Health and Wellness
Wishing you Joyful Moments this Holiday Season By Judi Magee, Resident since 2014
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t’s the busy holiday season with so many things to do that we often miss the opportunity to enjoy the time. Our brains operate under a negativity bias that holds onto anything unpleasant that happens, to protect us from what might happen in the future. Crowded stores, over-committing, family dynamics, too much to do, and unrealistic expectations all bring a wealth of experiences to dwell on (and on) about in a negative way. Is there a way or override our thinking and re-train our brains to focus more on the joyful moments? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to learn and change itself. Repeated and prolonged positive experiences can change the way the brain works. Dr. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and neuropsychologist is a leader in this field and states, “There’s an expression in neuroscience: Neurons that fire together wire together.” So all those cycles you spend in replaying everything that went wrong or might go wrong, become well-worn paths in your brain, but by bringing your awareness to present joyful moments, and savoring those moments, for at least ten seconds, new patterns or pathways are created.
Dr. Hanson suggests that, “The remedy is not to suppress negative experiences; when they happen, they happen. Rather, it is to foster positive experiences—and in particular, to take them in so they become a permanent part of you.” So this holiday season stay present and look for the joyful moments that capture your mind and heart, then pause, breathe and savor the moment. Happy Holidays! Resource Hanson, Rick (2009) Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
Judi Magee
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a Masters in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
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Magazine wants to Sponsor Your Next Event As Here’s a few of the events we have sponsored over the past year: Aloha Kiss Fundraising Golf Tournament
Friends of Camp Concord Golf Tournament
Animal Rescue Foundation
Gianni’s Italian Bistro Tips for Change Fundraisers
Concours d’Elegance Danville Hot Summer Sunday Car Show Devil Mountain Run
(925) 449-1203
Discover Counseling Center’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament
Horses Healing Hearts Invest in Hope Golf Fundraiser Northgate High School Football Golf Fundraiser Swim with Mike Fundraiser
Discovery Counseling Center Have an event you want us to sponsor? Email jpeek@ bestversionmedia.com for more information.
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