Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Taming the COVID-19 Brain

Yes, there is danger during a pandemic. But you also still need your higher brain functions so that you can continue to work, care for loved ones, and solve your problems

Stress leaves. Anxiety attacks. Protests. Strong opinions about if current measures are enough or not. Can’t visit sick family members. Worried about immune-compromised loved ones. Financial strain. Uncertainty about the future.

This is a stressful time!

Through all of this, remember that your brain is designed to flood your body with stress chemicals when you are in danger. These stress chemicals get your body ready to fight physical threats, like a bear attack. And when you are living in a pandemic, and you see that you might be in danger, your brain does the same thing to you.

3 Things That Happen When Your Brain Thinks You Are in Danger

Tunnel vision – When you are being attacked by a bear, you don’t really need to notice the various shades of green in the forest, or how many varieties of birds are chirping. You just need to see one thing . . . your escape route! But when you are solving a financial problem, parenting, or navigating a workplace conflict, you need to gather all of the information calmly.
Blood flow – During the bear attack, blood is rerouted from your nonessential systems like your bladder and your higher brain functions, and directed to your arms and legs so you can run or fight. But when you are in conflict, you need good listening skills, empathy, and patience.
Negative thoughts – When your brain thinks you are in danger, it reminds you of negative experiences. This bear attack might be like that other attack, so I better run away. If you have been in a car accident, a sudden, unexpected movement in traffic might be like that prior accident. If someone is angry, it might remind you of a past trauma involving an angry person. During a pandemic, a brain filled with negative thoughts will increase your stress even more, and hold you back from appreciating the good things that are still happening.

Yes, there is danger during a pandemic. But you also still need your higher brain functions so that you can continue to work, care for loved ones, and solve your problems.

5 Ways to Tame Your Brain When It Sends You for a Loop

Breathe – Calm breathing might be the best thing you can do to reset and give your brain the oxygen it needs to get back on track.
Balance thoughts – All those negative thoughts are only part of the picture. Deliberately revisiting all of the facts, and focussing on gratitude, have been proven to lead to better mental health.
Exercise – Just 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise produces important chemicals that counteract the stress chemicals. We’re not talking about becoming an athlete. . . just get huffing and puffing a bit!
Sleep – Sleep is like putting your brain through the rinse cycle. It washes out the stress chemicals and lets you start fresh. To get enough sleep, avoid screen time, caffeine, and alcohol before bed. And don’t worry about the bad dreams. That’s how your brain sorts out your fears and worries.
Nutrition – Give your body and brain a fighting chance! Watch your sugar intake, alcohol, etc. and get the right vitamins. It all matters!

Taming the COVID-19 Brain

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