Vagus Nerve Stimulation using Neuvana’s patented headphones showed improved speed and accuracy when learning Mandarin ChinesePalm Beach, Fla. – Monday, January 11, 2021 – A recent study conducted by teams at the University of Maryland and Walter Reed Medical Center showed language learning advantages with tVNS (transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation), including up to a 30% increase in accuracy and recall for some subjects. Numerous studies have shown that tVNS can improve memory, focus and auditory processing. The researchers tested the potential benefits of using tVNS in learning a second language. Their study involved English-speaking participants, using Xen by Neuvana’ s headphones to deliver tVNS through the left ear. The University of Maryland and Walter Reed teams performed this research under a grant from DARPA, the Defense Department’s research and emerging tech branch. The goal of DARPA’s 4-year long Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) program is to explore various safe neurostimulation methods for activating synaptic (nerve) plasticity. Increased neuroplasticity is the mechanism by which the brain forms new connections and is a requirement for learning. These findings show that tVNS has the potential to accelerate and facilitate language learning. The results of the study were published in the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics in June 2020. Eighty-three native English-speaking participants received tVNS with language training to determine whether tVNS allowed them to better recognize and recall Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese, unlike English, is a tonal language in which the meaning of a word changes based on voice inflection or tone. The study was double-blind design; participants and session proctors were unaware of tVNS group assignments, administered over a two-day period, with several training sessions occurring during that time. Even after only one day of training, tVNS using Xen’s technology had positive effects on word learning as measured by recognition and recall tests. During the recall test consisting of nine trials, participants were presented one of nine previously identified Mandarin pseudowords and instructed to type the correct English translation of the Mandarin syllable on a keyboard. The study results showed that tVNS participants exhibited learning advantages, including up to a 30% increase in accuracy and recall. According to the study, “these results and the previous literature suggest that neurostimulation, when paired with behavioral language learning approaches may provide a much needed boost for adult language learners to overcome inherent difficulty in learning a second language.” A similar study by the University of Pittsburgh, using a laboratory-made earpiece, further supports these findings. Those that received tVNS stimulation “exhibited a better trial-by-trial improvement than the Control group.” The researchers postulated that “tVNS can be used to accelerate speech perceptual learning in humans in a highly specific manner.” “The benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation are being increasingly recognized and realized, both in the laboratory and across society. The findings by these premier institutions show the potential for tVNS to facilitate global communication through improved language learning,” said Dr. Richard Cartledge, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and inventor of Xen by Neuvana. “These studies strongly support the role of tVNS in improved focus, cognition, recall, and recognition. Best of all, you can now do this at home with Xen.” These findings have the potential to change and accelerate the way we communicate globally; land barriers no longer have to be language barriers. Improved language learning has the potential to achieve faster, more efficient results for government officials traveling abroad, corporations with global offices, and any executives or teams who conduct business overseas. Xen by NeuvanaNeuvana – a team of physicians, seasoned engineers and wellness practitioners – has found a way to bring the calming effects of VNS through Xen – a new wellness device that safely and gently tones the vagus nerve for better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced focus, and better memory. Xen by Neuvana works by sending a gentle, calming electrical signal via patented headphones to the part of the vagus nerve located in the ear. This promotes relaxation during any activity – even while social distancing – like working from home, after a yoga session, reading a book to the kids before bed, or listening to music. Regular use delivers maximum benefits, often with just two 15-20-minute sessions a day. Xen by Neuvana is available for order today with an optional monthly premium app fee of $3.99. All users will receive a 60-day free trial of the premium app, which includes additional waveforms and signals. Media members interested in more information or executive interviews may contact [email protected]. Press kit can be found here. Detailed feature and tech spec list can be found here. This product is for healthy users interested in improving their general wellness. Individual results may vary. Neuvana offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if not fully satisfied. ### About Neuvana LLC.Neuvana is a South Florida-based brand at the intersection of wellness and technology, continually striving to improve people’s lives through accessible Neuroscience. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Richard Cartledge, an avid inventor and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the company is made up of physicians, intellectual property experts, engineers, experienced business professionals and a world-class scientific advisory board with a shared goal: a platform to make the wellness benefits of neuroscience safe, easy and accessible to everyone. from https://neuvanalife.com/university-of-maryland-study-finds-neuvana-technology-helps-language-learning-in-adults/
0 Comments
2020 has been a year filled with an overwhelming abundance of stress for just about everyone. Bills have been piling up, isolation has brought on a lot of loneliness, and uncertainty continues to loom. As this stress builds up from various sources, it becomes a part of your allostatic load which can ultimately have a big impact on your health. Is that a foreign term to you? Don’t worry–we’ll start with the basics! We’ll also discuss what exactly that impact looks like and if you should really be concerned about it. What is Allostatic Load?While we’re all familiar with what stress is, the term can be quite general as it doesn’t explain just how severe the stress may be. It also doesn’t explain how the body handles stressful situations. The term ‘allostasis’ was introduced to better explain the active process by which our bodies answer to the things that happen each day. At the same time, how it maintains balanced levels. Allostasis refers to the body’s ability to stay stable amidst the changes it endures. Allostatic load then refers to the wear and tear on the body that results from too much stress or poor management of allostasis. Poor management means failing to turn off the response when it’s no longer required. As your body stays in this constant state of anticipated stress, it creates a load on the body’s system. You’ve probably guessed this by now, but this load of stress can have negative mental and physical effects on the body. Types of Allostatic LoadThere are various types of allostatic load which can have mental and physical effects on a person. Factors that contribute to allostatic load:
