In The Moment Mindful Awareness
Issue #1 November 2006	www.Aida-Therapy.com
Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW Psychotherapy 1900 Q ST NW, Ste 401 Washington, DC 20036 202.330.5390   REGISTER HERE for Mindful Awareness groups starting in January!   >>> Forward this to someone who might benefit from this help!     Send me your questions!   E-mail: rob@aida-therapy.com   Visit on the Web: www.aida-therapy.com	In this issue:  Stress Survival Tips During the Holidays   “Rob, how do I survive the pressure of the holidays?”   The holiday season can be a tough time for relationships. We’re sometimes forced to interact with people (even relatives!) whom we would not normally choose to be with. Old feelings and past hurts seem magnified and stress can steal our joy.   Often overlooked in the holiday bustle is the effect of the season on our brain – and how our brain affects the way we interact with others. Add the hustle and pressure of the holidays to our normal stress and anxiety and it’s not hard to understand why even our closest relationships can be stretched during this time of year.     Stress Tip #1: Watch what you eat this holiday season.   The fuel you feed your brain has a profound effect on how it functions. Lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (large cold water fish, such as tuna and salmon, walnuts, Brazil nuts, olive oil, and canola oil) are essential to brain function. Unfortunately, many people load their diet with simple sugars and simple carbohydrates causing them to feel emotional, sluggish, spacey, and distracted. Stress Tip #2: What do you have for breakfast? Do you even have breakfast? Today, many people start the day with either nothing at all or by loading up on simple carbohydrates, such as sugar cereals, Pop Tarts, muffins, bagels, waffles, pancakes, or donuts. In our fast paced society these foods are fast and simple to prepare, but they cause brain fog and lower performance in many people. Start the day with a healthy breakfast that includes protein, such as eggs, lean meat, or dairy products. Stress Tip #3: Get Enough Sleep Sleep deprivation also decreases brain activity and limits access to learning, memory, and concentration. A recent brain imaging study showed that people who consistently slept less than 7 hours had overall less brain activity. Sleep problems are very common in people who struggle with their thoughts and emotions. Getting enough sleep everyday is essential to brain function.   Scientists have only recently discovered how stress negatively affects brain function. Stress hormones have been shown in animals to be directly toxic to memory centers. Brain cells can die with prolonged stress. Managing stress effectively is essential to good brain function. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. If you’re having a hard time emotionally using this, or other tips, don’t hesitate to call me. We’ll find something that works for you. I’m here to help.   Regards, Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW Psychotherapist   Source Citation: CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAYS.(Newsletter). Daniel G. Amen M.D. http://www.amenclinics.com/ac/bitn/bitn_detail.php?articleID=124.
	Getting Help and Support from the Author:: If you know of someone in need of help regarding anxiety or stress or other mental health issue, please give me a call. I’m here to help. 202.330.5390 or rob@aida-therapy.com   Rob Williams, MSW, MBA, LGSW 1900 Q ST NW, Suite 401 Washington, DC 20036 202.330.5390 map & directions    Notice of copyright: This newsletter is copyright in its entirety by Rob Williams, 2006, all rights reserved, and may not be reprinted in part or whole without the express permission of the author. Click here to visit my website.   The Fine Print: You are subscribed as To share it with others, simply forward a copy of this email. To receive your own copy and receive news and resources, articles, trainings and other tools, please click here to subscribe to this newsletter. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here. [Home] [About] [Therapy] [Directions] [Groups] [FAQ]