Is the Adverse Effect of Stress All In Your Mind?

 

Research reveals stress causes distinct changes in brain function and health.  (Photo source: ercare24.com)

According to this recent article published by ChiefExecutive Magazine, the answer is yes…literally!  This is why stress mitigation activities, such as meditation, mindfulness, and…yes…self-hypnosis, are so important to our success, health, and overall wellness.

 

“Scientists studying the relationship between well-being and leadership found that the brain’s prefrontal cortex (or PFC) plays a key role in the quality of leadership behavior.  Dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex can be either more “chronic” or situational. Acute stress may disrupt typical PFC functioning, causing negative actions such as handling emotions poorly.”

A Special Thanks After a Special Show

Last month the social studies department at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Maryland hosted me for a special performance of my Hypnotic Experience show.

It was special because I was afforded more time to perform, which allowed me to include comedic aspects when demonstrating hypnosis.  This wasn’t a Las Vegas style act.  However, my exceptional group of volunteers did share with the audience their wonderful and imaginative creativity.

I happily donate my time to speak and perform at high schools in the Washington, DC area.  It’s a great way to give back to the community and to de-mystify hypnosis – what it is (and what it isn’t).

I expect nothing in return, although when I do receive a “thank you” it is very much appreciated.  Here is a thoughtful card the students signed for me.    

 

  

 

 

 

A Hypnotic Return to Clarksburg High School

While Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) remain attentive to Covid19, life on campus for students has returned to near normal.  That means I am once again invited to speak to high school students who are enrolled in psychology and health/wellness classes about hypnosis.

I volunteer my time each year to do this because it’s one of the ways I give back to the community.  It’s also a lot of fun, as the students are typically interested and engaged in the topic.

Last Friday I was hosted by the psychology teachers at Clarksburg High School to talk with their students.  It was an incredible day, as I attracted a wonderful group of talented, creative, and thoughtful kids who were interested in trying hypnosis.

I’ve included below links to videos one of the teachers shared on Twitter of hypnosis in action.  A BIG thanks to everyone at Clarksburg for how warmly I was received. 

Nothing like a morning nap.  pic.twitter.com/h4FBY3Jzb1

— Coyote AP Psychology (@CburgPsych) 

 

 Never fails to amaze!  pic.twitter.com/zeUR2Sahoz

— Coyote AP Psychology (@CburgPsych)

Why is the Smell of Pumpkin Spice Hypnotic?

For many people, the smell of pumpkin spice stirs up warm feelings.  Is it hypnosis?  (Photo source:  FoFarms.com)

Each academic year I donate my time to speak on campus to high school students who are enrolled in psychology about hypnosis as an altered state of consciousness. I do my best to help make the curriculum come alive through an interesting, informative, and entertaining presentation and demonstration. 

Here is a video of the initial 15 minutes of my presentation at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland. A point I make during the talk is that every single person in the world experiences hypnosis a few times each day and doesn’t even realize it. 

One example is when a person smells something and it brings back a memory, or creates an emotional reaction or connection. That came to mind today when I read this article published by National Public Radio about the comfort people feel from the smell of pumpkin spice. The story quotes Jason Fischer, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University. 

Fischer explains: "Those positive associations, they form year after year, they also give us this sense of familiarity. And so when you start to smell the pumpkin spice things in the stores again it gives you a little feeling of nostalgia." 

A special thanks to the high schools who are hosting me on campus this year as a speaker. I can be reached by Email at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com or phone/text (301) 538-8100 if you are a psychology educator and would like to discuss guest speaking. 

Churchill High School 

Whitman High School 

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School 

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School 

Clarksburg High School 

Northwest High School 

Quince Orchard High School 

Sherwood High School 

Blake High School 

Richard Montgomery High School