These types of allostatic load involve an individual not turning on the proper response to begin with, or not adjusting to the recurrence of the same stressor. This ends up having a negative effect on allostatic response. Ultimately, protection and damage are the two opposing sides of how the body works to defend against the challenges we face each and every day. Regardless of if we consider them to be stressful or not. Allostatic overload takes place because of the cumulative effects of the body’s physiological stress response. In turn, this can have a negative effect on your body, including long-term health problems, disease or even death. The Effects of Allostatic Load on HealthAs we explore allostatic load in a deeper sense, you quickly become aware that it comes with negative consequences. Here are some of those potential mental and physical consequences. Cardiovascular DiseasesAllostatic load has been linked to an increased risk in cardiovascular diseases. This most commonly includes ischemic heart disease, coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. Those with allostatic load also report lower levels of well-being in their daily lives. Gynecology and ObstetricsChronic stress and allostatic load have been known to be present in early pregnancy, which suggests an association with preeclampsia. Allostatic load has also been known to have effects on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Musculoskeletal DisordersLower spine bone mineral density has been associated with high allostatic load levels. Lower neck strength has also been known to be affected by an increase in allostatic load. DiabetesDiabetics have shown to have higher allostatic load levels and display a disruption in their responses to stress. A higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate all can result from an increase in allostatic load. CancerThis study found that women with breast cancer had elevated basal cortisol levels and higher allostatic load. Other cancer studies have also reported that allostatic load levels improved in correlation with affective symptoms and quality of life. Mood and Anxiety DisordersDepressive and anxiety systems are also linked to allostatic load. High allostatic load has also been associated with depression among various groups. Psychotic DisordersPsychotic disorders such as schizophrenia have been linked to allostatic load in previous studies. Higher levels of allostatic load have also been known to be found in patients during their initial psychotic episode. Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderNo matter what type of trauma it is, allostatic load can have an effect on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. This could be early childhood trauma, pregnancy trauma, and more. How to Reduce Allostatic LoadIf you’re experiencing chronic stress and heavy allostatic load, you’ll want to do everything you can to reduce it. While allostatic load will not always result in the most extreme consequences, the health effects can still be very serious. Now that we’ve discussed the toll an increased allostatic load can take, let’s go over four useful ways to reduce it. 1. Lean on Your Social CircleYour social connections can make an incredible difference in your ability to reduce allostatic load. Even though social distancing protocols have made it more difficult to spend time with the people we care about, it can be necessary for reducing stress. Try to keep up with text messages and regular video calls in order to stay connected. Outdoor visits are also a great option! 2. Keep up With a Healthy RoutineA healthy routine can make a big difference in our ability to deal with stressful situations mentally. Physical stress actually ends up helping with the reduction of mental stress. That’s because exercise helps reduce the body’s stress hormones while also promoting endorphin production. (By the way, we talk more about allostasis, the HPA axis, and stress hormones in this post) Endorphins work as a natural mood booster and allow you to enter into a happier state. Sometimes even just 10 minutes of exercise in a day can make a big difference to your mental and physical health. 3. Practice MeditationLearning how to meditate could be just what you need to help reduce stress as well as allostatic load. As you practice meditation more and more, it becomes easier to maintain the habit and build resilience to stress over time. Meditation can help transform how a person experiences and deals with the stress in their life. As you become more mindful and aware, your stress levels start to lower. You can learn more about getting started with meditation with this simple five minute meditation. 4. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Allostatic LoadVagus nerve stimulation can effectively reduce stress, and therefore lessen the likelihood of a high allostatic load–it helps balance the nervous system and promotes the relaxation response. These effects can help with anything from your mood and calmness to digestion and sleep. Stress and allostatic load are specifically managed by VNS as the vagus nerve tells the body to relax. This takes place with the release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help balance out the stress release hormone released by the sympathetic nervous system. (We talk more about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in this blog post.) Xen by NeuvanaFor many people, one of the most effective and minimally invasive ways to stimulate the vagus nerve is with Xen by Neuvana. This technology makes it easier than ever to stimulate the vagus nerve from the comfort of your own home. Simply pair the Xen by Neuvana headphones with the Neuvana app on your smartphone and allow the left earbud to transmit a gentle electrical signal. This signal can stimulate and, in turn, strengthen and tone the vagus nerve. The best part is, you can even listen to your favorite songs with the headphones and stimulate the vagus nerve all at the same time. With use overtime, Xen can reduce the impact of stress and lighten the weight of allostasis. If you would like to learn more about Xen by Neuvana, be sure to read through our FAQs page. You’re better prepared to manage stress when you understand it! If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read these posts:
