how do flourishers flourish?
FLOURISHING
Flourishing is a state of OPTIMAL health.
The state of flourishing is characterized by contentment and optimal performance in the majority of contexts.
This state can broaden our focus, improve our cognitive functions, and help us adapt to new situations. It can also avoid cognitive overload and rigidity by predisposing us to positive conduct.
Our brains are more resilient in this state, which keeps us in this thriving range state.
The neuroscience of flourishing
The way that Flourishing works in our brains shows that it is directly linked to our Default Mode Network (DMN), which is where our sense of self is stored. When this part of our brain works well, it makes predictions for our prefrontal cortex, which is in charge of more complex thinking and making decisions. This fosters a sense of belonging and promotes radical acceptance, creating a positive feedback loop with other parts of the brain.
Inward Journey: The Brain's Hidden PatternsWhat
What to Do
Flourishing extends beyond mental well-being, encompassing a complex interplay among the brain, emotions, and environmental factors that affect fundamental life functions. This holistic view may challenge our understanding of its importance for lasting well-being, especially since even those in this optimal state may face mental and physical disorders. It's crucial to grasp a key insight derived from two decades of research: the lack of flourishing can be as harmful as having an illness, emphasizing the need to prioritize our overall well-being.
Explore the inner workings of your body and mind that are frequently hidden from view but pivotal to safeguarding your flourishing. These internal mechanisms are subtle, yet operate like complex symphonies of neurotransmitters and brain circuits, quietly regulating non-beneficial triggers to protect your flourishing. They are the unseen protectors of your health, working diligently behind the scenes to make sure you flourish despite the difficulties of life.
Beyond Outside the box Inward Strategies Handbook
Nurturing the Unseen: Flourishing from Within.
Box Breathing
Box breathing is based on the fact that deep breathing can actually calm and control the autonomic nervous system when done on purpose. This system controls things that can't be changed, like the body's temperature. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel calm almost right away. Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and then hold for 4 before repeating the cycle 3 to 5 times. NEED A VISUAL REFERENCE? CLICK HERE
Progressive Relaxation Breaks
Pillow Mist Aromatherapy
Voice Vibration
Laughing
Food for Thought
Take short breaks during the day for mini-PMR sessions. These sessions, involving your muscles, play a significant role in maintaining your inner balance. This routine not only alleviates stress but also reduces your body's oxygen demand, ultimately diminishing fatigue and anxiety. Here's what to do: Focus on areas where you carry tension, such as your shoulders or jaw. Spend a few minutes systematically tensing and then relaxing major muscle groups in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. Tense each muscle group for 5-10 seconds, then release for 20-30 seconds. NEED A VISUAL REFERENCE? CLICK HERE
The olfactory sense, our most ancient sense, holds a profound connection with the primal regions of the brain and is intricately linked to our overall sensory physiology. It possesses a unique ability to trigger vivid emotional memories, often operating beneath our conscious awareness. By instigating positive changes in brain chemistry, it addresses the relief of chronic health conditions and the rebalancing of lifestyles, ultimately enhancing the quality of life. Lightly mist your pillow at bedtime and experiment with scents like lavender, frankincense, and cedarwood for a soothing blend. Learn how to customize your scent ratio to match your preferences and elevate your experience. LEARN HOW TO CREATE A SENSE RATIO THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.
Voice vibration is a recognized practice that can stimulate the Vagus nerve. This nerve serves as a significant parasympathetic efferent, transmitting sensory information from various parts of the body to the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the neuroendocrine-immune system, as well as in controlling motivation, attention, learning, and memory. To incorporate this practice into your daily routine, consider adding gargling with water after brushing your teeth. This simple step directly stimulates and activates the nerve fibers in the Vagus, promoting overall well-being.
Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles while increasing the release of endorphins by your brain. Engaging in laughter triggers the scientifically proven release of serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter that fosters a sense of happiness and aids in healing processes, even when you might not feel joyful in the moment. Search for stand-up comedians whose humor aligns with your values and preferences. Whether it's a live show, a recorded special, or a podcast, let yourself immerse in the humor. Let GO and Laugh.
