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DON’T FUEL IT, COOL IT

MANAGING POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

Jamie Coulston is a family man, a former boxer and a jeweler by trade. After his older sister Tracy died
from cancer, he found himself spiraling down to a dark and scary place. Because of his fighting background,
he knew he couldn't stay down for too long. This is when he started to put together his top 10 tips. He has
now made friends with anxiety and depression and see them as great indicators as to when he's not thinking
healthy. On Facebook, go to his group Don’t Fuel It, Cool It.

A little science behind what to do when you have anxiety. 4: Accept what's happening by connecting with all of your
Knowing what's happening and what to do about it helps dis- five senses. What can I hear, see, smell, touch and taste?.
sipate the panic. Name them with plenty of detail. This will remind the body of
it's purpose and what roll it's playing in the situation. Accept
Here's Jamie Coulston's what is happening to you, just the same as you accept all
TOP TEN TIPS FOR ANXIETY your senses. Them more we accept that this is happening the
sooner it will pass.
AND NERVE SENSITISATION
5: Don't think into the future or back to the past, stay in
1: Tell yourself it's going to be ok, there's no real dan- the present. The only real things that can ever happen to us
ger. It all starts with how we talk to ourselves. We are in the is in the present moment, anything else is only going on in our
fight flight and freeze response, we have been pumped with head, It's NOT real, the brain finds it difficult distinguish the
adrenaline and cortisol, parts of our brain are now searching difference between imagination and reality, so It's important
our mind and environment for answers, they need to know for the brain and body to feel safe in the present moment.
what's happening. We need to reassure them by giving them a Stay in the now.
safe answer that doesn't match the horrendous feelings we are
having. 6: Find humour in what's happening. If the brain and body
think it's serious, they will react accordingly, so trick them into
For example, as if we are excited about something, like if we a different state. If we're singing or humming, the brain and
where just told that we had won a million dollars, there's a body's response will be.... that we're not in that much danger
good chance our legs would go weak and we would be filled if we're bring attention to ourselves, and humming, singing or
with very similar feelings and sensations. We need to reframe laughter releases feel GOOD chemicals.
what is happening to us.
7: Don't fight it. What we resist persists. Accepted it as
The chemical and biological process of excitement and anxiety being just a protection mechanism. Say yes to it. A thought
produce very similar feelings. It's up to us and our conscious passes through our minds within seconds, but the chemical
mind to guide /trick the brain and body as to what is happen- reactions and emotions that are secreted can last up to two
ing. Whether it starts in our body or our brain, at some point minutes unless we keep fuelling them... Try to let it pass as
the conscious mind has to play it's part and take back control. naturally as you can, without getting too involved. It will pass
and when it does, remember that feeling when it passed.
The brain and body are only doing their job correctly, they're
responding to the incoming messages of survival, the fight ...continued on page 21...
flight and freeze response. It's just that they are more sensi-
tive right now.

2: Breathe calmly, deeply and evenly. The breath is the re- Spiritual Services with
mote control to the body. Breathe in for 5 out for 10 with your
lips together like your blowing through a straw, and then hold Laura Beers Shift your Mind,
Enlighten your Body
for 5, do this untill you get control back over your body....and & Connect your Spirit
you will, I promise. I breathe in for 7 hold for 2 out for as long
as I can, and just repeat untill I feel good. This puts my body Psychic Medium,
into the parasympathetic system, rest and digest, the opposite Motivational Speaker,
of the sympathetic fight flight and freeze. Spiritual Certified Coach,
Ordained Minister
3: Think about people or things you love. Love is our most
powerful emotion and can release oxytocin into our body. Use In Person, Phone, Skype, Groups, will travel
your imagination in a positive way and replace fear with love. 321-751-4766 By appointment
Simple but very effective. HealYourSpirit2.com

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