from https://neuvanalife.com/how-do-stress-allostatic-load-affect-my-health/ Stress can quickly become the culprit for ruining your holidays when it’s not properly managed which is why the holidays are such a common time to seek out tips for coping with it. Entertaining guests, shopping for the perfect gifts, worrying about money, and cooking the perfect holiday meal can all make for a stressful time. Not to mention the added pressures of our current world dealing with COVID-19. Top Tips for Coping with Holiday StressRather than taking the brunt of the ‘holiday blues,’ be proactive with these tips for coping with stress over the holidays. You’ll be able to better manage the stress that goes along with the holidays and maybe even start to enjoy them! Recognize What You’re FeelingA big part of managing your stress is recognizing exactly what it is you’re feeling. If something traumatic has happened in your life, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with sadness or grief. Recognize that it’s okay to have these feelings and that it’s perfectly normal to express them as well. Just because it’s the holiday season, it doesn’t mean that your feelings should take the back burner. Try to understand where they are coming from so that you can better know how to manage them moving forward. Learn more about navigating emotional hardship in this post. Be Truthful with YourselfOne of our best tips for coping with holiday stress is be truthful with yourself. The holidays are going to look different each year, and this year more than ever, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations. As time goes on, family members grow up and certain traditions will fade. Allow yourself to let go of some of those traditions and learn to enjoy the ones that stay. Sometimes change just means being adaptable, as well. Rather than dwelling on the fact that a certain family member won’t be home for the holidays, find ways to reach them. A video call or recorded video can go a long way when it comes to feeling close and keeping tradition alive. Your ability to adapt is closely related with resilience. We share six ways you can build emotional resiliency in this post. Take a Step BackA lot of holiday stress comes from the big expectations that go along with it. Consider which activities you can do without for the year, or think about how you can do them on a smaller scale. For example, maybe you usually bake a box of holiday cookies for everyone in the neighborhood each Christmas. This year, consider making a smaller batch for just you and your family to enjoy. Chances are your neighbors won’t mind and your mental health will thank you. It is top priority after all! Set Priorities and Make a ScheduleWith so many ‘to-dos’ it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Think about what holiday activities are most important to you and which ones have the most positive impact on your life. Remember: anything that doesn’t have a positive impact on your life is most likely an activity you can do without. Pick your favorites and enjoy those the most!You might also put all of those priorities into a schedule to see if you might be spreading yourself too thin. Sometimes bouncing from one activity right to the next can take away from your ability to enjoy them. Eliminate the less important holiday activities and take your time with the ones you choose to prioritize. Take Deep BreathsAlthough this might seem like one of the more obvious tips for coping with stress, deep breaths can make a huge difference. Taking a deep breath allows your body to receive the oxygen that it needs to function. This then helps to reduce your negative stress. (We talk more about the different types of stress in this article) Try to imagine taking in deep breaths of peacefulness and breathing out all of your negative stress. A complete breathing meditation can also be great for taking this coping technique further. Set a Budget and Stick to itIf the majority of your stress is coming from financial reasons, then it’s important to set a budget for spending over the holidays. Gifts, food, and activities can add up quicker than you might think! Decide how much money you can afford to spend and write out a budget for each element of the holidays. Things you might do to cut costs are homemade gifts, a secret Santa gift exchange, or completing volunteer work in place of gifts. Stick to Healthy HabitsThe holidays are a time where many throw out their healthy habits for copious amounts of food and relaxation. While it’s certainly great to relax over the holidays, it’s always best to keep up with healthy habits. Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast, getting your workout in, or even going for a daily walk can make all the difference for how you feel. Use Stress Management ToolsSometimes incorporating a stress management tool into your routine is the best way to cope with stress over the holidays. Xen by Neuvana is a fantastic tool that can help with stress management. It works to relieve stress and promote emotional stability through vagus nerve stimulation. Mild electrical pulses follow the beat of your music and stimulate the vagus nerve. Then, this sends messages to the brain to generate calming sensations in the body and allows you to enter into a relaxed state. That’s right: vagus nerve stimulation can make holiday stress more manageable and helps your body to recover from stressful events! Take Control and Enjoy Your HolidaysIt’s likely you won’t be able to tackle all of your holiday stress overnight. But with these tips for coping, you can certainly get a good start! Always think about what brings you the most happiness over the holidays and try to get the most out of those particular moments. It could be baking cookies with your child, or going on a walk surrounded by the fresh winter air. Whatever it is, focus in on it and try to enjoy the time you have with family and friends. If you’re looking to try out Xen by Neuvana to help with stress management you can explore the entire collection here. You can also browse some of our FAQs to learn more. If you liked this post, we have three more that we think you’ll enjoy:
from https://neuvanalife.com/tips-for-coping-with-holiday-stress/ You wake up in the morning knowing full well that you have a big day to conquer. There’s just one problem – you didn’t get a good sleep! How exactly are you meant to take on a hectic day with tiredness looming over your every move? It’s time to work on getting a better night’s sleep! The quality of your sleep is just as important as getting consistent exercise and eating healthy foods to nourish the body. Without it, you can experience weight gain, an increased risk in disease, or even negative effects on your brain function and hormones. A better night’s sleep could be the answer to a healthier life all around. A Better Night’s Sleep for Your HealthIn order to contribute to your health, you need to set yourself up for a relaxing sleep that will renew the body each and every night. Without it, your energy is likely to take a generous dip during the day. This dip in energy has a direct effect on your ability to be productive, manage your emotions and more. We’ve rounded up our top tips for providing a better night’s sleep. You’ll be well on your way to enjoying a good night’s sleep and making the most out of your day in no time! Create a Sleep ScheduleGetting into a rhythm when it comes to your sleep schedule, is a great way to create consistency. Set yourself a bedtime for each night and then a time to get up at the same time each morning. Following a consistent schedule helps your body’s circadian rhythm to function on a set loop. This helps it to align with sunrise and sunset, and aid in long-term sleep quality. Staying up late or sleeping in on the weekends can make it more difficult for your body to adjust to your weekday schedule. Follow a proper schedule for a better night’s sleep and to wake up more easily in the morning. Ensure You’re Getting Proper ExerciseExercise is key in improving your health