Emotional Wellbeing Response

Question #1. Have you ever been in a situation where your perception has been affected by possible low brain function caused by stress? Describe how you felt during this situation and what steps you took to destress.
Yes. In those situations of extreme stress I can feel my mind halting. I am slower to accomplish cognitive tasks, such as recall words and memories, or synthesize information and my whole body tenses up. I used to have panic attacks, but after many years I learned that whatever the stressing event was, it would pass and I would be okay as long as I take one step. Then another. Sometimes it will be a step away from a person or place and the space will allow me to think. Other times it is just a step to get moving and I will begin the most menial of tasks that need accomplishing on my list; often a cleaning task. The movement and sense of accomplishing something brings down my stress level to a point where I can sit and write out steps for how or in what order to tackle the bigger problems.

Question #2. How have you overcome negative thoughts or pessimism?
When I encounter negative thoughts or pessimism, I find that I need to do a reality check. Am I catastrophizing? If I play a tape in my mind and watch the events unfold as I am picturing them, will I not eventually be okay? Will this pass? A strategy for combating negative thoughts that I find to be helpful is picturing whatever is going on happening to a friend or loved one and asking myself what I would say to them. I would be kind. I would be gentle. And I would likely be optimistic. Then I try to say those things to myself instead. Calling a trusted friend to reality check me is another go-to strategy.

Question #3. How can you be more present and intentional in your everyday decision making and activities?
I like to make lists and jot down notes throughout the day. Because time is always short, I do a walking mediation on my commute that focuses on the 5 senses to help ground me in the present. I have an app that has a really great sound meditation where you focus on the sounds around you- one at a time, then let it go. I feel calmer and clearer afterwards which allows me to make better decisions.