Fredendall notes that exposure to bright light in the morning is extremely effective in regulating mood and helps with sleep disturbances . Sleep researchers find the best treatment for insomnia is bright light in the morning and darkness in the evening , she said . Yet most people in modern society do the opposite and are on their screens at night . Natural light and spending time outdoors , even small amounts , is critical for mood .
With that said , she also recognizes that many who struggle with depression and anxiety need help getting to outside the house and into the light . That ’ s where the power of mindset combined with taking action comes into play .
“ Waiting to be motivated is like waiting to win the lottery ,” she said . “ We have to remove the idea of motivation and take action .”
That action , she suggests , should be small , manageable steps as simple as turning a doorknob to walk outside .
“ Let ’ s say , for example , a person wants to walk or run outside , but they don ’ t have the motivation to do that ,” Fredendall said . “ What I tell people is get out of the chair , walk to the door , turn the doorknob , and step outside . And do that every day . What you ’ re doing is increasing your exposure to what you fear . While that temporarily increases anxiety , if you continue the practice , the anxiety lessens … you ’ re actually tricking your brain .”
She also suggests using a concept known as bundling where you combine that exposure with something rewarding . For example , if you love to listen to music , tell yourself you can only listen while you are outside or are walking .
Makers Studio is located in the newly reinvigorated 12 Points neighborhood .
Talk to Dr . Holscher and Dr . Lowdermilk about dental care today !
62 Terre Haute Living • January / February 2022
1274 State Road 46 , Terre Haute , Indiana
812-877-3087 Airportvet . com