and getting a better night’s sleep. With even just 20 minutes of exercise a day, sleep can be enhanced as symptoms of insomnia are reduced. It’s important to know however, that exercising too late in the day can have negative effects on your ability to fall asleep. This is because exercise brings on stimulatory effects that increase hormones like adrenaline. Try to get your exercise in at least 5 to 6 hours before bedtime and you’ll be well on your way to a good night’s sleep! Consider Your Light ExposureIt’s helpful to surround yourself with bright lights during the day. Natural sunlight helps to keep your circadian rhythm healthy which contributes to your energy level throughout the day. It can also help with your sleep quality and duration. Try to give yourself time in the sun each day, or use artificial bright light devices to get the proper amount of light exposure. Use Technology to Wind DownTechnology may be your best bet for winding down at the end of a hectic day. One of the most innovative technologies that you can use to help your wind down is through vagus nerve stimulation with Neuvana’s Xen headphones. The headphones work to deliver electrical signals to your vagus nerve so you can receive vagus nerve stimulation. This stimulation helps you to calm down and recover from stress, which ultimately leads to a good night’s sleep. Even better, Xen headphones are non-invasive and easy to use right before you drift off to sleep. You can learn more about how to stimulate the vagus with Neuvana’s Xen headphones for a better night’s sleep here. A Healthy Diet for a Better Night’s SleepThe foods and drinks that you put into your body can have a major influence on the quality of your sleep. Try to cut back on sugary foods and refined carbs during the day as they can stimulate wakefulness in the evening. You should also try to avoid consuming big meals in the evening. Bigger meals can take a long time to digest, which keeps the body awake as you are trying to fall asleep. Try not to eat late in the evening as much as possible as it can affect the quality of your sleep. It is also known to negatively affect the natural release of melatonin and HGH. (Learn more about the best foods to eat for a better night’s sleep here) Avoid Caffeine and AlcoholAs you probably know, caffeine is a stimulant which works to keep you awake. For those with sleep problems, it should be avoided, especially during the day. Keep in mind, there is caffeine in foods and beverages other than coffee. These include soft drinks, chocolate, non-herbal teas, and more. Alcohol is also known to take away from quality sleep as it keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep. Adjust Your Sleep EnvironmentWhen you follow a sleep routine and set up your sleep environment, the body is better signaled and can start to wind down. Try to limit noise by closing your windows and doors, or wearing ear plugs. You might also try using a fan or sound machine to mask outside noises. Ensure that your room is as dark as possible with a blackout window blind and turn off or block artificial light such as your alarm clock. Set the Temperature for a Better Night’s SleepIt’s common for many people to sleep better in a slightly cooled room. In fact, studies have shown temperature can affect your sleep even more than noise. When your bedroom is too hot, it’s not likely that you will be able to get a comfortable sleep. Turn the temperature down to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and get cozy! Try a Relaxing Bath or ShowerAnother great way to wind down and relax the body at the end of a long day is with a bath or shower. Surrounding yourself with warm water for 1-2 hours before bed helps to stimulate a deeper sleep. It also helps to relax your mood and better prepare you for the sleep ahead. Set Yourself up with Maximum ComfortYour bed, pillow, and mattress are important to the overall quality of your sleep. If your bed or bedding is older than 5-8 years, then it is likely time for a new set! Be sure to do your research and find out what quality is going to be best for your unique needs. The Next Step Towards a Better Night’s SleepIt may take some trial and error to figure out which of these tips are going to help you achieve a better night’s sleep. The key is consistently making your sleep a top priority until it becomes a natural part of your everyday life. If you have other questions about using Xen by Neuvana, be sure to check out our FAQ page where we go over how to use the headphones and more! You can also shop the entire Xen by Neuvana collection here. from https://neuvanalife.com/our-tops-tips-for-providing-a-better-nights-sleep/ What could be better than great food with friends and family, and giving thanks for the things we are fortunate enough to have? While there’s no doubt that there are a lot of things to love about the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s normal to feel like you need to hit the refresh button on your Thanksgiving plans. And there’s no question this Thanksgiving will look a lot different than last year or any other year, in fact. Around the country, many families might not be able to celebrate the holiday face-to-face like they used to. Maybe you’re feeling the stress that the holidays bring along with them. Or perhaps you’re looking to make the day more memorable. But no matter what your reasoning may be, we’re here to give you six alternative Thanksgiving plans to try this year. You’ll be left feeling more excited, and maybe even a little more relaxed as you enjoy the celebrations, no matter how they look this year. Switch up Your ThemeNaturally, Thanksgiving is the common theme for the holiday. But mixing it up can make a huge difference to the excitement around it. Forget limiting yourself to traditions and incorporate something new! You might try mixing up the menu by serving something like a taco feast or a build your own pizza night. Get creative with your combinations and add in some interesting desserts. Everyone in your “social bubble” can dress up according to the theme and change out your usual decorations for something new. Each year might even have a different theme so that the ideas never get tired and guests are kept on their toes. You’ll get to experience cooking all different types of cuisines from around the world and expand your expertise in the kitchen. Add Exercise into Your Thanksgiving PlansOne of the last things you’re likely to associate with your Thanksgiving plans is exercise. While it seems like an unlikely duo, it can actually be a great combination! We all know how the usual Thanksgiving Day goes – you spend it cooking or waiting for the food to be ready, and then you indulge. It’s common to be left feeling lethargic from your food coma and sitting around throughout the day. Break up the day with some movement in order to help avoid those lethargic feelings. It can also be great to make this into a group activity where everyone can get some exercise in before sitting down to enjoy a nice meal. If you can’t be indoors with people who don’t live in the same household, why not meet them for a walk outside in the fresh air? It’s a safer way to spend time together while also keeping active! You might even participate in a run to help raise funds for a certain cause. You will feel great both from getting exercise and from