Alison Ribeiro, Physiotherapist

Stress: How connecting and caring improves resilience . Sometimes when we're stressed, we shut down. We isolate ourselves, and try to deal with it our own. What if I told you that choosing to connect with others in times of stress can actually make you better at it? . We've all heard of a story where a parent risks their own life to save a child, or a fellow victim comes to aid another during a natural disaster. These are examples of a stressful situation activating a 'tend-...and-befriend' state. In this stress state, our brain releases neurotransmitters that make us social, brave and smart. Anytime we choose to help others, not just in extreme situations like the ones listed above, we activate this state, which makes us more resilient and better at stress. . In order to cultivate a natural tend-and-befriend state, Kelly McGonigal, author of 'The Upside of Stress', recommends that we focus on 'bigger-than-self' goals (ie - how can/do we contribute to the greater good), support others (ie - volunteering) and choose to see stress and suffering as a part of the human experience - you are not alone! . The benefits of doing this? It: reduces burnout with work, even with the most menial tasks reduces stress, helps us find more meaning in our lives, helps us feel more optimistic, energized makes us less anxious, angry and overwhelmed by stress gives us a greater sense of purpose . Other tips on how to improve your stress resilience: To feel less alone in your stress 1 - increase your awareness of other people's suffering (you never know what someone may be going through), 2 - be more open with others about your own stress - don't bottle it up inside When you feel isolated in your stress/suffering, consider what it is you most long for - how can you be the starting point of creating this for others? . Take home points - focus on how you contribute to the greater good; volunteer more; talk about it! . . . . #physiotherapy #pelvichealth #alisonribeiropt #pelvicphysiotherapy #educateencourageempower #pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #pelvicphysio #stressmindset #theupsideofstress #reframestress #stressresilience See more

Stress is an inevitable part of life. We cannot control IF we will experience it - that is a certainty. However, we absolutely can control how we perceive stress and therefore how we respond to it. . In Kelly McGonigal's 'The Upside of Stress', she details numerous studies that reveal the massive impact of our stress mindset on performance, whether we view it as a threat or a challenge. . When faced with a stressful situation, our body will have a physiological response - our... heart rate increases, palms become sweaty, there's an increase in tension or we feel butterflies in our stomach. Research shows that performance is enhanced by the presence of a challenge response so, instead of interpreting these changes and feelings as a threat, we need to learn to embrace it - see it as a challenge. See this as a resource - your body and brain are mobilizing energy to meet the demands of the situation. . How? . The next time you notice you're having a stress response, try this: - instead of trying to 'calm down', recognize all the wonderful ways your body is preparing you for the current or upcoming task. Harness this energy, and take it with you into the task. Change your mindset from 'I can't do this' to 'I've GOT this!' and reap the rewards! . . . . #physiotherapy #pelvichealth #alisonribeiropt #pelvicphysiotherapy #educateencourageempower #pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #pelvicphysio #stressmindset #theupsideofstress #reframestress #challengevsthreatresponse See more

Recognizing that today may mean different things for each of us and may bring on a variety of emotions. Know that you are loved, today, and every day

What a great initiative! Take a little time for yourself and help others in the process! . Visit westendmamas.ca and sign up!

alert! . So excited to dive into this gem that arrived today! It'll pair perfectly with the course I'm taking this weekend through @pelvichealthsolutions with @dianeleept. . There are sooo many books I want to read and courses I want to take. I love that my chosen career path encourages (and requires) lifelong learning.... . Always striving to be the best clinician I can be to help my patients reach their goals . Anyone else just love nerding out like me?! . . . #physiotherapy #pelvichealth #alisonribeiropt #pelvicphysiotherapy #educateencourageempower #pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #pelvicphysio #dra #diastasisrecti #diastasisrectusabdominis #lifelonglearning #nerdpride See more