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Training the Brain for Relaxation

Life is stressful. And getting more so, some would argue. Not just here, in the hectic, competitive United States of America, but probably everywhere. I was on vacation in Bermuda a few years ago and was talking with the nice woman who had rented me a room. As we looked out over the terrace to the aqua blue water below, palm trees swaying in a light breeze, I commented that such a setting was probably conducive to a low stress life. She laughed and began to list for me the pressures and worries of her life: drunken husband, rebellious teenager, not enough money to go around, frequent migraines... Okay, I got it.

Most people know when they are stressed and often know exactly why. "But what do I do?" is the logical question. Obviously, the answers are as unique as the individual who asks the question. But there are some interventions which can provide substantive help.

Neurofeedback can bring the brain into optimum functioning. One trainee described it this way:

    "It was like my brain was crowded with worries. I couldn't really think clearly about my family problems, although I was thinking all the time. After a few sessions I began to notice that my mind was settling; I seemed to have some space for contemplation, which was a different kind of thinking."

A notable benefit of neurofeedback is improved sleep which ushers in a host of other benefits. The calmer brain can stick with productive problems solving and will generate its own answers.

Which is where the concepts of Bowen family systems theory can be useful. Bowen theory is a set of concepts that can be applied to life's most commonly experienced quagmires: relationship stress, behavior problems, mood problems, addictions, health problems, to name some. Stress can grind away at life. It just doesn't have to be that way.

An approach that has brought encouraging results is the combination of neurofeedback or some form of mindfulness practice with the application of family systems ideas to important life issues. A suggested resource in this process is the use of a workbook "My Family, Myself" by Victoria Harrison and available at www.CSNF.org.

To schedule a consultation and learn more call 540-435-1315 or email janisnorton@gmail.com.