Why Can't I Relax (Part 2)

The human body was designed to heal itself and, among its many talents, the human brain was crafted to calm itself. The first point is illustrated by the intricately fashioned immune system which, unless interfered with, protects us from harmful fungi, bacteria, and viruses. (Part 1). The second point is demonstrated by the complexity of the organ systems involved in triggering the cascade and reabsorption of neurotransmitters and hormones. This is the focus of the present article.

You might wonder, if my brain is constructed to calm itself, why do I have all this anxiety? Let’s now consider the role of the mind and spirit in facilitating relaxation. We may do this by zeroing in on the following:

·?????? The body and brain as a computer system

·?????? The five (5) senses

·?????? Daily life overload

·?????? Childhood trauma

·?????? The challenge to relax?

Think of your body and brain as a massive interconnected computer system. Imagine the five (5) senses as keys struck by external stimuli, and the spirit (your 6th sense) as the interpretive factor facilitating delivery of certain messages – kind of like an internal extender. Thank you for indulging me in that excruciating over simplification. Moving right along . . .?

Everything we see, touch, taste, smell, and hear is actually perceived through vibration. When input is at a rapid-fire rate our internal systems get overloaded. Examine this for a minute. At any given moment you are dealing with input (often simultaneously) from your cell phone, laptop, tablet, TV, and/or radio, that jams your circuits with email and news. Add to that your 24/7 experience with expectations regarding deliverables for work, demands of family/friends/colleagues/bosses – relationships in general, and so much more. Is it still a wonder how your internal systems get overloaded? (Note: overload leads to the release of adrenaline and cortisol).

To further compound the issues of recognizable, measurable overload from daily life, each vibration is interpreted as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ according to the spirit. Early childhood shapes the way we interpret our environment. If raised in a safe, healthy environment, this journey through adulthood is easier. But what if you were not safe during childhood?

Recovery from childhood trauma involves a complex process that includes reshaping the way we interpret the world. Recovery begins with unearthing in a safe environment during adulthood, then unburdening to a well-educated mental health provider who can offer tools to help us reshape our responses by rewiring our brain.

During this process it becomes possible to redefine the stimuli from threatening to non-threatening, and we begin to reframe triggers to calm our reactions.

Healing involves reinterpretation and reevaluation so that benign vibrational input no longer triggers the 'frozen in place' and/or 'fight/flight' response we had during childhood to what was indeed threatening at that time.

We begin to see the world through a more clear lens. We then learn to trust our feeling of safety in the moment – even comfort in the face of former triggers. Ultimately, we experience calming inner dialogue on the molecular level that includes acetylcholine, tryptophan, serotonin, and other hormones and neurotransmitters. Healing is a miraculous process.

You are not expected to do this alone. Reach out for help if you haven’t already.

Even for those not battling inner demons, it is often a challenge to achieve relaxation. So, let’s now consider the actual word relax. While most may agree on a definition that includes a state of internal peace and harmony, its valuable to acknowledge it is often arrived at differently by each individual. Some achieve ‘relaxation’ ?by engaging in physical activity (strenuous or not) ranging from running, playing a sport, or dancing, to stretching, painting, cooking, or strolling. Others achieve a state of relaxation by meditating, reading, watching a movie, basking in the sun, and so on. To facilitate the healing process (return to a state of internal harmony and peace) we need to literally recharge our internal batteries (this boosts the immune system as well). Think of your cell phone, tablet, or laptop. Unless charged, they won’t function. Same with your mind and body.

The main takeaway points:

1.???? Identify what brings your mind to a state of internal peace and harmony, then make time for it.

a.????? Set aside a time for self-care (this charges your battery so you can function efficiently in all areas of your life)

b.???? Be certain you are offline during that time. If all you can manage is 90 seconds, so be it. Then do that for several 90-second self-care moments throughout the day.? If you can’t achieve that, consider engaging a mental health provider in this effort as you might be in self-destructive/ self-sabotaging mode for reasons not yet identified.

2.???? You deserve to be healthy, happy, energetic and joyful. Here’s to your healing journey and success along your sacred path.

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?? ~ Dr. Nancy Iankowitz DNP, RN, FNP

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