{"id":53973,"date":"2022-04-29T06:59:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T11:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/?p=53973"},"modified":"2024-04-06T06:28:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T06:28:14","slug":"stop-stress-in-the-moment","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/news\/stop-stress-in-the-moment\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop Stress &#8221; In The Moment&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/contentment-magazine-spring-2022\"><em>*This is an article from the Spring 2022 issue of\u00a0<\/em><em>Contentment Magazine<\/em><em>.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-50428 alignright jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-247x300.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 247px) 100vw, 247px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-200x243.png 200w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-247x300.png 247w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-400x486.png 400w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-500x608.png 500w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-600x729.png 600w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7-700x851.png 700w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture-7.png 716w\" alt=\"\" width=\"247\" height=\"300\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By Evian Gordon, MD, PhD, FAIS, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Total Brain and Donna Palmer, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Total Brain<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this article we would like share with you the importance of stopping stress \u201cin the moment\u201d and the top evidence-based 5 ways to do so.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A Brain-Based View of Stress \u201cIn the Moment\u201d<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At its core, your brain is wired to automatically identify cues to avoid threats to keep you safe and identify possible rewards. This ongoing process is unconscious and occurs within a fifth of a second.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">1<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0It is the basis of your emotions, intuition, and negative\/positive biases that shape many of the approximately 50,000 thoughts you have every day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From your brain\u2019s point of view, stress occurs when negative demands are greater than your capacity to consciously cope effectively. The gap between demand and capacity can be \u201cacute\u201d in the moment or can become \u201cchronic\u201d over time. This is considered an acute-chronic continuum. It is very well established that chronic stress is toxic to your body health, mental health, and performance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It is now becoming increasingly evident, that the sooner stress is stopped \u201cin the moment,\u201d the more effectively you will control the overall cascade of stress effects. Two lines of research that shed light on the importance of reducing stress in the moment, concern emotions and homeostasis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Firstly, any threatening cue, physical or social, can activate your safety-first stress response within a fifth of a second. The second concerns disruption of your core stress response process. Dr Lewis Coleman has recently elucidated the mechanism underlying the stress response. He highlights the importance of stopping any \u201cover-reaction\u201d to stress.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Disruption of the micro-physiological details underlying any over-reaction to stress induces a cascade of negative impacts of stress and a loss of the fine tuning of the ongoing brain-body \u201chomeostasis\u201d (the brain-body\u2019s healthy equilibrium).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThe stress mechanism operates continuously, efficiently, and unobtrusively to repair tissues and regulate physiology, but like any mechanism, it has limitations. When its limits are exceeded, it wastes and depletes its substrates, generates harmful or defective excesses of its products, and produces a bewildering blizzard of destructive disease effects that disrupt physiology and damage organs and tissues.\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">3<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The opposite end of the spectrum to The Stress Response is \u201cThe Relaxation Response,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d which induces a calm, more flexible brain and associated body state. The Relaxation Response helps you to cope effectively with the demands of your life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Daily life is an ongoing fluctuation and balance between your stress and relaxation responses. Your effectiveness at managing stress is increased by understanding what emotion triggers your stress and how effectively you put a brake on your stress response and boost your relaxation response.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">Emotional threats to our safety trigger the fight-flight stress response within a fifth of a second. Specific techniques in the moment\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">can\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">help activate the relaxation response<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">\u00a0and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">\u00a0reduce<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">harmful effects of<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">\u00a0the<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW254686083 BCX0\">stress toxicity cascade of microcellular processes.