By Charli Prather, MSW LCSW OSW-C
Photo by SGT Sinthia Rosario
We think of people’s moods as determined by their situation. The lost car keys as you head to work puts someone in a bad mood, while the shout out for a job well done by your supervisor puts someone in a good mood. However, there are lots of ways we can influence our moods, and those moods can even influence our health.
Groundbreaking research shows that the brain has a learning curve for growth that can extend beyond its development in childhood. In other words, you can actually rewire your brain to change emotional reactions and even your behavior. There are many actions people can take for effective mood management, and some of them can actually change the structure of the brain.
Spirituality and healing. Science has shown that altruism and spiritual attitudes are correlated with positive health effects. Think about your own “inner resource” and how you can use it to enhance your life.
Exercise. Toxic levels of stress erode the connections between nerve cells in the brain. Exercise is highly recommended as an essential component of health because, among other things, it strengthens the brain’s infrastructure.
Sleep. Sleep is vital to replenishing the brain’s energy. There are many sleep hygiene techniques that can assist you in increasing the hours that you sleep.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. Mindfulness is a deceptively simple practice that has been successfully used for more than 2,500 years to alleviate human suffering. It is highly effective for treating anxiety and depression.
Counseling. A variety of psychotherapies have been developed based on mindfulness meditation such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy as well as cognitive processing therapy for trauma.
Hypnosis. Hypnosis can help to control symptoms of some diseases, and can relieve pain, stress, and other symptoms.
Guided imagery. This exercise where you are guided by another person’s voice to progressively relax has been shown to have a positive impact on stress management.
Meditation. There are lots of different ways to meditate, and in addition to being an effective method of stress management, it’s good for your brain. Give it a try!
Charli Prather is a licensed clinical social worker and a board-certified oncology social worker. In addition, she specializes in deployment psychology and grief and loss. She’s a TRICARE / Value Options provider and travels the U.S. as a contracted Therapist & Warriors at Ease™ Yoga and Meditation Teacher for the Wounded Warrior Project through Courage Beyond and the Give an Hour organizations.