Healthy gut bacteria are essential for managing inflammation and producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. In fact, A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut. To support these beneficial bacteria, consider incorporating both prebiotics and probiotics into your diet. Prebiotics, found in fruits and vegetables, provide the necessary fuel for these microbes to thrive and create metabolites that positively affect brain function. Take an active role in enhancing your gut health by crafting your own sugar and dairy-free fermented foods that are safe for the whole family. DIY HOMOMADE FERMENTED SUPERFOOD
OUTward Journey: The Immersive brainWhat
What to Do
Consider immersive experiences as a distinct mental state within your brain. These states come to life when Dopamine, a chemical messenger, engages with a region known as the prefrontal cortex. This interaction heightens your alertness and enhances your mood, creating a positive outlook. While immersed, your brain inclines towards repeating enjoyable activities. Your surrounding environment plays a pivotal role in shaping these immersive experiences. It wields the power to influence your genetic activity, predisposing you to positive moods, and thus acting as a steadfast guardian of flourishing.
Incorporate these scientifically demonstrated blueprint habits into your daily routine, encompassing various facets of well-being—physical, mental, and emotional. Though they may seem small, they create a meaningful impact on how you experience everyday events, reinforcing your agency to continue forming these habits. These habits are designed to train your brain and body to prefer mood-lifting activities, even in challenging times. Cultivating these habits can significantly impact the core of gene expression, leading to a profound and holistic shift in your predisposition towards experiences that uplift your mood.
Immersive InsightSOutward Strategies Handbook
Nurture your brain's innate potential with habbits. Learn Blueprint Habits that Reshape Predispositions.
Helping Others
By definition, people who flourish not only feel good, but also do good . Involvement in prosocial activities and maintaining a habit of assisting others not only fosters positive emotions but also initiates a series of neurochemical processes that have the potential to drive long-lasting brain potentiation. The simultaneous release of Dopamine and Oxytocin, commonly observed during acts of altruism, can yield enduring benefits for your brain's health and resilience. Practice Daily Gratitude: Express thanks for opportunities and the contributions of others. Gratitude boosts neural circuits tied to empathy and prosocial actions, enhancing Dopamine and Oxytocin release.
Learning New Things
Playing
Spiritual Activity
Exercise
Embracing a lifestyle of continuous learning not only enhances your mood but also contributes to the development of cognitive reserve. Experimentation: Embrace experimentation through hands-on DIY projects. These immersive experiences engage multiple senses, breaking cognitive rigidity and boosting mood-lifting neurotransmitters.
Engaging in playful activities that immerse you in a state of flow, where time appears to pause, can be incredibly rewarding for your brain. This experience creates a unique harmony between pleasure and brain health. Artistic Expression: Tap into this flow state is by embarking on an artistic journey through the creation of a drawing journal. By dedicating yourself to this creative process, you invite a sense of joy into your life. This endeavor not only nurtures your artistic expression but also provides a fulfilling and rejuvenating outlet for your brain, where creativity and well-being meet seamlessly.
This concept explores the profound impact of spiritual practices on the brain, particularly focusing on the neurochemical interplay of Dopamine and Oxytocin. When engaged in spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, or acts of devotion, these neurotransmitters harmoniously orchestrate a symphony within your brain. Dopamine, often associated with pleasure and reward, teams up with Oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," to create a unique synergy that enhances your brain's remarkable potential for happiness and inner peace. Participating in meditation, prayer, or your preferred spiritual rituals can activate the Dopamine-Oxytocin Symphony in your brain, offering this remarkable overall fulfillment.
When it comes to exercise, it's crucial to reframe how you perceive it. It shouldn't be seen as just another task to check off in the morning; rather, consider it a pivotal cornerstone of your daily routine. This shift in perspective is significant for your brain's well-being. Exercise offers more than just physical benefits; it plays a pivotal role in promoting neuroplasticity. This neuroplasticity is like a mental gym for your brain, allowing it to rewire and adapt more effectively to life's changes and challenges. As your brain becomes more adaptable, it gains the ability to regulate your mood better and build resilience against the ups and downs of life. Moreover, exercise acts as a natural stress-buster, reducing cortisol levels, and releasing endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters that can brighten your day and uplift your spirits. So, by framing exercise as an essential part of your daily life, you're not just working on your physical health but also fostering a happier, more adaptable, and resilient brain.
QUESTIONS
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