STRESS…We all experience it sometimes, but some more than others. For those with neurological disorders such as Autism, ADHD,D, Dementia, Anxiety, and Depression, stress can impact their daily living and quality of life.
This is one of the areas I sought out to research in depth years ago when my son with Autism was a teenager and was experiencing big hormonal changes and stress was definitely an issue. At this time, not much research had been done so through trial and error, we finally found ways to decrease his cortisol levels from stress and support his social emotional growth at the same time. When we did identify which worked for him, it was a game changer! His cognition went up and although he was not able to easily verbally communicate in certain settings, he was able to develop an incredible ability to write. Still today, at 24 years old he uses many of the same techniques and supplements to handle life’s stressful ups and downs.
WHAT IS CORTISOL AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO STRESS
Our brain is designed to have a balance of chemical hormones that constantly send and receive messages back and forth across its four hemispheres. When we experience stress, the hormone Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands and sent to the brain as a response to keep the brain alert to danger. However, if one often experiences stress or has a disorder where the brain functions differently or abnormally, this hormone can increase to levels that are not healthy. Problems such as difficulties with concentration and focus, memory, communication, social and emotional, irritability, and behavior issues often arise.
HOW TO LOWER CORTISOL
* Obviously avoid stressful situations
* Get quality sleep 7-9 hours per night to ensure
you go through the stages of the sleep cycle
which are: Light, Deep, and REM, Rapid Eye
Movement (dream state)
* Do not skip meals (This lowers blood sugar and
causes the body to produce cortisol resulting in
irritability and stress)
* Exercise (immediately reduces Cortisol and
stress)
* Belly Breathing: Sit or lie down and place one
hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your
belly push your hand out, and then exhale slowly
through pursed lips. Repeat this 3– 10 times.
* Participate in Activities You Enjoy such as Art or
Music (this engages the reward center of the
brain producing Dopamine and Serotonin,”feel
good” chemicals and therefore reducing stress)
* Yoga, meditation, or prayer
* Encourage them to talk to you or someone they
feel comfortable
* Write in a daily journal
* See their doctor and have testing to check deficiencies,
allergies, and genetics factors
MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS ARE OFTEN DEFICIENT and may need to take:
* Magnesium (essential mineral fr the body that
that calms the nervous system by directing the
neurotransmitters in the brain to were they need
to go)
* L-Tyrosine (amino acid in t
precursor to dopamine and serotonin)
Because the human body is ever changing throughout our lime and no two bodies are the same, you may have to change techniques according to their needs. As science and research develops new solutions will come forth, but until then I hope this helps.
Sending love, hope, and prayers from this mom to you to your finding answers and solutions that will bring your loved one to “their best self.”
-
Autism and Literal Thinking: Being Careful with Our Words
I am so excited to share that I am starting a new blog! It will be directed toward caregivers or anyone who has a loved one who has Autism, ADHD, PTSD, Dementia, or another neurological disorder. Some of you may or may not know I am a mother of an adult son with Autism and a special educator. I want to share my journey of learning from the past 24 years with caregivers who want to help their loved one live “their best life.”If this speaks to you as a caregiver, know someone who has a loved one with a disorder, or simply would like to read and show support please visit: “Their Best Life.”
STRESS…We all experience it sometimes, but some more than others. For those with neurological disorders such as Autism, ADHD, PTSD, Dementia, Anxiety, and Depression, stress can impact their daily living and quality of life.
This is one of the areas I sought out to research in depth years ago when my son with Autism was a teenager and was experiencing big hormonal changes and stress was definitely an issue. At this time, not much research had been done so through trial and error, we finally found ways to decrease his cortisol levels from stress and support his social emotional growth at the same time. When we did identify which worked for him, it was a game changer! His cognition went up and although he was not able to easily verbally communicate in certain settings, he was able to develop an incredible ability to write. Still today, at 24 years old he uses many of the same techniques and supplements to handle life’s stressful ups and downs.
WHAT IS CORTISOL AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO STRESS
Our brain is designed to have a balance of chemical hormones that constantly send and receive messages back and forth across its four hemispheres. When we experience stress, the hormone Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands and sent to the brain as a response to keep the brain alert to danger. However, if one often experiences stress or has a disorder where the brain functions differently or abnormally, this hormone can increase to levels that are not healthy. Problems such as difficulties with concentration and focus, memory, communication, social and emotional, irritability, and behavior issues often arise.
HOW TO LOWER CORTISOL
* Obviously avoid stressful situations
* Get quality sleep 7-9 hours per night to ensure
you go through the stages of the sleep cycle
which are: Light, Deep, and REM, Rapid Eye
Movement (dream state)
* Do not skip meals (This lowers blood sugar and
causes the body to produce cortisol resulting in
irritability and stress)
* Exercise (immediately reduces Cortisol and
stress)
* Belly Breathing: Sit or lie down and place one
hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your
belly push your hand out, and then exhale slowly
through pursed lips. Repeat this 3–10 times.
* Participate in Activities You Enjoy such as Art or
Music (this engages the reward center of the
brain producing Dopamine and Serotonin,”feel
good” chemicals and therefore reducing stress)
* Yoga, meditation, or prayer
* Encourage them to talk to you or someone they
feel comfortable
* Write in a daily journal
* See their doctor and have testing to check
deficiencies, allergies, and genetics factors
MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS ARE OFTEN DEFICIENT and may need to take:
* Magnesium (essential mineral for the body that that calms the nervous system by directing the
neurotransmitters in the brain to where they need to go)
* L-Tyrosine (amino acid in the body that is a
precursor to dopamine and serotonin)
Because the human body is ever changing throughout our lifetime and no two bodies are the same, you may have to change techniques according to their needs. As science and research develops new solutions will come forth, but until then I hope this helps.
Sending love, hope, and prayers from this mom to you to your finding answers and solutions that will bring your loved one to “their best self.”