Welcome to Octobers Blog.
Wow, where is the time going? I trust you are all well and enjoying the lovely colours of the tress as we head in to Autumn, those ruby reds, golden yellows and rustic oranges’, I love this time of year, picking blackberries for a pie or crumble, with custard or cream? and maybe I’ll pick some sloes for some gin making, ideal for Xmas presents !
I’m glad to be 80% of the way through my Level 5 Advance Hypnotherapy Diploma, the highest level available in Hypnotherapy, its so interesting, fascinating and natural, the power of the mind really is fantastic and powerful. The finish line is in sight !
Also I’m very pleased to do my bit for conservation and we have released a rescued hedgehog into the hedgerow opposite our house and hopefully he will set up home.
I was thinking about how so many people are struggling with sleep and how it’s the first thing to be affected when anything goes wrong in our lives whether its a big or a small thing. You know those nights when you can’t stop your thoughts going round and round or waking you up at night and then cant get back to sleep, so I thought I’d add sleep in this month.
How does a lack of sleep impact our emotional brain? Why does that lack of sleep make us so emotionally irrational and hyper-reactive? It’s not just your imagination — you’re more irritable when you’re low on ZZZZZ’s. Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how our nightly slumber affects the emotional centres in our brains, and why we can think of sleep as first aid for our feelings. It well worth a watch and is just under 4 mins. Click this link Matt Walker: How sleep affects your emotions | TED Talk
If you don’t already have my audio to help sleep at night please email me or text me and I’ll send it over. Louise 07516 962361, or info@louisebarneshypnotherapy.co.uk
So Lets Talk About Serotonin.
What about it, well it make us feel braver, less fearful, enables us to cope better with day to day ups and downs and can help with physical pain. Maybe you have negative thoughts racing through your mind? Do you notice that you are more lethargic, irritable, or sad for no reason? Our brain requires a balance of vital neurotransmitters that help to control our feelings of happiness or positive mood.
You may have heard about dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins as being contributing factors to feeling happy. Similar to these neurotransmitters, serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is intimately involved in facilitating sustained and deep sleep, maintaining healthy mood and self-confidence, even supporting a healthy appetite and social engagement.
So what is Serotonin? Its a naturally soothing neurotransmitter that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happi
ness. Additionally, it helps decrease our worries and concerns and is associated with learning and memory.
People who are clinically depressed often have very low levels of serotonin and some studies suggest that women produce 52 percent less serotonin than men. Levels seem to fluctuate with menstrual cycles, which may explain why women are more prone to depression. Less sunlight may also cause a drop in the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers that help the brain to function) serotonin, which in turn can initiate low mood. While serotonin levels may dip with less exposure to sunlight, many people suffer from low serotonin year-round.
When your serotonin levels are too low you’re more likely to become irritable, anxious, and perceive the world as unfriendly. You may feel depressed, pessimistic, and have irregular appetite and sleep.
The good news is serotonin can be increased in the brain, here are some tips how?
- Positive Action /Get the heart rate up – Daily if you can!
Exercise is a serotonin intervention – it boosts serotonin in your brain, exercise is very effective and a consistent daily physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your serotonin levels and your overall brain health. - Eat Healthily To Keep Your Gut in Check
Much of the serotonin in your body is produced in your gut, eat a healthy diet , hydrate well to help optimise your ment
al health. - Think Positively
When we increase serotonin, you may begin to see the incredible benefits in your life including increased calmness, positive mood, and healthy weight management. - Achieve a Goal
However small a task is , when you achieve it you feel good and this can be a real motivator for doing the next task. If it’s a big task break it down into smaller more achieve able steps, take the first step you will be glad you did. - Connect With People
Keep talking to - people, seeing them when you can, chatting on the phone whatever works for you do it , ideally face to face but its not always possible. If Covid has taught us anything its how important interaction is with other people, so go on pick up the phone.
Have a great October, Halloween too,
Best wishes,
Louise