INSIGHT

    AWARENESS OF HAVING OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: THE ROLES OF METACOGNITION AND INSIGHT

    Metacognition, often described as “cognition about cognition” or “thinking about thinking,” encompasses the mental processes involved in planning, monitoring, and evaluating one’s understanding and performance. It plays a pivotal role in the development and persistence of intrusive thoughts. These thoughts, which hold significant implications for psychological well-being, are influenced by metacognitive mechanisms. Understanding the intricate…

  • ABOUT SELF-REGULATION

    ABOUT SELF-REGULATION

    As infants grow more independent, they develop the capacity to monitor their own actions, concentrate on tasks, and manage their emotions. This ability to self-regulate plays a crucial role in responding effectively to both internal and external demands, influencing behavior, attention, and emotions. Research reveals that self-regulation begins its formation during infancy and gradually stabilizes…