Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This workshop will explore how control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems affects immune response and transient physiological conditions, and is a mindful proactive approach to whole person health across the lifespan. Diaphragmatic Breathing is a tool for not only achieving mindfulness but also has physiological benefits for immediate and long-term health outcomes. Participants will engage in diaphragmatic breathing exercises and meditation to experience the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system and engagement of the relaxed physical state of parasympathetic response. Failure to control anxiety and stress can often lead to a disease state. Anxiety and stress, be it social/personal pressure or as a result of a disease state, causes the body to enter a “fight or flight” mode that results in the release of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. These two chemicals can cause short and long-term damage to tissue and negatively impact body processes. Understanding the causes and effects of these chemical releases, as well as how and why to control them, becomes a behavior modification strategy for immediate and long-term health benefits. Participants will gain these insights and behavior-modifying strategies. This key question will be answered: Are you reacting to stress? Or responding to it? Simple diet strategies will be explored and their benefits as an augmentation to daily mindfulness and lifespan behavioral modifications. Participants will engage in mindful meditation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, self-reflection, and open-forum sharing of takeaways garnered from the workshop.