your efforts in helping others. Modernize Your RecipesThere’s nothing more predictable on Thanksgiving than the food. The classic turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy have been done more times than you can count! Why not add a modern twist to the classics and get excited about something new? You might switch out the turkey for meatballs or regular mashed potatoes into a scalloped potato layered cake. The possibilities are endless which means this is your chance to get creative. Check out these 50 Modern Thanksgiving Recipes to Cure You of Any Holiday Fatigue. Make the Cooking a Team ActivityIt might feel natural for one or two volunteers to take on the bulk of the cooking while others simply get to relax and enjoy. Relieve those individuals of the stresses of cooking by making it into a team activity. (Take a look at this post for more tips for dealing with unwanted stress!) Getting friends and family who are in your social bubble involved with the cooking process is a great way to bond over a group project and celebrate the holiday. Throw on some music and divide tasks up based on everyone’s strengths in the kitchen. You’re guaranteed to be laughing and making new memories in no time! If you’re unable to celebrate with your friends and family in person, consider setting up a video call so you can still interact while you prepare or enjoy your Thanksgiving meal! Get Out of TownIt’s possible you’re feeling that Thanksgiving all together isn’t enough to excite you or destress you, even with changing up your plans. Think outside the box and consider taking your family or a group of friends on a little vacation to a nearby, safe place. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to hit that reset button. This year especially, hotels and resorts are offering Thanksgiving specials to give you the chance to take a back seat and enjoy. Use this time to give gratitude to the things you are thankful for and take some well-deserved time off. Reset Your Intentions Behind the HolidayIf you had to sit back and think about it, what would you say the true intentions are behind making Thanksgiving plans? It’s more than likely you think of getting loved ones together or taking the time to give thanks. The true meaning behind the holiday isn’t about ensuring the turkey is perfectly cooked or the table settings are picture-perfect. Remember the true intentions behind your Thanksgiving plans! Try to let go of the stress that goes along with making it perfect. Tackle Stressful Thanksgiving Plans Once and For AllResetting your intentions is a great way to help yourself let go of unnecessary stress. If you’re looking for a unique way to manage holiday stress, we encourage you to give the Xen by Neuvana Headphones a try. Do away with stress and promote a healthy holiday season by learning more about this revolutionary product here. from https://neuvanalife.com/6-alternative-thanksgiving-plans-to-try-this-year/ At the end of the day we all want the same thing, don’t we? A happy life filled with love, laughter, health, and stability. While this might be the most basic way to explain what we’re all really after, it’s inherently what we seek as humans. We take active steps throughout our lives to achieve this idea of happiness. But what if one of the most powerful steps you could take was giving yourself a second to recognize what you currently have? The neuroscience of gratitude might just be more powerful than you think. What is gratitude?Simply put, gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what you currently have. It does not include monetary worth, but rather is a clear affirmation of goodness. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion commonly expressed through simple messages in which we say thanks. It’s associated with happiness as it brings on feelings of gratification and encouragement, and helps to strengthen personal relationships. When you express gratitude, you bring on feelings of pleasure for both you and the people around you. This has a major influence on other aspects of our lives as anxiety and stress are reduced, and we become better equipped to deal with challenges. The Neuroscience of GratitudeIt turns out that gratitude goes as far as to influence neural mechanisms. Studies show that those who put effort into counting their blessings are both happier and less depressed. And these feelings associated with gratitude are evoked in the right anterior temporal cortex. Expressions of gratitude are received by the brain and allow it to release serotonin and dopamine. These feel good neurotransmitters put us in a better mood and increase our overall happiness. Gratitude and its Effect on AnxietyPracticing gratitude can have a direct effect on anxiety, which is produced as a part of the fight or flight response. When we feel danger coming on, our body releases hormones that increase adrenaline and encourage us to make a quick decision (fight or flight). This does not leave the brain with substantial time to analyze the situation, and make a proper decision. As anxiety worsens, many will start to feel insecure, which leads to the inability to cope with stressful situations. Practicing gratitude can help to offset this with positive psychology. It’s possible to train the brain to actively produce positive emotions and therefore reduce overall anxiety. From a neurobiological standpoint, gratitude helps to regulate the sympathetic nervous system which in turn regulates anxiety. It’s important to know that anxiety can lead to long-term chronic stress, which comes with many unwanted consequences. (You can learn more about these long-term consequences here.) Neuroscience of Gratitude: GriefWhile it may sound incredibly difficult, expressions of gratitude can actually help when it comes to coping with grief. Finding hope in bad times is made possible when we can make sense of the past and move forward from it. We can help ourselves to move forward and create a better tomorrow. Gratitude opens the door to us being able to appreciate the things that we do have, even in times of loss. While it may seem unnatural, do your best to feel grateful for all that is still good in your life. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean that you need to entirely move on from your grief. Rather, you should seek to find positivity where you can and when possible. Ways to Make the Most of the Neuroscience of GratitudeRecognizing the neuroscience of gratitude and actively taking steps to practice it, whether it be every day, or only once in a while, can help significantly in the long run. Gratitude can help when taking steps towards living a happier life, while also helping to manage things such as anxiety and grief. It’s important to incorporate the practice of gratitude into our everyday lives. Here are some ways to make the most of the neuroscience of gratitude, both big and small. Keep a Gratitude JournalKeeping a gratitude journal is the perfect way to hold yourself accountable for practicing gratitude. Whether it’s a journal specifically designed for recording gratitude, or a simple piece of paper, recording your thoughts can help you to express all that you are grateful for. Keep your journal visible so that you are reminded to use it regularly. Try to develop a consistent schedule for writing – even if it is only a few minutes a