The Amygdala – The Fear Centre of our Brains
The amygdala is key to how we learn what to fear. When it detects a threat, it activates our fight-or-flight system to either runaway or fight the threat. Sometimes this is maladaptive in today’s stressful world. However, more recent research has found that the amygdala is not just about fear and may also help us label positive emotions when we are rewarded. Additionally, emerging research has also examined its links to social interaction, aggression and even sexual orientation. There is still so much to learn.
Overtraining – More is not always better.
For some, more exercise is not necessarily better. When we exercise too much without providing sufficient time to recover, we risk overtraining resulting in performance losses, sickness, fatigue, depression, sleep difficulties and more. Overtraining can be prevented by planning you exercise to include sufficient rest periods, variety and gradual increases in volume.
Pessimism - It’s not all bad!
There is a time and place for pessimism. We all experience both. Pessimism can warn us of rash decisions and risky exaggerations while optimism helps us to be creative and happy. When are you pessimistic? When are you optimistic? Do you use both to your advantage?
Tensor Fasciae Latae – Not an order for your barista
Your biceps are more than just for show. They allow us to lift things in our everyday lives and are also important for many sports. When they are tight they can affect our ability to lift things, reach overhead and shoulder and elbow movements, in general. Try these mobility, foam rolling and yoga exercises to help loosen your tight biceps to reduce your risk of injury and help your move and feel better.
What is Emotion?
We experience emotions everyday. Some might argue that it is what drives us to do what we do. But what are emotions? Several modern theories of emotion have been suggested but at core set of ideas has stood the test of time. Emotions are thought to be important to our survival, involve both the mind and body and are dependent on our thoughts and how we appraise our world. Learn more here.