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How Do We Balance Our Emotional Responses?. Southern University at New Orleans Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development George Amedee, Ph.D., Project Director Authors Julianna Padgett, Ph.D., LCSW Harry J. Doughty, MSW, GSW.
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How Do We Balance Our Emotional Responses? • Southern University at New Orleans • Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships • U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development • George Amedee, Ph.D., Project Director • Authors • Julianna Padgett, Ph.D., LCSW • Harry J. Doughty, MSW, GSW Living Well, Despite the Challenges
Module III Learning Objectives After completing Module III, participants/views should be able to understand: • Cortisol and endorphins which contribute to our experience and handling of stress. • Lifestyle behaviors and attitudes to balance cortisol and endorphins • How we build our resilience
Cortisol A necessary hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that can be harmful if overproduced in response to any kind of physical, emotional or psychological stress.
How Do We Balance Our Emotional Responses? Two substances our body produces are the key Cortisol & Endorphins Adapted from Global Facilitators Service Corps
Cortisol When you, get angry for example, your body releases stress hormones -adrenaline and cortisol-into your bloodstream. These hormones can increase heart rate and blood pressure, suppress your immune system, weaken your health, and damage your arteries, which can result in chest pains or sometimes heart attacks.
Physically Nutritional imbalance Smoking (directly or indirectly) Excessive use of alcohol Socially Arguments Telling and hearing lies Negative Recognition “Stuck” Relationships Excessive competition Mentally Negative thoughts Repression of emotions Stubbornness or Inflexibility Mockery and belittlement Spiritually Magical Thinking Dependence Escapism Excessive proselytism Ways We Generate Excessive Cortisol
How do You Produce Cortisol? Make a list of any other of yourstressful, negative thoughts or actions that may produce excessive cortisol:
Endorphins A chemical substance that creates feelings of well-being and stimulates the immune system.
How to Generate Endorphins Physically • Exercise • Massage and touching • Orgasmic sexual relations • Deep Breathing • Balanced Diet Socially • Dialogue • Family Networks • Give and receive positive unconditional “strokes” • Participation and Consensus • Good friends Mentally • Smiling and laughing • Positive Thinking • Alpha-stimulating relaxation • Using creativity • Flexibility Spiritually • Prayer and meditation • Connecting with Nature • Singing and Dancing • Giving to Others • Living Your Values
How Do You Produce Endorphins? Make a list of your other positive, supportive thoughts and actions that may produce endorphins.
Remember, it ‘s a Constant Battle • Our attitudes, thoughts, feelings and behaviors can generate Endorphins and Cortisol. • Endorphins and Cortisol destroy each other. • Therefore it is not enough to just lower Cortisol or raise Endorphins. • Both must be done simultaneously.
What else? What are things you want to do that will decrease Cortisol and increase Endorphins?
Are You Resilient? Our resilience keeps us going and gives us the ability to thrive, mature, and learn in the face of difficult circumstances. Resilience uses all our resources: biological, psychological, and environmental.
Resilience allows you to experience post traumatic GROWTH!
Resilience requires that we have good relationships, can problem solve, have positive self-identity and a strong sense of purpose.
Track your Resilience & Growth What has changed in your life since Katrina & Rita? Which of these changes have been positive? Which have been difficult?
Track your resilience & Growth What have you learned about yourself? What have you learned about your family? What have you learned about your city? What have you learned about your country?
Track your Resilience & Growth What are you doing with this new knowledge? What will you do?
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. Howard Thurman
Edited by Stephanie Jordan Project Coordinator SUNO-URAP May 2009