Let Your Inner Baby Guide You to Greater Happiness and Learning

Photo Credit: Amanda Mills

Innovative research from Johns Hopkins University finds that infants have innate knowledge about the world and that knowledge creates expectations about how objects should behave. 

One surprising finding from this research is that when babies' expectations are defied, they are far more likely to learn. Simply stated, babies learn best when their expectations are defied.

In contrast to a baby's natural response of being curious and attentive to objects and situations that defy expectations, most adults finding themselves in similar situations are triggered toward negative emotional reactions such as anger, frustration, or overwhelm. In the presence of these negative emotions and reactions, our ability to explore and learn is severely restricted or eliminated totally.

Choosing a Different Response:

I suggest we choose a different response when objects, people, or situations don't behave as we expect them to. Choose to follow the ancient wisdom of Lao Tzu when he said,

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

Rather than resisting what is, become curious. Let the spirit of lightness and wonder replace frustration. You'll experience far more happiness and learning will occur spontaneously because you are in alignment with the natural order of life.

To learn more about this innovative research that highlights the role novelty and expectation plays in a baby's learning, watch this YouTube video from John Hopkins University:

Steve

Stephen Carter Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

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Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licensed medical professionals for any and all medical, psychological, or physical conditions.

Resource References:

Newswire Release: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/632060/?sc=dwhn

Abstract of article published in the journal, "Science": http://www.sciencemag.org/content/348/6230/91.abstract

Where You Walk Can Affect Your Heart and Stress

Photo Credit: Amanda Mills

Can walking near green vacant lots lower stress? According to a study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the answer is "Yes".

Researchers found that study participants who walked near newly greened vacant lots experienced lower heart rates compared to walking near unkept, neglected vacant lots. Heart rates typically elevate when we are under increased stress and lower when we feel relaxed and calm.

"Our goal was to scientifically explore the connection between city environments and stress," according to the study's lead author, Eugenia C. South, MD, MHSP, a physician in the department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "We used heart rate as a physiologic marker of acute stress, and the reduction we found suggests a biological link between urban blight reduction strategies like vacant lot greening and reduction in stress."

Using heart monitors and GPS, researchers found heart rate reductions of 5 to 15 beats per minute (BPM) when people walked near greened lots compared to non-greened lots. These are significant differences according to researchers.

Lower Your Stress and Enhance Your Health:

Adding a walking regime to daily activities for most people is a health-enhancing, stress reducing action. The results of this and other studies suggest where we walk can influence our heart rates and stress levels. Choosing to walk in areas rich with green and well maintained open space may enhance health benefits above and beyond the physical activity alone. Always, of course, consult your doctor before engaging in any exercise activities.

Stephen Carter Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail!

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licensed medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.

Reference: Penn Medicine Study Finds Being Near Greened Vacant Lots Lowers Heart Rates: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2015/03/south/

Chronic Worry and a Quiet Mind

Chronic worry is a huge contributor to elevated stress. In the Theatre of Mind, we can become transfixed with one imaginary disaster movie after another. 

"Life isn't safe", our thinking goes. "If I worry enough about this situation and all of the terrible possibilities, then the answers for every painful iteration of possibilities will somehow appear."

In truth, however, the opposite is true. Regardless of how difficult a situation appears, worry will never solve it. We are far better able to deal with adversity with a clear, calm mind.

In correspondence with a client today about experiencing chronic worry, part of my message included the commentary,

"When we stay rooted in the 'Now' - this moment - there is little sense of time, past or future. In reality, 'Now' is all we have. Past and future are constructs of the mind. Resting in the present moment brings peace; nothing else can."

Chronic worry can't penetrate a quiet mind. When the mind is quiet, the answers emerge.

I'm reminded of Lao Tzu's guidance:

For tips on quieting the mind and opening your consciousness to the deep 
wisdom waiting within, send us an email by clicking HERE.

Blessings,

Steve

Stephen Carter CEO, Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licenced medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.

Parental Depression Causes Anxiety & Bad Behavior in Toddlers

It's not often that researchers use the term "cause" when assessing variables in human interaction. Usually, the words, "correlation" or "association" are used.

In a study recently completed by a team led by Sheehan Fisher of Northwestern University, researchers found that depression in dads, as well as moms, causes anxiety and bad behavior in toddlers. 

Fisher, an instructor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwester University Memorial Hospital, commented, "Fathers' emotions affect their children," Fisher said. "New fathers should be screened and treated for Postpartum depression as we do for mothers".

What You Can Do:

If you're a new parent - father or mother - the research is clear: your mental and emotional states have a profound effect on your children. 