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW254686083 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50383 alignleft jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ev-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"256\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">The impact\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">that<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0a high stress state<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0has<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0on you<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0can\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">be measured<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">via your<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">heartbeat patterns<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">. When you are\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">in a high stress state\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">you\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">have\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">a\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">faster<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0heart rate\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">and lower variability between the heartbeats,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">than\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">when you are in a calm relaxation response state (<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">with\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">lower rate and increased variability between beats).<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">A relaxation response with high\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">variability in consecutive heart<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">beats<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">\u00a0is the key to\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">a healthy adaptive effectiveness<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">, wellbeing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">, improved performance\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">and\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">a\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">more resilient state of being<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW11235805 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW11235805 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW57474046 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW57474046 BCX0\">Figure 2 shows an example of\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW57474046 BCX0\">the extent to which stress impacts your core\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW57474046 BCX0\">heartbeat<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW57474046 BCX0\">\u00a0activity.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW57474046 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-50382 alignright jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-300x184.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-200x123.png 200w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-400x246.png 400w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-500x307.png 500w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-600x368.png 600w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-700x430.png 700w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-768x471.png 768w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2-800x491.png 800w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Capture2.png 865w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Figure 2.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0People with high stress showed higher heart rate and lower heart rate variability (HRV) indicating increased activation of the fight-flght reflex. This was further evident in an imbalance of the fight-flight to calm-flexible ratio.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">Data from the Total Brain International Database in a study of 1,772 people.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">4<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A range of techniques have been shown to stop activation of the stress response and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">activate the relaxation response, in the moment. For the purposes of this article, in the moment is considered to be within 1 minute.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"18\" data-lineheight=\"27px\"><strong>5 Top Ways To Stop Stress In The Moment.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Resonant Breathing at 6 breaths a minute.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The relaxation response is switched on in-the-moment by breathing at 6 breaths per minute. This is known as \u201cResonant Breathing.\u201d Most people breath at around 12 breaths a minute. The benefits of slow breathing have been known for thousands of years thanks to eastern spiritual practices. Resonant breathing adds insights from modern day science to an ancient practice.<\/p>\n<p>The science shows that at a resonant breath rate, the relaxation response puts a brake on the stress response fight-flight stress system and increases activity of the Calm-Flexible Vagus system.<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50380 alignright jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evian-1.jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evian-1-200x236.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/evian-1.jpeg 217w\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"352\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Figure 3<\/strong>. Resonant breathing activates the relaxation response and increases heartbeat variability in the moment.<\/p>\n<p>This works to immediately reduce stress in-the-moment and create a noticeably calmer mental state for several hours, enabling you to adapt effectively to any task or situation. Resonant breathing pacing tools are available in the Total Brain platform<sup>6<\/sup>\u00a0or you can self-pace by counting to 4 as you breath in and count to 6 as you breath out for six breaths<br \/>\nin the moment. The objective impact of resonant breathing to induce calm can be readily seen using heart rate variability measures via a mobile phone camera or continuously via a digital watch wrist band or watch.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50385 aligncenter jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/4.jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/4-200x113.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/4.jpeg 256w\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Figure 4.<\/strong>\u00a0Objective evaluation of what\u2019s working best for you in the moment, can be determined from heart rate variability (HRV) measures of seeing what techniques, such as resonant breathing, maximally reduce your stress level. This figure shows an example from Total Brain.com using the camera on a mobile phone to measure HRV in 40 seconds and a wrist band to measure continuous HRV updated every 6 seconds (images on the left) before and after resonant breathing (central image) to reduce stress in the moment (percentage improvement shown in image on the right).