The amygdala, acting as the brain’s threat detector, initiates the stress response upon perceiving danger. This involves activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones, leading to a cascade of physiological changes that prepare the body for fight, flight, or freeze. This response can be triggered by real or perceived threats, including sensory input,… Read More »The Amygdala’s Role in the Stress Response
Cortisol is a stress hormone that prepares the body for “fight or flight”, and while a short-term release is healthy, prolonged high levels can be harmful to physical and mental health. Reducing cortisol levels is essential for well-being. Strategies such as conscious breathing, mindfulness, exercise, and cultivating positive emotions are effective tools for managing stress… Read More »Cortisol’s Role in Stress: Duration, Impact, and Reduction Strategies
Cortisol is a key hormone in the body’s stress response system. While essential for immediate reactions to danger and having some benefits, chronic overproduction of cortisol can be harmful to both mental and physical health.
Anxiety involves the amygdala’s stress response to perceived threats, which can become heightened by encoded trauma. Havening is a powerful method that uses touch, attention, and visualisation to directly target the encoded memories in the amygdala, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It is a gentle and rapid method that can be used as self-havening or… Read More »Anxiety and the Brain: Understanding and Treating Anxiety with Havening
When you feel like your mind is “nervous,” it often means that certain parts of your brain are overactive or misinterpreting signals. It’s helpful to understand the roles of these key areas: The Amygdala: This is like your brain’s alarm system. It’s designed to respond to threats and can trigger a fight, flight, or freeze… Read More »Understanding Your “Nervous Mind”: what helps calm your mind
The amygdala plays a central role in the experience of psychological trauma. It is a part of the limbic system, which is responsible for survival-based responses to threat. The amygdala is primarily involved in processing emotions, especially fear and anxiety, and it is critical for generating emotional and physiological responses to stimuli. Here is a… Read More »The amygdala and trauma: understanding what your brain is doing leading to roots for your recovery.