At Stress Solutions, LLC, we encourage expecting and new parents to take action to manage and master stress, anxiety, and depression. This not only helps new parents cope, but the research tells us well-adjusted parents have a higher probability of raising happy, well-adjusted children.

If you believe you may be at risk for depression or other problem emotional or mental challenges, the wise way forward is to seek professional help early. 

For tips on stress and parenting, send an email to CarterMethod@gmail.com.

With love and light,

Steve

Stephen Carter CEO, Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licenced medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.


References:
http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2015/03/toddlers-in-trouble.html

Wanting and Having Sex - Primitive Biological Drive or Whole Brain Experience?

Brain diagram. Credit: dwp.gov.uk

Some aspects of brain research are far more interesting than others. Take, for example, the research on the brain's role in sex.

In a very scientific sounding article entitled, "Functional Neuroanatomy of Human Cortex Cerebri in Relation to Wanting Sex and Having It", researcher Janniko Georgiadis of the University of Gronigen, the Netherlands, tells us what we believe about which parts of the brain are predominantly involved with sexual responsiveness "ain't necessarily so".

According to Georgiadis, 

"Neuroanatomical textbooks typically restrict the central nervous system control of sexual responsiveness to the hypothalamus, brainstem and spinal cord."

It turns out, however, that sexuality in humans is far more complex and rich than previously believed. The process related to the sexual pleasure cycle template - wanting sex, having sex, and inhibiting sex - is truly a whole brain affair. Each of the sexual response phases requires shifts between functional cortical networks. These same regions also are involved in instances of sexual dysfunction.

And which region of the brain is involved in all three phases? The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of neural tissue in humans and other mammals. It seems our cerebral cortex can conduct the symphony orchestra of sexual pleasure.

What Does This Mean for Us?

So, what does this mean for us? It means we have more conscious connection to the sexual pleasure cycles than we may have believed. We know from other research that thoughts can create physical changes in the brain. 

Thoughts literally change us physically, emotionally and spiritually. As I often remind my clients, "every thought is a prescription and a prayer. 

Upping Your Inner Game

So we at Stress Solutions recommend you up your Inner Game. Engage your powers of imagination to create special moments of intimacy, first in mind then your physical world. Your thoughts, words, touches, and a sense of spiritual connection with your partner light up your brain and body. 

Remember, optimum sexuality is a whole brain - mind - body - spirit experience. For maximum stress relief, take the podium and direct your orchestra often.

Warm blessings,

Steve

Stephen Carter CEO, Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licenced medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.


Reference:

Janniko Georgiado, "Functional Neuroanatomy of Human Cortex Cerebri in Relation to Wanting Sex and Having it". http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ca.22528/epdf

Can Smoking Relieve Stress? The Effects of Tobacco on Emotional Wellbeing

A study coming out of the United Kingdom finds that - contrary to the 1 in 3 smokers who think smoking can relieve stress - smokers are 70-percent more likely to report they are anxious or depressed compared to non-smokers. This study was lead by University College London's Professor Robert West.

These study findings are consistent with an earlier meta-analysis study published in the "British Medical Journal". In that study, smoking cessation was associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as improved positive mood and perceived quality of life. Links to both research studies are below.

Perceived Stress Reduction Attributed to Smoking by Some Smokers

In my experience working with smokers who ask for help kicking the habit, those who express the belief that smoking helps them relax are less likely to successfully leave tobacco use behind. The truth, of course, is from a physiological and emotional standpoint the opposite is true.

Some smokers conclude smoking lowers stress because they often feel calmer and more relaxed after smoking a cigarette. What is actually going on, however, is the smoker feels calmer temporarily because of a change in thoughts and slower, deeper breathing. 

Unfortunately, what the smoker is breathing into his or her lungs is anything but healthy. If the smoker spent that same amount of time breathing deeply without the cigarette, s/he would feel even better physically and emotionally.

Smoking Effects on Emotional and Physical Health

In commenting on the most recent study findings, lead researcher Professor West commented:

"Quitting smoking could be the key to improving not only your physical health, but your mental health too."

Dr. Claire Knight, from Cancer Research UK which helped fund Professor West's study, added:

"Breaking that addiction and becoming a non-smoker is the best thing smokers can do to improve their health."

If you are a smoker the greatest gift you can give yourself and loved ones is to quit. Even if you have tried to quit in the past without success, recall what investment advisors have to say:

"Past performance does not necessarily predict future results."

