Use Your Mind to Optimize Healing Glen Glenda Christiaens, PhD, RN, AHN-BC It all starts with a thought…
Move it Improved thinking skills Successful aging Decreased risk of – Dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease – Stroke Decreased – Depression – Anxiety
“I am Happy” “I am Healthy” “I am Beautiful”
Negative thoughts Negative emotions Stress Response Stress Begins with a Thought
“I don’t need to think that.” “Cancel, Cancel”
Healing Begins with a Thought
Mental Rehearsal Stimulates the Same Part of the Brain as Physical Rehearsal
Motor Cortex Mental rehearsal activates the same motor circuits as actual rehearsal
Imagination Can Change Your Mind
College Professors
Soccer Hooligans
Use Your Mind to Optimize Healing “I don’t need to think that” “Cancel, cancel” Movement Relaxation Positive Affirmations Imagination Mental Rehearsal
Book List Begley, Sharon (2007) Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves. Ballantine Books, New York. Iacoboni, Marco (2008). Mirroring People: The New Science of How We Connect With Others. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York. Medina, John (2008). Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. Pear Press, Seattle www. GlendatheGoodNurse.com