Fear is Like Cholesterol

Fear is like cholesterol – we need some, but too much cholesterol and our hearts clog up, and our life energy suffers.  Too much fear and our mind chatter turns irrational or maybe too rational and our nervous systems freeze up.  A healthy nervous system can bounce back, but a weakened system or a dysregulated system hangs on to stress and it gets harder and harder to manage emotions.  In a dysregulated system, there is no buffer zone or window of tolerance and it is easy for fear to rise up again and again. 

                                                                                               

Through my teaching and coaching this week, I met several patients and caregivers trapped in fear cycles.  I talked to them about the self-care and well-being practices that would increase their resiliency.  Life can be hard, but a resilient / healthy nervous system discharges stress and brings us back to balance and flow.  Consider these resiliency practices: move more, eat right, pray / meditate, develop a large network of good friends, and have a purpose in life   meaningful to you.