Ep 23. Hacking the Nervous System: Craig Meriwether’s Techniques for Stress and Anxiety Management

In our latest episode of "Everyday Epigenetics. Raw. Real. Relatable," we had the pleasure of hosting Craig Meriwether, a certified clinical hypnotherapist with extensive experience in managing fear, anxiety, and negative emotions. This episode dives deep into techniques for resetting the brain’s reticular activating system, harnessing the body's response to stress, and using hypnotherapy and mindfulness to achieve a calm and positive state of mind. Here’s a closer look at some key takeaways from our enlightening conversation.

Resetting the Brain's Reticular Activating System
Craig begins by emphasizing the importance of resetting and refocusing the brain's reticular activating system (RAS), especially in the morning. The RAS is crucial for scanning our environments for danger, solving problems, and finding solutions. However, if we start our day focusing on problems, our brain will continue to seek out more problems, negatively impacting our overall well-being.

He explains an exercise designed to flood the brain with positive neural peptides like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. By focusing on positive thoughts and people throughout the day – especially before sleep and upon waking up – we can effectively ‘hack’ our nervous system to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. As Craig notes, there are no negative side effects to repeating this exercise multiple times a day.


The Dual Nature of Stress: Normal stress vs. Distress
Another key discussion in the episode revolves around stress. Craig differentiates between good stress (eustress) and bad stress. While moderate stress can be beneficial, serving as a motivator and enhancing performance, chronic or overwhelming stress can lead to anxiety and numerous health issues. Craig underscores the importance of managing stress levels to maintain both cognitive and physical health.

Craig shares a practical technique known as mental rehearsal, often used by athletes, actors, and public speakers to wire success into the brain. By visualizing positive outcomes, individuals can prepare their minds for success rather than failure. He cites Tony Robbins’ morning routine, which includes activities like cold plunges, trampoline exercises, and meditation, to prepare for his public speaking engagements.

Harnessing the Body's Stress Response
Understanding the body’s physical reactions to stress is crucial for managing it effectively. Craig discusses how the subconscious mind and body trigger warning signals of anxiety and fear in response to either real or imagined threats. This stress response involves increased blood flow to muscles, decreased function in immune and digestive systems, and the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Practicing positive emotions and maintaining a constructive mindset can mitigate these stress responses. Regularly practicing positivity can help prevent the reinforcement of fear and anxiety, ultimately benefiting overall health. Craig also touches on the therapeutic potential of relaxation techniques such as hypnotherapy, which can help manage stress-related health issues like irritable bowel syndrome.

Hypnotherapy: Releasing Trauma and Resetting Neurology
Craig recounts his personal journey with hypnotherapy, which played a significant role in his recovery from depression and anxiety. Through hypnotherapy, he was able to release deep-seated trauma and reset his neurology and physiology. Emphasizing the power of mindset in influencing the body's healing process, Craig suggests that changing one’s mindset can lead to significant positive physical changes.


Practical Exercises to Foster Positivity
Craig introduces a simple yet effective exercise known as "three, two, one," designed to reset the nervous system. The routine involves deep breaths, bilateral stimulation, and nurturing touch to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and turn off the stress response. By visualizing positive emotions, hugging oneself, or imagining embracing a loved one, individuals can induce hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, fostering feelings of love, joy, and happiness within minutes.

RESOURCES:
Arizona Integrative Hypnotherapy
https://arizonaintegrativehypnotherapy.com/

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Learn more about Craig Meriwether:

Craig Meriwether is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Medical Hypnosis Specialist, Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) specialist, and Founder of Arizona Integrative Hypnotherapy helping people eliminate the negative emotions and limiting beliefs that may be keeping them from reaching their full potential.

For over 12 years, Craig has been helping people heal from early childhood trauma, helping cancer patients with pain control, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, students with test anxiety, entrepreneurs with confidence, athletes with peak performance, and anyone who may be dealing with overwhelm, fear and anxiety.

Craig has created Ace Any Test, the most comprehensive course for test anxiety relief so people can eliminate anxiety around exams, auditions, job interviews and public speaking, as well as increase confidence and self-esteem.