The Vagus Nerve and Relaxation

What’s the difference between “good” fats and “bad” fats for my brain?

Good fats are the helpers, and bad fats are the troublemakers. The helpers—like those in fish, nuts, and avocados—are flexible and help your brain cells communicate easily. The troublemakers are often found in processed foods, fried foods, and packaged snacks. These fats are stiff and can gum up the works, making it harder for your brain to function properly and potentially increasing feelings of worry. Stick with the natural, whole-food sources to keep your brain happy.

Why does drinking water help my mood?

Your brain is mostly made of water, so even mild dehydration can affect how you feel. When you don’t drink enough, you might get headaches, feel tired, or have trouble concentrating. These physical feelings can easily be mistaken for anxiety or make existing anxious feelings feel stronger. Drinking water throughout the day is a simple way to help your body and brain function at their best, keeping you more alert and emotionally steady.

How can I practice this when I’m feeling overwhelmed?

Start small. Take one deep breath and pick one thing in the room to focus on, like a spot on the wall. When a worrying thought appears, just say to yourself, “There’s a thought,“ and gently bring your attention back to that spot. You don’t have to clear your mind. The goal is just to practice shifting your focus, even for a few seconds. Doing this is like a mini-workout for your brain, teaching it that it’s okay to notice a thought without getting swept away by it.

Why do I sometimes feel more anxious around other people?

Feeling anxious around people is very common. Often, it’s because we worry about being judged or saying the wrong thing. This worry can make your heart race and your mind go blank. Remember, most people are focused on themselves, not on judging you. It can help to shift your focus from your own nervousness to the other person. Ask them a simple question. Listening to their answer gets you out of your own head and can make the conversation feel much easier and more natural.