Re: ACT, healthy habits, brain chemicals and neuroplasticity.

[Guest guest]

Personally, I'm right into neuroplasticity and positive outcomes, and I

really believe that our brains can change for the better. ACT is all

about acceptance and not struggling because this leads to a better state

of mental and physical health (and this has been shown in the study of

Buddhist brains). All the best in your endeaver to improve the quality

of your life - you are thinking along the right lines to bring about a

good outcome.

Kv

>

> I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can

increase endorphins/serotonin (not sure if I have the brain chemical

names right) and this in turn can reduce the frequency of " negative

thoughts/improve mood " and such. Also that the brain can change to be

more " positive/emotionally resilient " . How does this tie in with ACT?

I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't control our thoughts

and emotions, so should we expect or aim to improve our mood, or would

this just be another thinking trap? Obviously living a healthier

lifestyle is sure to PHYSICALLY bring about many benefits, but can it

change our mind/brain and emotions for the better?

>

> -Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can

> increase endorphins/serotonin and this in turn can reduce the

> frequency of " negative thoughts/improve mood " ... How does this tie

> in with ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't

> control our thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to

> improve our mood, or would this just be another thinking trap?

Good question, & one that I have asked myself.

Inherent in the question to some extent is our mind's desire to make

everything consistent, and therefore to see contradictions where in

some cases contradictions do not exist.

My thoughts:

Regular exercise, one or another variety of the various " healthy

diets " that are available, and good sleep hygiene are of course

wonderful tonics.

The notion that these are tonics because of things like " brain

chemicals " or " neuroplasticity " amount to attempts at *explaining* the

tonic effect; they are not what *cause* the tonic effect. And even the

most credible of these explanations are fragmentary & incomplete, e.g.

sleep is an enormously complicated biological process.

The distinction I am drawing here between good effects & attempts to

explain these good effects may not seem important - except that I

would claim that chasing things like " brain chemicals " can easily

lead us in unproductive directions (e.g. constantly reading about

how to improve our brain chemical mix via vitamins, drugs, what have

you), while working out, eating right, and practicing good sleep

habits will pretty much always lead us in good directions. I was

someone who for a long while chased the " brain chemical " theories &

it did me no good, while every time I exercise (so long as I don't

overdo it) it does me a lot of good.

But your real question is where & how good lifestyle habits fit into

ACT. And to me it seems there's no conflict between taking good care

of ourselves (and reaping the benefits of doing so) & improving our

psychological flexibility. The recent exchange between

& Helena on " living healthy " as a value is about the best I've read

yet on this topic:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16264

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16265

- Randy

[Guest guest]

>

> I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can

> increase endorphins/serotonin and this in turn can reduce the

> frequency of " negative thoughts/improve mood " ... How does this tie

> in with ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't

> control our thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to

> improve our mood, or would this just be another thinking trap?

Good question, & one that I have asked myself.

Inherent in the question to some extent is our mind's desire to make

everything consistent, and therefore to see contradictions where in

some cases contradictions do not exist.

My thoughts:

Regular exercise, one or another variety of the various " healthy

diets " that are available, and good sleep hygiene are of course

wonderful tonics.

The notion that these are tonics because of things like " brain

chemicals " or " neuroplasticity " amount to attempts at *explaining* the

tonic effect; they are not what *cause* the tonic effect. And even the

most credible of these explanations are fragmentary & incomplete, e.g.

sleep is an enormously complicated biological process.

The distinction I am drawing here between good effects & attempts to

explain these good effects may not seem important - except that I

would claim that chasing things like " brain chemicals " can easily

lead us in unproductive directions (e.g. constantly reading about

how to improve our brain chemical mix via vitamins, drugs, what have

you), while working out, eating right, and practicing good sleep

habits will pretty much always lead us in good directions. I was

someone who for a long while chased the " brain chemical " theories &

it did me no good, while every time I exercise (so long as I don't

overdo it) it does me a lot of good.

