Down-regulation

Down-regulation:  In science it means the process of reducing or suppressing response to a stimuli.  In psychology it means reducing the intensity of one’s emotional response to a stressor.  It has taken me a surprisingly long time to learn that I need to step away from the stress and “go, go, go” of work and personal life.  From as early as I can remember, productivity and achieving have “been my jam”.  It took me into my 50s, but I have finally learned that I am actually more productive when I take time to rest and recover…to down-regulate.  

I took some time today to go to the Dakota County fair.  Aside from the corn-dogs and cheese curds, I took in some of the exhibits. In the DNR building I picked up a poster titled “Get your daily dose of trees for a healthy you and me”.  It was put out by the DNR and USDA Forest Service.  It includes facts such as “Nature helps patients refocus their attention and increase their pain thresholds, leading to improved coping and healing strategies” and “Exposure to forests decreases mental fatigueby relaxing and restoring the mind.”

Take some time for yourself to down-regulate. Whatever that may be. Be kind yourself today.