The Brain-Body Connection. Why is self-care so hard?

This is a topic which can be explored for many bulletins. First of all, let’s discuss habits. Imagine a field of wet mud. Imagine riding a bicycle over it. Notice the deep tracks which form in the mud. Isn’t it more likely that you will fall into the track the next time you ride across the field? This is a useful image for realizing what is going on inside our brains. Networks of neurons are formed from any behavior which follows a pattern (brushing our teeth, driving to work, reaching for the treats when we are tired, tying our left shoe first.) The longer we exercise this habit, the more neurons and connections are created, making it easier to do that behavior.

The habit of self-care is not automatic because we don’t have the neurological patterns for making that behavior automatic. It is possible to learn new habits, to stop negative thoughts, to eat better, to be more forgiving, to develop habits of joy. But we can learn new behaviors and create new habits by creating new brain connections, new neural networks. First comes the noticing, “oh, I want to create this new habit”. So INTENTION activates ATTENTION, which activates the cells to reach out to other cells, creating networks which support positive behavior.

I am giving a free talk on Thursday, May 20, 6-7pm at 1509 Seabright Ave., about two blocks from the Rio Theater on Soquel.

The subject is a discussion and practice of the “Well-being Exercises”, a set of physical movements which can change your physiology and also your neurochemistry. Would you like to know what to do when you are feeling bad or cranky? Come and learn these playful movements! Jocelyn Levy, MFT, 479-3790, www.trauma2wellbeing.com