day. Always be intentional with your gratitude journal and continuously think about what you are hoping to gain from it. (Don’t miss even more tips for keeping a gratitude journal in this post!) Make an Effort to Make Others Feel GoodIt could be writing a positive review for a business, or complimenting someone. Whatever your tactic may be, making others feel good is a fantastic way to express gratitude. Your actions will not only make them feel good, but they will make you feel good as well. Spreading positivity is a sure way to express yourself and increase happiness for everyone. Take Time for ReflectionWhether it’s right when you wake up, or right before you go to sleep at night, make sure that you set aside time to reflect and think about something or someone you’re thankful for. Consider something you’re thankful for when it comes to work, family, or friends. It could even simply be your ability to breathe and move. Keep a gratitude list of these things that you can use to reflect on when times become difficult or when you need the motivation to put yourself in a more positive mood. Use Relaxation Techniques and TechnologyOne of the most innovative ways to help yourself relax and set aside time to practice gratitude is with Neuvana’s Xen headphones. As a wellness product, it’s designed to help improve focus, boost your mood, and reduce stress. A calming electrical signal via patented earbuds targets a branch of the vagus nerve in the ear, bringing you balance and relaxation. When you enter into this state, you’re better equipped to focus on expressions of gratitude. Utilize Your Phone for GratitudeSurprisingly, your phone is a great tool for practicing gratitude in your day to day life. Set a reminder for yourself at a certain time of day. Use this time to take a minute to think about what you’re most grateful for. You can also use social media to post about what you’re grateful for and spread positivity. There are also many gratitude apps which can be great for recording your gratitude list or creating collages with pictures of the people, places, and things you’re most grateful for. Using the Neuroscience of Gratitude to Create a Happier LifeFinding ways to express gratitude is undoubtedly important, but not every way is going to work for everyone. Take the time to figure out which form of gratitude expression fits best with your lifestyle and your needs. Then, make the effort to make it a part of your life. If you’re interested in trying out Xen by Neuvana as a part of your practice, you can explore the entire collection here. You can also discover more about what it feels like to use Xen headphones with the Xen by Neuvana technology on our FAQ page. Did you learn a lot about this post on the neuroscience of gratitude? Here are three more articles you can’t miss:
from https://neuvanalife.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude-how-it-affects-anxiety-grief/ This month, we’re focusing particularly on emotional wellness. To start off, we’re discussing the stress management tips specifically geared toward healthcare workers. It’s true: stress management is a necessity for just about everyone right now. We’re dealing with great change in the world, and doing everything we can to adapt to new stresses. But this stress is often even more relevant to healthcare workers as they are faced with worried patients and families and the responsibility of the health of others. Whether it’s a high intensity life-or-death situation or more simple prescription fill, all healthcare workers are faced with stress. This means stress management is particularly important to workers in this industry as their own emotional wellness is essential to taking care of others. Understanding Stress Management in the Healthcare IndustryStress is something to which healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable. Understandably, this greatly increases their chances of becoming overwhelmed. Their situation is different than most, which means that the approach to managing stress will be different too. Healthcare workers are known to work extended shifts and have demanding work schedules. This often leads to a lack of self-care or little connection to their support network. Not to mention a major lack of sleep! One thing that healthcare workers also experience which is commonly overlooked, is that they are constantly restricted by protective equipment. This makes it hard to stay comfortable and can take a physical toll on them. Concern for their own health in the midst of others can also become overwhelming, along with the need to make quick adjustments and adapt to new situations. The unique circumstances of healthcare workers make them susceptible to higher levels of stress. How to Approach Stress ManagementIf you’re a healthcare worker, what exactly can you do to better manage your stress and effectively maintain emotional wellness? Let’s discuss some options! Stay in tune with your feelingsThe best way to get started on dealing with stress is to understand your feelings around it. Monitor yourself for spikes in overwhelming feelings and remind yourself that those feelings are normal – especially during difficult times. While some stress is helpful in keeping you energized and on your toes, excessive stress can start to take a toll on your mental health. Try not to suppress your feelings about stress, but rather, use those feelings as indicators that it may be time to take a step back. It may even be traumatic stress that is surfacing during unexpected times. Avoid ignoring those feelings and use them as motivation to take action in managing them. Discover where the issue is rootedOnce you recognize your feelings around stress and they start to surface, it will be important to get to the root of the issue. Perhaps it’s the uncertainty of what’s to come. Maybe it’s something more specific like an unhappy or ill patient under your care. When you get a clear picture of what it is that is impacting you, you can then start to figure out ways to deal with your situation. Ignoring the issue altogether will only make things worse in the long run. This is why it’s essential to pinpoint it and deal with it head on. Oftentimes it’s even doing just the smallest things to look after yourself that can make all the difference to your overall stress levels. (Keep reading for some specific ideas!) Discuss your stress with others out loudWhen you hold in your feelings, it’s easy for them to pile on and eventually lead to an outburst of emotions. Discuss your stress with others that you trust to get those feelings off your chest. Your support system can also be incredibly valuable in helping you to talk through the situation at hand. They might even help you get to the root of the problem. Their insights provide you with possible solutions for how you can better manage your stress whether or not they are also in the healthcare industry. Fight compassion fatigueCompassion fatigue is the stress that goes along with caring too much about a particular situation. It is incredibly relevant to healthcare workers as they care so much about their patients and become involved in their lives through their stories and seeing their pain. In these cases, healthcare workers will experience empathy and start to take on similar emotions to their patients. This then starts to take a toll on their emotional