<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Repetition of ANY Stimulus.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard cardiologist, studied the significant body and brain changes of meditators and discovered something groundbreaking. Simply put: \u201cany\u00a0<em>repetition\u00a0<\/em>technique will break the train of everyday thought.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0For example, a repetition of slow breaths and saying a meaningful word to yourself as you exhale, or a repeating musical sound or a repeating movement, will all generate a calming relaxation response.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Benson also points to a way for each person to find what works best for them. Choosing a word or mental association can create a deeper personal experience and induce authentic calm. Breath repetition in mindfulness techniques, slow resonant breathing at 6 breaths a minute, a positive affirmation, repetitive calm sounds, movement or entrainment music for 1 minute \u2013 all induce the relaxation response via the same\u00a0<em>repetition<\/em>\u00a0process.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Practicing Presence.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Begin by focusing on the present moment. Notice your breath and senses. Use your surroundings to bring your awareness to this moment. What do you see, what do you hear? Ask yourself a simple question, \u201cAm I fully present?\u201d Your brain can primarily focus on one thought at a time. By switching your focus to your physical surrounding, you can induce calm in your body. You can practice during a range of daily routines \u2013 while you are walking in nature or along the street, making coffee, or just while sitting at your desk.<\/p>\n<p>For a short time pay heightened attention to all sounds that you can hear around you. Welcome all sounds without judgment and be open to exploring them with a child\u2019s curiosity. You can do the same thing with what you can feel or what you can smell. This simple practice induces your calm in the moment response and allows your brain to stop being caught up in the typical flow of overwhelming thoughts, worries and to-do lists. Focusing on your senses is a quick and simple way to become present.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Visualization and Positive Affirmations.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u201cNudge\u201d your brain into a calmer and more positive state of being by visualizing a symbol or scene that has high emotional meaning to you. Or repeat a word that inspires and motivates you into a positive state. Because your brain\u2019s stress and relaxation responses are triggered in a second, by purposely noticing positive things\u00a0<em>even for a moment<\/em>, you are consciously nudging your core brain networks responsible for calmness and positivity to become more active.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>Any Physical Change Activity.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A brisk walk, any movement activity or moving to a different space can break negative stress thoughts and feelings and allows you to induce a more positive brain state.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In The Moment \u2013 Chronic Stress Continuum<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When practiced regularly, the 5 techniques above will not only reduce stress in the moment, but they will also help to lower underlying chronic stress levels.<\/p>\n<p>Other techniques have been shown to reduce chronic stress \u201cin the long run,\u201d including meditation, cognitive behavior therapy reframing, gratitude, curiosity, humor, music, aromatherapy, natural optimal sleep, exercise and brain healthy nutrition.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50429 alignright jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/18MpFPAw.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"321\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rewire your brain-body calm though repetition. Working these techniques into your daily routine is key. Just 5-10 minutes per day as a regular practice quickly becomes a daily built-in stress coping practice. Try out different types of the options described and then continue with the ones that work best for you, and most importantly, that you will continue to include as a daily practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Figure 5.<\/strong>\u00a0List of established techniques to reduce stress in the moment and into a habit in the long run.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>The best stress reduction techniques are the ones that you are most likely to continue practicing on a regular basis. Any progress is im<\/p>\n<p>pactful.<sup>8<\/sup>\u00a0ANY practice is success. It is helpful to reduce toxic stress in any way. But it will be most transformative to your health and performance to stop stress\u00a0<em>in the moment!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>References<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Gordon, E (2000). Integrative Neuroscience: Bringing together biological, psychological and clinical models of the human brain. Harwood Academic Press, London.<\/li>\n<li>Coleman, L. (2021). American Institute of Stress, Contentment Magazine, Winter Edition 2021.<\/li>\n<li>Colman, L (2021). 50 Years Lost in Medical Advance: The discovery of Hans Selye\u2019s stress mechanism. American Institute of Stress Press.<\/li>\n<li>Total Brain Science Manual (2021), Total Brain.com.<\/li>\n<li>Szulczewski MT &amp; Rynkiewicz A (2018). The effects of breathing at a frequency of 0.1 Hz on affective state, the cardiovascular system and adequacy of ventilation. Psychophysiology, 55(12): e13221.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"about:blank\"><em>https:\/\/www.totalbrain.com\/consumertrial<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Benson, H &amp; Klipper, M.Z. The Relaxation Response. Avon, New York. 1976.<\/li>\n<li>Gordon, E., Palmer, D.M., Liu, H., Rekshan, W., &amp; DeVarney, S. (2013). Online cognitive brain training associated with measurable improvements in cognition and emotional well-being.\u00a0<em>Technology and Innovation<\/em>, 15: 53-62.<\/li>\n<li>Gordon, E (2022). The Brain: From Knowing To Doing! Franklin Media.