Most ex-smokers try quitting multiple times before they ultimately succeed. Helpful actions include:

• Find and magnify a big "Why" to keep you going. Focus on that big "Why" frequently to help you move toward your chosen smoke-free life.

• Recognize the desire for a cigarette is really a desire to dampen stress and uncomfortable sensations. If you don't give in to the urgings, they will become weaker in about five to 10-minutes and usually disappear a few minutes later.

• Do something other than smoking to relieve urges. Meditate, exercise, take a walk, call a friend or snack on healthy foods such as raw veggies. Avoid sugary or starchy foods.

• Recognize that during the first few days after quitting you may experience periods of higher agitation. Tell yourself, "Yes, I'm feeling agitated, but it's only temporary. It's only a thought and feeling. This too shall pass".

• If you experience agitated thoughts or emotions, simply notice them. Say or think, "Oh, there is a thought about cigarettes" and then turn your attention to the task at hand.

• Use EFT to tap out cravings. To learn about EFT visit my Stress Solutions, LLC website at http://EFT-MD.com.

• Seek help from a doctor, hypnotist, EFT practitioner, and / or smoking cessation programs in your community.

My Father's Experience:

In recalling the many attempts my father made to quit smoking before he ultimately succeeded, I'm reminded of President Calvin Coolidge's profound words about the importance of persistence:

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Be persistent. Better health and emotional wellbeing are ahead.

Warm blessings,

Steve

Stephen Carter CEO, Stress Solutions, LLC p:804-677-6772 | e:CarterMethod@gmail.com | w:http://www.EFT-MD.com

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licenced medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.

Article and Resource Links:

National Cancer Institute Smoke-Free Resource Site: http://smokefree.gov/
CDC Factsheet on Smoking: http://tinyurl.com/krhkrv8
CDC Guide for Quitting Smoking Site: http://tinyurl.com/kvje98h

Article Links:

"Anxiety & Depression More Common Among Smokers": http://tinyurl.com/o6myuu5

"Change in Mental Health After Smoking Cessation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis":
http://tinyurl.com/o6myuu5 

5 Ways to Lower the Staggering Stress Cost of a Baby

Can the cost of stress related to a new baby really be calculated? Researchers at the University of Melbourne say, "Yes!".

The results are in. Researchers at the University of Melbourne have calculated the cost of time pressure and stress experienced by mothers in the first year of a baby's life. 

So how much does that little bundle of joy cost in stress dollars? A whopping $85,000!

Begin Stress Mastery Practices Early

At Stress Solutions, LLC we suggest expectant mothers and fathers engage in Stress Mastery practices well ahead of a child's birth. While the months before birth can be exciting and encourage greater bonding between mother and father, it also can be a time of uncertainty, worry, and tension. 

Life is disrupted and living patterns change. Any change can bring elevated stress. Even the most loving and caring people can experience moments when they snap at their partner or otherwise say and do things out of character.

Creating a Calm and Loving Space

So what can a couple do to create a calm and loving space before and after birth?

• Recognize and verbalize the fact that during the time leading up to and beyond birth there will likely be periods of high stress for everyone, including other children in the family.

• Establish a physical signal - a hand-touch for example - that lets your partner know you're sensing stress linked behavior. This signal must be established and agreed to before you're in the heat of emotion. Applying that touch or other agreed upon signal can then act as a cue for the other person to stop, breathe, and get better clarity. 

• Engage in stress-lowering practices such as meditation, meridian tapping, bilateral tapping, or simply taking a short walk outside or to another room.

• Apologize to your partner once the emotional storm has passed. The words, "I'm sorry" can be healing and calming for you both.

• Smile, touch, and share often. Be present and listen beyond the words. Let your partner know you love them with words, smiles, and actions.

All of these suggestions lead to both people experiencing moments of calm and clarity. Once those moments are experienced, the storm subsides as positive thoughts and emotions begin to flow. 

Remember, calm and loving parents raise calm and loving children. Stress Mastery is a lifelong gift you give to your children and to each other.

You'll find information about the University of Melbourne study below.

With love and light,

Steve Carter

Stress Solutions, LLC
CarterMethod@gmail.com
www.EFT-MD.com
804-677-6772

Important Note: This and all other postings to this blog are for informational purposes only. This and all other posts are not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise recommend any treatment for any medical or psychological condition. Anyone using any of the information contained in this or any other posting on this website does so at his or her own risk. You are urged to seek competent medical consultations with appropriate licensed medical professionals for any and all medical or physical conditions.

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Researchers attach dollar figure to the stress cost of a new baby

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-02-dollar-figure-stress-baby.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=ctgr-item&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter