The other part of our overall health is mental health. Our issues with mental health today may seem different, some might say weak, compared to the early 1900 the average age for a man was 46 and 48 for women. Children died at earlier ages due to lack of health care.
On the outside looking in it seems we’re not as strong, but at the level of the brain our struggles are just as real.
The big problem for us today is noise….24 hour news, social media, and the internet paying attention to every site we visit.

Neuroscientists say that for the first time in the history of man, there is more information than our brain can process. This sets the stage for stress and anxiety in the human brain which is hardwired to survive.

Stress and battling with our thoughts and desires has always been a problem for us.

In Romans 7:15……

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do”

“I yearn to be free of pain and rush straight to it; I seek happiness only to crush it like an enemy”

So, why do we do it?

You might ask, what is it? Why do we do things not in our best interest?

We spend too much, we eat too much, we drink too much, and we have an extremely hard time being in the moment.

Take a look at these numbers….
• Stress and anxiety – 40 million adults
• Depression 17.3 million
• Obesity 65% overweight and 42.4% of the adult population obese
• Alcohol 12.7% of the US population meet the diagnostic criteria
• Drugs 19.7 million ages 12 and older
The main reason obesity is at such a high is because food is different from alcohol, and drugs, because we have to have food to live. Also, food doesn’t carry the stigma of the other addictions.

Food is cheap, abundant, legal, and socially acceptable

G K Chesterton once said, “it’s not that we cant see the solution, it’s that we cant see the problem”

My hypothesis for tonight’s talk is that thoughts are our problem.

It’s not the events that are bothering us, it’s our thoughts about the events that are bothering us.

Our brain is hardwired in a way that survival is the primary goal.

How many here have a computer?
How many here have security software on their computer?

All of the information coming into our computer is vetted through a security system. If the computer software detects danger, it blocks it. It’s saving our system.
Same is true for our brain.

Thoughts
The Cognitive Triangle (thoughts, emotion, behavior)

Amygdala Hijacking (emotions/reason) Take model

Is an emotional response from people which are immediate, overwhelming, and out of measure with the actual event because it has triggered a much more significant emotional threat. An amygdala hijack exhibits three signs:

• Strong emotional reaction
• sudden onset
• post-episodic realization that the reaction was inappropriate

When this hijacking occurs, stay calm. This strong emotional state makes it difficult to stay calm and use logic. Remember, our unique ability to use logic and reason is a cognitive skill that defines us as human beings.

Deactivating the fight or flight

The STOP Method (Stop, take three deep breaths, observe the behavior, proceed with kindness)

Seven Steps to a Healthy Mind

1. Observe the Internal dialogue – Identify the internal dialogue – this is the voice that leads to stress, anxiety, and cognitive distortions.
2.
3. The RAIN Method (recognize, allow, investigate, non-identify)

• The first step is to observe the internal narrative.
• The second step is to allow it without judgment.
• The third step is to investigate. Is this true?
• The fourth step is to non-identify…what advice would I give a friend?

4. Internal or external motivation? – When it comes to what we want, is it intrinsically or extrinsically motivated?Intrinsic motivation refers to actions that are driven by internal rewards. The motivation to engage in a behavior arises from within because of the inherent satisfaction of the activity rather than the desire for a reward or specific outcome. Extrinsic motivation is a motivation that is driven by external rewards. These can be tangible, such as money or grades, or intangible, such as praise or fame. Unlike intrinsic motivation, which arises from within the individual, extrinsic motivation is focused purely on outside rewards.

5. Goal -What is your goal, and why is it important? Remember it’s ok to have high goals, just don’t ignore the steps prior to the goal. The higher the goal/aspiration, the more stress and anxiety. So, break down the steps (imagine stepping stones) so that it’s not too overwhelming.

6. Knowledge/information – In achieving any goal, we must first gather as much information as possible. Sometimes we are not aware of the commitment it takes to achieve “it”.

7. Plan – Once we gather knowledge and believe we can do “it”, now it’s time to put together a plan. In this plan we need to lay out the steps. Maybe draw a ladder…what is the first step? What is the second step?

8. Action – Life rewards action! Nothing works unless you do. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. I could go on and on with these mantras about action, because they’re true.

9. Maintenance – Any goal achieved requires a specific type of action. This means any level of success requires a certain level of commitment to the goal. If the “why” is strong enough, the level of commitment or focus will be minimal; it will seem like second nature.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference – Reinhold Niebuhr