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Time to Develop Emotional Fitness

Writer's picture: Patricia FaustPatricia Faust


Quite a few years ago I was working as a clinical laboratory technologist. Even though the lab would probably look primitive now compared to the advanced technology of today’s labs, there was one procedure that has stood the test of time. Every test that we performed, every result we reported was done within the parameters of standard operating procedures. This provided continuity from shift to shift and day to day, and technologist to technologist. In this time of coronavirus, labs have been pushed to the limit. But no matter what the circumstances, the testing was completed, and the results reported.


Why do I tell you this story? Right now, we are inundated with problems to solve every day it seems. The circumstances for each problem may be different. But our brain is responsible for finding solutions. How can we ever keep up with the stresses of the day and still be capable of clear thinking? Why do we sometimes divert to an emotional reaction? It may sound silly, but we need to have a plan in place on how to react and move through the more stressful incidents of our lives. There are multiple big ticket stresses that are draining our brains of the energy to think clearly. The more we push to find a solution, the more likely we are to burn out. This is stress in its toxic form. I imagine you are thinking – “great, just great. I recognize that I have a problem that I have to solve but my brain just isn’t working. I feel numb.” Unrelenting stress sabotages our brain. The beauty of how our brain works is lost in the flood of cortisol cascading through our brain and body.


Here’s your plan. No matter how difficult it may be, acknowledge any positives and comment on them. I know it seems that we shouldn’t have to do that. Our brain, however, is always on alert and skews to the negative. As we start noticing positive interactions, we will be training our brain to be more positive. Strengthen your brain. Anything that builds the brain will make a critical difference on how we think and feel.


Because emotions are a reactive response, we need to build emotional fitness. Emotional fitness is the capacity to think on your feet when the ground is crumbling underneath you. Check in with yourself multiple times a day. Acknowledge the emotions and the thoughts that you are experiencing and keep a journal of your ups and downs. This detective work can start to help you pinpoint what is triggering your emotional response. Don’t make your emotions wrong. Our emotions can bring out shame and guilt because we think we shouldn’t feel that way. The moment that we give ourselves permission to feel the emotion that’s the moment we bring light into the darkness. Win the battle in your mind before it becomes real. Most of our fears and stressors are caused by what we think could happen.





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     What's Happening?

2025 has certainly started off with a BANG!  There is significant chaos surrounding the start of now President Trump’s term in office.  He described it as ‘Shock and Awe’.  I would agree with ‘shock’, but I am not in awe of the beginning of his term.  Time will tell how this all plays out.  It does force me to get serious about my meditation practice, however.

Then most of the United States was under, first – severe weather systems and then the incineration of Southern California.  In my particular neck of the woods (Ohio/Indiana border) we had 15 inches of snow, subzero temperatures made even colder by high wind.  My gas and electric bill will be out of this world after this month.  It has been a long time since we have seen this type of weather.  In 1978, we had a blizzard where over 30 inches of snow fell, the Ohio River froze over, and I had a blizzard baby 9 months later (to the day)! Nothing like that this time though!

The natural disasters to hit the US this year have been catastrophic.  There was Hurricane Helene that devastated Florida but also caused so much flooding in the Southeast State of North Carolina that the town of Ashville was left in shambles.  This is a mountain town where you would never expect torrential flooding to occur.  The recovery has been slow, but it is ongoing. 

Los Angeles California is the home of many famous and affluent people.  The Palisades and Malibu are two cities you might have seen on TV shows or in movies.  They are on the Pacific coast and were extremely beautiful.  There is nothing left. The damage is unimaginable.  It is hard to understand how people will bounce back from this.

No matter where you live or are reading this, please keep these communities in your thoughts and prayers.  If possible, check out sources where you may make contributions to their recovery.

On a lighter note, The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will play each other in Super Bowl 59 on February 9 in New Orleans.  These two teams played each other in the 2023 Super Bowl and The Chiefs were the winners.  Grudge match in 2025?  We will see.

Make sure you check out the activities going on at the Virtual Brain Health Center.  Krystal and LeAnne always have a month full of activities, the book club, podcasts and guests who bring their expertise to share.  It is free and is worth checking out.  www.virtualbrainhealthcenter.com

I am available to book speaking engagements for The Boomer Brain and The Inside Workings of the Aging Brain.  All Boomers are feeling brain aging losses – tip-of-the-tongue, lost word, forgetting things and the slow down of processing. Request information and open dates through patricia@myboomerbrain.com.

“Pat has written a comprehensive quide to understanding and navigating the intricacies of cognitive aging. ‘The Boomer Brain’ is a beacon of hope for those seeking to enrich their later years.” Dr. Sarah McKay (Founder of The Neuroscience Academy)

Over the past few years, I have had a friend, Carol Meyer, who has been a part of My Boomer Brain.  Carol has her own publication, InFlow that is published quarterly.  It is amazing.  InFlow Magazine - Your Digital Dose of Inspiration is just that.  She has chosen some of my blogs to publish in InFlow and I am grateful.  She wants me to extend an invitation to look at InFlow for yourself.  Here is the link and access information:

 

https://inflowmagazine.gumroad.com/l/Issue11

Scroll to ‘Name a fair price’                                                                                           Enter ‘0’ in the ‘name a fair price’ field to get it for free

 

 

THANKS for being a part of My Boomer Brain! 

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