wellbeing. Compassion fatigue can be fought by doing away with feelings of self-blame and guilt. Growing your support system and participating in the community are also useful in this type of situation. Practice self-careEven when it feels like the last thing you should be doing is practicing self-care, it’s important to always make it a priority. Why? Simply because the little things that you do for yourself can make a big difference in your overall stress levels. If you don’t take care of your own basic physical and mental health needs, then you will not be properly equipped to look after the needs of others. Take time to read, listen to music, take a bubble bath – whatever it is that is going to make you feel good. A minute to yourself is a productive minute gained to help others. Speaking of music, it is a powerful tool when it comes to self-care and stress relief. Learn all about it here. Learn to balance a healthy lifestyleThey say ‘it’s all about balance’, but there’s something about that rule that often gets missed when it comes to healthcare workers. Your schedule and tasks can be incredibly demanding which means that work life balance is a lot harder to achieve. A healthy lifestyle requires eating well and looking after your body, and is the key to maintaining balance. Always make sure to get enough exercise and that you’re eating enough nutritious food. Sometimes even getting a bit of fresh air can mean all the difference to your health. Is workplace stress starting to tip the scale? It may be time to allow yourself some time off. Take those vacation days if you can! If not, it’s okay to take mental health and wellness days when you need to. Eliminate unhealthy coping strategiesThere are many things that may feel like they are helping you, when in reality, they’re only setting you back. Things like consuming alcohol or smoking are unhealthy coping strategies that only make things worse in the long run. These things can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health, which is really the last thing you need when it comes to managing your stress! Put these coping strategies aside and think about what healthier options are available to you. Tools for Stress ManagementIf you’re a healthcare worker, these tips could mean all the difference to your emotional wellness and how you approach stress management. As you navigate different techniques to stress management, it’s likely that you will find some are more effective than others. What gives one healthcare worker stress relief might not work for the next. The key is staying persistent! If you’re looking for another unique and effective way to manage stress, we encourage you to give the Xen by Neuvana Headphones a try. It’s well accepted that stress in healthcare workers has negative health effects on the body. Xen by Neuvana helps to relieve this stress and promote emotional wellness through VNS waveforms. Research suggests the type of stimulation Xen provides may improve sleep, reduce stress, boost your mood and help to support emotional wellness. Individual results may vary. Learn more about this revolutionary product here. from https://neuvanalife.com/stress-management-tips-for-healthcare-workers/ Music has always found a way to soothe, comfort, inspire, and motivate countless people around the world. For this reason, it is no surprise that listening to music can provide a wealth of beneficial health benefits. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve that consists of a branch that goes to the tympanic membrane or eardrum and other parts of the body. This branch of the vagus nerve vibrates in response to sound. Here 2 ways listening to a certain type of music can affect the vagus nerve and how it will benefit you. Heal Naturally With MusicOne way listening to music can affect the vagus nerve is that the sounds you hear from music will provide you a way to heal naturally. The vagus nerve interferes with the parasympathetic control of the lungs, heart, and digestive tract. This means when you listen to a specific type of music that affects the vagus nerve, it will help relax your body or put your body into relaxation states to help you heal naturally. Vagus Nerve StimulationListening to a certain type of music that affects the vagus nerve can provide your body with stimulation. As mentioned, the vagus nerve interferes with the parasympathetic control of the heart and digestive tract. Listening to a certain type of music that affects the vagus nerve will benefit you as it can lower your heart rate while increasing intestinal activity. Music for the Vagus NervePerhaps you are thrilled and are now searching for vagus nerve music to take advantage of the health benefits it may offer by listening to it. Visit Neuvana. They offer their unique line of products that can increase your overall wellness. So, when searching for a highly knowledgeable and experienced company that offers vagus nerve music, they are the ones you should visit. Call or visit them at https://neuvanalife.com today. If you liked this blog, you may also like these Neuvana blogs: from https://neuvanalife.com/2-ways-music-can-affect-the-vagus-nerve-and-its-benefits-in-fl/ Most of us appreciate that learning a second language is difficult and only gets harder as we get older. Try to imagine learning Mandarin Chinese from scratch…in your later years. The secret is something called neuroplasticity, which allows your brain to learn new things but also learn them faster. Knowing that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) studies have shown improved memory, attention, and auditory processing, teams at University of Maryland and Walter Reed Medical Center set out to test the potential benefits of using transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) on learning a second language. Researchers used Neuvana’s headphones in their study to deliver tVNS through the left outer ear canal and tragus. The first results of their work were published in the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics in June 2020. The study involved 83 native English-speaking participants, pairing tVNS with language training to determine whether tVNS allowed them to better understand and absorb Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese, unlike English, is a tonal language in which the meaning of a word changes based on voice inflection or tone. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive tVNS in combination with training or to a so called “sham group” that received no stimulation. Because the stimulation was administered at a level that cannot be felt on the skin, the participants and the researchers were “blind” to which group each participant was assigned to. The study results showed learning advantages for tVNS recipients, including up to a 30% increase in recall for some subjects. “Even after only one day of training, tVNS had positive effects on lexical tone word learning as measured on lexical recognition and recall tests.” The advantages continued into the second day of a 2-day training period. The study authors state, “The current results suggest a promising future for tVNS as fast, effective language learning support. Improvements were observed almost immediately…The promise of tVNS lies not only in these results but in the fact that tVNS can be induced safely with consumer-grade equipment straight out of the box.” The University of Maryland and Walter Reed research teams performed this research under a grant from DARPA, the Defense Department’s research and emerging tech branch. The goal of DARPA’s 4 yearlong Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) program is to explore various safe neurostimulation methods for activating synaptic (nerve) plasticity. This increased neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new connections and is a requirement for learning. Doug Weber, the TNT Program Manager, said in a DARPA press release. “DARPA’s goal with TNT is to further enhance the most effective existing training methods so the men and women of our Armed Forces can operate at their full potential.” References
