‘Helicopter brain’ could be making you feel sick: How to spot it and what to do
“Even checkboxing something on a piece of paper feels good,” Resnick said.
These immediate, positive reinforcements can help the brain begin associating the healthier behavior with something rewarding.
“Rewards are very important,” the neurologist said. “Even the small ones are important.”
No. 5: Float instead of fight
Finally, when anxiety or panic strikes, Resnick recommends taking a counterintuitive approach: “Float instead of fight.”
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In many cases, he said, people are not only afraid of a particular situation, but of the anxious feelings that may result.
Someone with claustrophobia, for example, may fear getting an MRI because they anticipate the physical sensations of anxiety that could arise inside the machine.
A person with claustrophobia may dread getting an MRI because they expect to experience anxiety-related physical sensations while inside the machine. (iStock)
“Don’t fight it,” Resnick advised. “You want to allow it. You want to feel it.”
Avoiding a situation can reinforce the brain’s perception that it poses a threat, he said, while safely experiencing it can help create a new association.
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“After you have that experience where you felt safe, and you went toward it, then your brain and body … pair it as being safe,” Resnick said.
The goal, he added, is “to teach the brain safety through your body and through your brain and mind.”
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While these strategies may help people better manage stress and anxiety, Resnick emphasized the importance of recognizing the patterns behind the symptoms.
People experiencing persistent or unexplained physical symptoms should seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying health conditions.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/helicopter-brain-could-making-feel-sick-how-spot-what-do