Breathing is a fundamental element of our anxiety/calming system in the body. Here we will discuss how 'box' breathing can help to calm the body.   The systems involved in this process are known as the Parasympathetic and the Sympathetic nervous system. All we really need to remember is that we can not be completely relaxed and highly anxious at the same time...the two systems in the body work in opposition to each other. If you imagine an on and off switch. When one is switc

Demystifying the physical symptoms of anxiety.The ‘fight and flight’ response enables humans to become much stronger, and was useful, for example when a human needed to fight off a wild animal or be able to run away. There are stories where someone was able to show super human strength, when their child was in danger – that is the ‘fight and flight’ response at work.   The Brain mechanism: In the brain there is the amygdala.  The amygdala is a central part of the limbic syste

The 5 area model is a model of how human’s function. If we can develop the ability to notice the connections between how we feel, think,...

You have probably heard of CBT and if you have not, it is something that has been found, time and again, to help individuals overcome...

A quick body scan to get you through the day.

Lets understand thinking and how it can work for us or against us.

We have evolved to think. From the moment we wake up in the morning - off our thoughts go. We think, think, think about the future and...

Cognitive behavioural therapy is known to be effective for a wide range of psychological problems. Studies into the use of CBT for...

A Portable Paradise or as psychologists call it 'A Safe Place'. Help with trauma, feeling overwhelmed and generally to help us feel better.

We have talked about overcoming anxiety in this series but how to overcome panic is different. With panic - the symptoms are generally so...

What is depression? The term depression comes from the Latin ‘deprimere’ which means to ‘press down’. It is far more, however, than just...

The 'Observing Mind' and the 'Thinking Mind' You may have heard the term ‘ mindfulness ’. One way of explaining this is in terms of the...

How do we develop beliefs and how could evolution be working against us?

The benefits of exercise on stress and how to get yourself exercising. The evidence on the link between exercise and improved mood, concentration, health and wellbeing is strong, clear and consistent. Amongst the most common findings cited are that: · Exercise increases bodies production of endorphins · Exercise clears the mind of repetitive thoughts and worries · Exercise raises your mood · Exercises improves the quality of your sleep The mechanism for these effects are th