But your real question is where & how good lifestyle habits fit into

ACT. And to me it seems there's no conflict between taking good care

of ourselves (and reaping the benefits of doing so) & improving our

psychological flexibility. The recent exchange between

& Helena on " living healthy " as a value is about the best I've read

yet on this topic:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16264

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16265

- Randy

[Guest guest]

Randy, I am so glad you posted the link to that exchange between and me. I had not read to the bottom of his post because I had previously read his piece about his birthday gift to himself and was in a bit of a hurry then. This time I read it all the way through and saw that he made a personal comment to me that I had missed before. I'm so glad I read it because having my growth recognized and acknowledged by really inspires me to stay the course. What a lift! Thank you, , my fellow traveler! And thanks to all my friends here!

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 7:19:19 AMSubject: Re: ACT, healthy habits, brain chemicals and neuroplasticity.

> > I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can> increase endorphins/serotonin and this in turn can reduce the> frequency of "negative thoughts/improve mood" ... How does this tie> in with ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't> control our thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to> improve our mood, or would this just be another thinking trap?Good question, & one that I have asked myself. Inherent in the question to some extent is our mind's desire to makeeverything consistent, and therefore to see contradictions where insome cases contradictions do not exist.My thoughts:Regular exercise, one or another variety of the various "healthydiets" that are available, and good sleep hygiene are of coursewonderful tonics.The notion that these are tonics because of things like "brainchemicals" or "neuroplasticity" amount to attempts at *explaining* thetonic effect; they are not what *cause* the tonic effect. And even themost credible of these explanations are fragmentary & incomplete, e.g. sleep is an enormously complicated biological process.The distinction I am drawing here between good effects & attempts toexplain these good effects may not seem important - except that Iwould claim that chasing things like "brain chemicals" can easilylead us in unproductive directions (e.g. constantly reading abouthow to improve our brain chemical mix via vitamins, drugs, what haveyou), while working out, eating right, and practicing good sleephabits will pretty much always lead us in good directions. I wassomeone who for a long while chased the "brain chemical" theories & it did me no good, while every time I exercise (so long as I don'toverdo it) it does me a lot of good.But your real question is where & how good lifestyle habits fit intoACT. And to me it seems there's no conflict between taking good careof ourselves (and reaping the benefits of doing so) & improving ourpsychological flexibility. The recent exchange between & Helena on "living healthy" as a value is about the best I've readyet on this topic:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16264http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16265- Randy

[Guest guest]

Randy, I am so glad you posted the link to that exchange between and me. I had not read to the bottom of his post because I had previously read his piece about his birthday gift to himself and was in a bit of a hurry then. This time I read it all the way through and saw that he made a personal comment to me that I had missed before. I'm so glad I read it because having my growth recognized and acknowledged by really inspires me to stay the course. What a lift! Thank you, , my fellow traveler! And thanks to all my friends here!

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 7:19:19 AMSubject: Re: ACT, healthy habits, brain chemicals and neuroplasticity.

> > I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can> increase endorphins/serotonin and this in turn can reduce the> frequency of "negative thoughts/improve mood" ... How does this tie> in with ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't> control our thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to> improve our mood, or would this just be another thinking trap?Good question, & one that I have asked myself. Inherent in the question to some extent is our mind's desire to makeeverything consistent, and therefore to see contradictions where insome cases contradictions do not exist.My thoughts:Regular exercise, one or another variety of the various "healthydiets" that are available, and good sleep hygiene are of coursewonderful tonics.The notion that these are tonics because of things like "brainchemicals" or "neuroplasticity" amount to attempts at *explaining* thetonic effect; they are not what *cause* the tonic effect. And even themost credible of these explanations are fragmentary & incomplete, e.g. sleep is an enormously complicated biological process.The distinction I am drawing here between good effects & attempts toexplain these good effects may not seem important - except that Iwould claim that chasing things like "brain chemicals" can easilylead us in unproductive directions (e.g. constantly reading abouthow to improve our brain chemical mix via vitamins, drugs, what haveyou), while working out, eating right, and practicing good sleephabits will pretty much always lead us in good directions. I wassomeone who for a long while chased the "brain chemical" theories & it did me no good, while every time I exercise (so long as I don'toverdo it) it does me a lot of good.But your real question is where & how good lifestyle habits fit intoACT. And to me it seems there's no conflict between taking good careof ourselves (and reaping the benefits of doing so) & improving ourpsychological flexibility. The recent exchange between & Helena on "living healthy" as a value is about the best I've readyet on this topic:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16264http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/message/16265- Randy

[Guest guest]

Excellent post, bruce, but don't expect miracles from any natural cures. Just

add this in with your ACT work along your values and things can slowly change. I

have cycled all my adult life but I still suffer with dreadful stress. Yet,

today, I am fit as a fiddle and very nimble on my feet too. I have set myself

for recovery and everything is in place for it.