from https://neuvanalife.com/language-learning-support/ At some point in their lifetime, everyone is bound to face some sort of stress. While it’s common, the intensity of people’s stress can vary from minor to more long-term chronic stress. Many will claim to be ‘stressed’, but chronic stress takes the concept to a new level. It is a type of stress that can have incredibly negative effects long term. In some cases, these effects are so extreme that they take away from the overall quality of a person’s life, or even shorten the length of it. Long-Term Effects of Chronic Stress on the Mind and BodyHere are some of the eye-opening consequences that can happen because of long-term chronic stress. Aging signs on the faceChronic stress can show up through aging signs on the face. Effects include dark circles under the eyes, and wrinkles on the forehead, mouth and between the eyes. Skin can also take on a dull appearance as chronic stress can cause a dip in estrogen. Other effects can also include hair loss, adult acne, and teeth grinding. Mental health problemsMental health is important, and can be greatly affected by long-term chronic stress. Problems such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders are known to arise as stress weighs on the mind. These stresses have an effect on the way that a person is able to live their daily life. Weight gain, obesity, or other eating disordersChronic stress is known to increase the production of betatrophin in the body. This is the protein that blocks the enzyme that works to break down body fat. Long-term stress can make it difficult for the body to break down fat which can eventually lead to weight gain. Obesity and other eating disorders can also happen as a result of the body not being able to break down fat. This is incredibly problematic as these disorders can have further effects on stress levels. Memory loss over timeMemory loss is a common consequence of chronic stress as inflammation and the immune system are greatly affected. When stress is long-term and the memory is impacted, it can have great effects on relationships and the ability to perform with things like work or school. Further spread of diseaseThis study shows that chronic stress can cause the further spread of cancer through the lymphatic system. It is also known to contribute to cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Many also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable colon, ulcerative colitis, GERD and gastritis. These health problems can become quite serious, which is why it’s so important to deal with chronic stress head on. Changes in mood and personalityWhen chronic stress starts to take over, it can have a big impact on your mood and personality over time. Stresses are known to affect a person’s overall personality and how they react to regular situations. Higher levels of neuroticism mean for higher levels of irritability and commonly a more introverted personality. Chronic fatigue from chronic stressThose suffering from chronic stress are also commonly known to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Stress often leads to a lack of sleep as disrupted hormones make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Some will experience reduced cortisol output during the first hour that they are awake, which is caused from chronic stress. This causes an imbalance in the regular working systems of the body that help to manage stress. Physical problems long-termOther physical problems have the potential to arise over time with chronic stress. These include depression, anxiety, and digestive problems. Some will experience sexual dysfunction and skin and hair problems such as acne, eczema, and hair loss. It’s imperative to try and combat your chronic stress in order to avoid these potential consequences and get the help you need. Ways to Help Combat Long-Term Chronic StressWhile combating long-term chronic stress for good takes time and dedication, there are a few simple techniques to get you started. Practice self-awarenessIn order to be able to combat chronic stress, it’s important to practice self-awareness. When someone suffering with chronic stress can understand their tipping point between dealing with regular stress and experiencing chronic stress, they can better manage it. Recognizing the signs of overwhelming stress helps you to identify where that stress originates from and consciously make an effort to take a step back. Learn more about how tuning into your body can promote resilience here. Shift chronic stress with breathing techniquesMaking a conscious effort to change your breathing during moments of extreme stress levels is also a great way to manage stress. Your change in breath interrupts the involuntary stress response which makes for a better balance in the autonomic nervous system. Deep exhales slow the heart rate down. This sends information to the brain so the autonomic nervous system is better regulated. This helps to keep overwhelming feelings at bay, and intentionally focus on stress reduction. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)The vagus nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system (the system that regulates a variety of body processes that take place without conscious effort). When this nerve is stimulated, mood and stress levels, sleep focus and cognition, and athletic performance can all be effectively improved. Our favorite ways to stimulate the vagus nerve is with Xen by Nuevana. Xen is a wellness technology invented by a top cardiac surgeon and is backed by science. Xen Headphones connect to a handheld device that generates an electrical current, stimulating the vagus nerve and helping to ease your chronic stress. Tackle Your Chronic StressIf you’re ready to start on your journey towards tackling your chronic stress with Xen by Nuevana you can shop the entire Xen by Neuvana collection here. Looking to learn more? Take a look at our FAQ page where we cover what it feels like to use Xen headphones when to use Xen by Neuvana technology, and much more. If you enjoyed this post, we have three more for you to check out: 10 Powerful Ways to Enhance Your Resilience 5 Tips on Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Try Today Our Top Tips to Biohack Your Life & Eliminate Unwanted Stress from https://neuvanalife.com/long-term-chronic-stress-understanding-the-consequences/ |
About UsAt Neuvana we strive to continually improve people’s lives through Neuroscience. Our products provide increased overall wellness – calmness, balance, and rejuvenation. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |