02/13/2023
How many times have you heard the phrase "you have to sit with it..."
Honestly, I heard it so many times during my recovery I wanted to punch someone in the face.
We are all raised in a world where it's normalized to escape our feelings...
Everyone is programmed to reach for an instant feel-good mechanism which includes drinking to feel good when experiencing painful emotions.
This is how we become dependent on it...
Want to know what changes in your brain and body when you start the practice of sitting with your emotions vs trying to escape them?
Here are 5 Science-Backed Facts!
Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: By allowing ourselves to experience and process our emotions, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm and regulates the body's stress response.
Increased Release of Oxytocin: Oxytocin, also known as the "feel-good" hormone, is released during emotional processing, helping to reduce stress and promote feelings of comfort and security.
Decreased Activity in the Amygdala: The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for the "fight or flight" response to stress. When we process emotions, the activity in the amygdala decreases, reducing the intensity of the stress response.
Increased Connections in the Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex is responsible for regulating emotions and decision-making. By processing emotions, we can develop stronger connections in the prefrontal cortex, leading to better emotional regulation and decision-making abilities.
Increased Production of Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Processing emotions can increase the production of serotonin, leading to improved mental health.
So in summary...
Sitting with and processing painful emotions can lead to a range of positive changes in the neurochemistry of the brain, helping to regulate the stress response, promote feelings of comfort and security, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental health.
In other words, you don't need anything to feel good, just let the feeling pass and you'll return to normal...
And here's the best part, we have a full-blown community where you can join, break the drinking habit, create a new infrastructure for your AF lifestyle, and then build with a group of others on the same path as you... ALL for just $27/month...
Go to www.mindfullysobercommunity.com