Kv

>

> > I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can

> > increase endorphins/serotonin (not sure if I have the brain chemical

> > names right) and this in turn can reduce the frequency of " negative

> > thoughts/improve mood " and such. Also that the brain can change to

> > be more " positive/emotionally resilient " . How does this tie in with

> > ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't control our

> > thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to improve our

> > mood, or would this just be another thinking trap? Obviously living

> > a healthier lifestyle is sure to PHYSICALLY bring about many

> > benefits, but can it change our mind/brain and emotions for the

> > better?

> >

> > -Thanks

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Randy, I believe it is one of the standard blood tests since my doctor was not looking for anything specific when he tested my blood calcium level. If not, you can always ask your doctor to run the test to rule out hypercalcemia. There are no strong symptoms if you have it; the mood and energy effects are subtle and it is only after the problem is fixed that you realize how much better you feel (I've been told). If it the blood calcium is high, then you may need a nuclear imaging test to see if there is a growth on one of the four nodes of the parathyroid, which sits right behind the thyroid gland. An ultrasound will also be done to determine the size and location of the tumor. Another cause (or co-existing factor) of hypercalcemia is cancer, but it usually comes from a benign tumor.

I'd just ask for the blood test from your doctor to start - and if you can rule that out, it's one less concern. Also, my doctor and I are also big believers in adequate vitamin D levels in the blood. Most people are deficient, as I was before I added supplementation.

Best of luck! Have you tried an eyebrow pencil? I use one every day : ) Seriously, that would be a huge concern for me as well.

Helena

To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 8:55:29 AMSubject: Re: ACT, healthy habits, brain chemicals and neuroplasticity.

> > I recently found out that my blood calcium is high and that can > contribute to depression and loss of energy, not to mention > a negative impact on bone health, kidneys, etc The cause is > a benign (most likely ) tumor on my parathyroid gland - not > uncommonHelena, this is off-topic, but can I ask how you found out aboutthe high blood calcium? Specifically, was there a special test youhad to take, or was it discovered via routine blood work?The reason I ask is that about a month ago I looked in the mirrorand realized I had completely lost the outer third of both eyebrows.This is supposed to be a classic symptom of low thyroid, and so Igot myself checked - but my thyroid levels were all good. I struggle with fatigue due to fibromyalgia and restless legs already,and don't really want to add anything to the list - but even so Iam curious as to whether this calcium thing is something I should check out too while I'm at it.thanks,Randy

[Guest guest]

I can relate to both of these posts as I too get frustrated by my lack of, or rather, zero progress. The thought of being like this forever is not very nice. Oh well! I best get back to the art of acceptance as this is an effective way to lower distress.

Copy and paste the title below into Google and you will get a PDF file about the work of Dr Michaul Zigmund who has cured his monkeys of a parkinson type disease that he induced in them using toxic drugs afterwhich he made them do vigorous execise. This went down well on my PSSD site where we have all been greatly harmed by psychiatric medicine. The PDF email address is huge so this is the best way to get the file.

Dr michael zigmond can our brains repair itself through exercise?

By the way, when I tried vigorous exercise I became very ill indeed due to my adrenal exhaustion being made much worse (it increaed my anxiety, stress, and everything else that is horrible which really surprised me. I need to do my exercise fairly gently at the moment).

Kv

> > > >> > > > > I've read that a proper exercise/diet/sleep schedule over time can> > > > > increase endorphins/serotonin (not sure if I have the brain > > > chemical> > > > > names right) and this in turn can reduce the frequency of > > > "negative> > > > > thoughts/improve mood" and such. Also that the brain can change to> > > > > be more "positive/emotionally resilient". How does this tie in > > > with> > > > > ACT? I'm under the understanding that we mostly can't control our> > > > > thoughts and emotions, so should we expect or aim to improve our> > > > > mood, or would this just be another thinking trap? Obviously > > > living> > > > > a healthier lifestyle is sure to PHYSICALLY bring about many> > > > > benefits, but can it change our mind/brain and emotions for the> > > > > better?> > > > >> > > > > -Thanks> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> >>