New Favorite Podcast 🔥

by Dr Daniel & Tana Amen “Change Your Brain Every Day”

I used to listen to podcasts regularly like my life depended on it but lately I just listen to my favorite artists or fav tunes on my commute to work. I miss the balance of doing both & the knowledge I’d gain through listening to other experiences unlike my own so I’m back at it..

This episode today was about ways to reduce stress and was broken down into 4 ways. A line that really drew me in was “Chronic stress can exacerbate illness or be the cause of your health declining”.

I don’t even have to question the validity of that when in 2023 I had experienced psychosis for the first time in my life and lost sight of reality for a short period of time (1 month or so)..

That was genuinely the most scariest time of my life. I was not sleeping or eating enough & was constantly stressed over my moms health and fearing losing her– while also grieving versions of her I deeply missed I felt her brain tumor took from her.. I spent days on end grieving the future I envisioned of us together.. And while I appreciate the therapist I was seeing at the time for the suggestion of a mourning journal; I don’t think it did me any good to be reminded of the uncertainties of tomorrow when I could barely cope with the certainties of today..

Anyways– I want to note that doctors are not always right.. The psychiatrist I was seeing figured this would be my new normal and drowned me in so many medications that even I (someone with professional pharmacy tech experience) felt overwhelmed by how many.. The meds only worsened my anxiety, depression, PTSD, paranoia, etc. By the grace of God– that was my only experience with psychosis (despite being told to expect it every 6 months by that psychiatrist).. I halted all meds prescribed to me and realized that my nonstop unease and stress over my life circumstances paired with my little sleep was the perfect jumpstart to that illness. I have never experienced it again and Thank God for that. I don’t put it lightly when I say this- but the loss of self or identity that happens during a psychosis episode, and the lack of control of my thoughts are both something I cannot afford to go through again.. I have stayed on top of my spiritual, mental/ emotional AND physical health since. I drew closer to my faith and begged God to take my incessant need for control in my life, where I felt I had none, and give me the peace he brings. I have no doubt in my mind I was healed because God willed it and heard me.

Here are the 4 ways Ruta–

1. Kill the A.N.T.s Automatic Negative Thoughts– and this refers to the untrue, harmful thoughts that may arise during the day.. Dr. Amen suggests journaling- writing out those thoughts and one by one looking through it to label it as such (Untrue). Process it to lay it to rest ONLY if true. –IF UNTRUE–let yourself be made aware of that to flush it out of your system. Be intentional with the thoughts you allow to have a home in your mind.
2. Where you bring your attention determines how you feel Value what values you. Love yourself and all that comes with loving you- your interests, hobbies, dreams, goals, etc. Focus on the positives always. Keep a heart full of gratitude. It should be almost too easy to state what is going well in your life currently.
3. Exercise –increases dopamine and serotonin. It decreases your worry, gives you motivation and energy, helps with focus, etc. My fav part of exercising other than maintaining my physique ofc is the discipline I learn like for ex., pairing exercise with smoothie protein shakes & cooking healthy meals making sure I am not exercising in vain.
4. Nutrition matters –avoid eating too much sugar. Focus on smart carbohydrates. Bananas and sweet potatoes are among 2 Tana had listed that I can see myself implementing more of in my meals.. I have such a sweet tooth so this one was genuinely hard to hear but Too much sugar increases the risk of heart disease, raises blood pressure, increases inflammation, etc.

Let’s be sure to take good care of ourselves to reduce the chances of preventable illnesses in the near or distant future. We got this!