Reprogramming the Reticular Activating System (RAS) week one
Following the getting back your oomph/energy. The blogs over the next few weeks offer ideas on another step to take on a journey to help restore some balance. To become more aware of the filter we have in our mind, our RAS (Reticular Activation System) and how we can reprogram our filter to look for what is good and where there are opportunities, as well as threats. This video offers more information on the RAS https://www.copescotland.com/resources/introduction-to-the-reticular-activating-system
Our RAS is there to help keep us safe and part of that is recognising threats, so we can deal with them. The challenge is when all we see are threats and we are so overwhelmed by worrying about this; we find we don’t have the energy to deal with them, or, see the opportunities which may improve our life, health and wellbeing.
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the view that people who are optimistic have improved health and wellbeing. So how can we learn to reprogram our filter to help us manage risk and have a more positive outlook? The following tips on being more optimistic and cheerful may be of interest. https://www.copescotland.com/resources/tips-for-optimism and https://www.copescotland.com/resources/tips-to-be-cheerier
This workbook does not replace professional intervention, if you are struggling with your mental wellbeing and need to speak to someone, please do. You matter. This workbook will always be here to return to, or, you can use it as guided self-help with a health professional.
We all have routines; they are the process if you like we go through to perform our habits. Brushing our teeth is a habit. The process we go through to perform this habit is maybe: Flossing, taking out the toothbrush, putting paste on the brush, brushing our teeth, using a mouthwash etc. This is a good habit, one which supports good oral health. However, we can also find we have routines which lead to habits which are less healthy.
Reflection
What habit have you got into which does not support your wellbeing
What daily routines have you got into which does support your wellbeing
Is there anything you want to change?
Be kind to yourself,you matter
Hilda