Coast to Coast AM: Psychology & Resolutions — December 30, 2013
Clinical psychologist Dr. George Pratt, shared tips for helping people achieve goals, as well as emotional well being. Mindfulness meditation can have a significant calming effect on the central nervous system, he noted. One way to do this, is to close your eyes, become totally aware of the breathing process, and breathe in through the abdomen rather than the chest, he detailed. This so-called “belly breathing” activates a natural relaxation response that counteracts stress, he explained. One of the best things you can do for your brain is to practice gratitude, and make a list of the things you are grateful for, he added.
Dr. Pratt addressed the problem of young people devoting so much time to their electronic devices and video games that they are often lacking in important interpersonal skills. He cited the importance of spending time outdoors, where recurrent patterns in nature or fractals have a calming effect on the brain. As far as New Year’s resolutions, he suggested people pick just one goal to focus on. It should be something that can have measurable results, the goal should be written down, and a certain amount of time allocated for it to occur.