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\">\n<h3 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"18\" data-lineheight=\"27px\">ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-46374 size-thumbnail jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-150x150.jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-24x24.jpeg 24w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-48x48.jpeg 48w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-66x66.jpeg 66w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-96x96.jpeg 96w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-100x100.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/zVLvQ1dw-150x150.jpeg 150w\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">Dr.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">Evian\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">Gordon\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Total Brain. He founded the largest standardized International Brain Database (over 1 million datasets) to discover what insights and behavioral habits are most effective in stress, mental health, wellness and peak performance. He also founded\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW40848651 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.totalbrain.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">https:\/\/www.totalbrain.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">an online mental health and performance platform to empower users to self-monitor and support self-care of their mental health, wellness and peak performance. Having published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Dr. Gordon is a Fellow of The American Institute of Stress (AIS) and featured in the Institute\u2019s 2021 documentary,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">Mismatched:\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">Y<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">our\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">B<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">rain\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">U<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">nder\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">tress<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">. Dr. Gordon is a recipient of the inaugural Royal Societies Eureka Prize for Interdisciplinary Scientific Research. He hosts the Total Brain Podcast with key opinion leaders around the world on Behavior Change. Publication details at:<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW40848651 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreviangordon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW40848651 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40848651 BCX0\">https:\/\/www.dreviangordon.com\/<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"EOP SCXW40848651 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-46375 size-thumbnail jetpack-lazy-image jetpack-lazy-image--handled\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-150x150.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-24x24.png 24w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-48x48.png 48w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-96x96.png 96w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.stress.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/9POcQoqA-150x150.png 150w\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" data-lazy-loaded=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\">Dr.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\">Donna\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\"><strong>Palmer<\/strong>\u00a0is a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in emotional brain functioning and integrative neuroscience. Dr. Palmer is the Chief Scientific\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\">Officer at Total Brain and a Research Affiliate of the Brain Dynamics Center,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"SpellingError SCXW86842537 BCX0\">Westmead<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW86842537 BCX0\">\u00a0Millennium Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW86842537 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\">\n<h3 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"18\" data-lineheight=\"27px\">Contentment Magazine<\/h3>\n<p>The dictionary defines \u201ccontent\u201d as being in a state of peaceful happiness.\u00a0 The AIS\u00a0magazine is called Contentment because we want all of our guests and members to find contentment in their lives by learning\u00a0about stress management and finding\u00a0what works best for\u00a0each them. \u00a0Stress is unavoidable, and comes in many shapes and sizes that makes being in a state of peaceful happiness\u00a0seem like a very lofty goal.\u00a0 But happiness is easy to find once you are able to\u00a0find ways to manage your stress and keep a healthy\u00a0perspective when\u00a0going though difficult times in life.\u00a0 You will always have stress, but stress does not always have\u00a0you!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"18\" data-lineheight=\"27px\">Subscribe to our FREE magazines and begin your journey to a happier, healthier and longer life!<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default button-2 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/subscribe\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">SUBSCRIBE<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>*This is an article from the Spring 2022 issue of\u00a0Contentment Magazine. By Evian Gordon, MD, PhD, FAIS, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Total Brain and Donna Palmer, PhD, Chief Scientific [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":53974,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"pmpro_default_level":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false},"categories":[139],"tags":[136,137,141,143,155,147,151],"class_list":["post-53973","news","type-news","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-life-blog","tag-ais","tag-american-institute-of-stress","tag-health","tag-mental-health","tag-research","tag-stress-management","tag-workplace-stress","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Stop Stress &quot; In The Moment&quot; - The American Institute of Stress<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/news\/stop-stress-in-the-moment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Stop Stress &quot; In The Moment&quot; - The American Institute of Stress\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"*This is an article from the Spring 2022 issue of\u00a0Contentment Magazine. 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