Thursday, May 14, 2020

Soul Sustenance: Brain-Based Tips to Cope with Isolation and Improve Mental and Physical Health



Today, the majority of Americans are quarantining themselves to their homes. We have learned to adapt to isolation in many ways. We've upped our hygiene game, we wear face masks, and we've become pros at Zoom video chat.

But now that we are in another month of isolation, we find ourselves encountering new issues. Last week the death toll was higher than ever and as the grim news continues, it's easy to lose motivation, letting grief, frustration, and boredom turn our vigilance into complacency.
According to Brain Health Expert Aneesh Chaudhry, in order to continue these practices long term, our coping strategies must be ever-evolving.

"What motivated us to maintain mental and physical health in the first few weeks, may not be the same thing that works now and that's okay. The important part is that people recognize that and adjust their strategies," says Chaudhry, who has devoted his career to researching physiology and the brain-body connection. As the death toll rises, many people find themselves losing steam and motivation. Death is never an easy thing to cope with especially now that we must grieve in isolation. According to Chaudhry, the only way to process this trauma is to move through it, working to change the brain in a positive way to deal with it.
"The emotional toll of COVID-19 is even more threatening as time goes on. Thankfully, the brain is a resilient and malleable structure that can rebuild itself through neuroplasticity," says Chaudhry. As the founder of SoulPhysio Lifestyle, a brain health clinic and integrative healthcare network, Chaudhry, along with a team of physicians, psychologists, and other health care professionals, work to improve mental and physical wellness through lifestyle modification that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

We have been given loads of advice for maintaining physical and mental health in quarantine; (from understanding proper hygiene practices, cooking and eating nutritious foods, staying active by taking walks, dancing, doing yoga, or exercise videos, to mindfulness activities like journaling and meditating, establishing daily routines, and limiting 24/7 news intake. We also know that "staying connected" and maintaining relationships is key to avoiding emotional isolation.) According to Chaudhry, this advice is still relevant, but over time we must pivot because having purpose and direction is key.
Aneesh Chaudhry is sharing why evolving mental and physical health strategies is crucial for sustainability in month 2. He has brain-based tips and actionable advice people can use to cope with grief while in isolation and improve mental and physical health during the pandemic. 

1. What makes it hard to cope with grief and loss in isolation?

One thing that makes it difficult to cope with grief and loss in isolation is the fact that the human brain is wired to experience connection with other human beings. When this connection is taken away from us, we naturally feel like there is something missing, leading to feelings of loneliness. Staying at home without experiencing the outside world puts us in a very unnatural state, leaving us vulnerable to experiencing an array of negative emotions. 

2. How can people adapt to being able to cope with difficult emotions during unusual situations?

There are several things people can do to combat difficult emotions during an unusual situation like COVID. The most effective tool one can use at a time like this is a combination of meditation and journaling. The act of sitting and focusing on our breath helps to calm our Nervous System. Meditation can be as simple as sitting in a quiet place for 5-10 minutes and focusing the attention on the breath, allowing thoughts to come and go. Following up a meditation session with journaling about the experience helps to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of the feelings/emotions that come up in the process. 

3.  Can people maintain their mental health while at home?

People can absolutely maintain their mental health while at home! Now is the best time to take up new habits like cooking, exercising, walking, meditation, and yoga to name a few. All of these different behaviors help to increase blood flow to the brain while having a calming effect on the body. To take it a step further, this time at home is the perfect opportunity to engage in healthy habits we have wanted to do and have been putting off for a period of time. The key to maintaining mental health during this time is to create a daily routine that is anchored in healthy habits like those mentioned above. 

4. What are some brain-based ways to stay active and healthy?

The best brain-based way to stay healthy is meditation. Research shows that meditation increases blood flow to the brain helping to spark the growth of new brain tissue, as well as building stronger connections between various areas of the brain. It is the simplest way to build a healthier brain because it can be done anytime, anywhere, and it is free of cost. Another important habit for people to incorporate at this time is some kind of movement: whether it is walking, jogging, yoga, lifting weights, and many other available options. Movement helps to maintain healthy circulation throughout the body as well as helping to balance one’s mood. 


ABOUT ANEESH CHAUDHRY:
Aneesh Chaudhry is the founder of SoulPhysio Lifestyle, a brain health clinic and integrative healthcare network, where he, along with a team of physicians, psychologists, and other health care professionals, work to improve mental and physical wellness through lifestyle modification that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Chaudhry is also a Corporate Wellness Consultant who has been working in the field of health and wellness for over 8 years. Based out of Orange County, CA, Chaudhry and his team specialize in the utilization of treatments that combine both Eastern and Western Medical techniques.

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