The Neurology of Thanksgiving – When Triggers Override Gratitude (And How to Win the Brain Battle)
Feeling the holiday squeeze? You're not alone—65% of people with depression histories report Thanksgiving worsening their symptoms, while 40% battle spiked anxiety from family expectations and old wounds. In this mind-expanding episode of the Brain Lady Podcast, neurotherapist Karen D. Wood (your favorite brainiac) teams up with producer PhillVill to unpack the neurology of gratitude. Discover why your limbic system (that trauma-fueled alarm in your mid-brain) hijacks joy, lighting up the amygdala like a fireworks show gone wrong—and how targeted gratitude rewires it for safety.From prefrontal cortex scans for wise scanning (forehead glow-up!) to vagus nerve hacks (deep swallows to calm your gut-brain axis), we break down somatic tools to counter triggers before they escalate (scale: catch at 5-6, dodge the 8-10 hijack). Phil shares his raw journey from childhood divorce shadows to miracle-child gratitude, proving "count it all joy" (James 1:2-4) isn't fluff—it's brain-healing science. Plus, Bible-backed reminders like Psalm 100:4: Enter His gates with thanksgiving.Key Takeaways:Build a 20-item gratitude list to outfight limbic "complaint creep" (most stall at 4—try it!).Body-first resets: Shoulder rolls + swallows for instant parasympathetic calm.
Hit play, then drop a comment: What's your #1 gratitude this holiday season?
📕 Karen D. Wood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker inviting everyone to find a new balance in Brain, Body, Behavior and Belief. Learning about the brain functions, and impact of trauma on brain tissue can be life changing, knowing healing is changing brain tissue. Learn more about her mission and how she is changing lives here: https://karendwood.com
She is the author of Brain Prayers: Explore Your Brain, Expand Your Prayers. An exploration of different brain parts, with prayers for each. One for you to pray for you, and one for you to pray for another. For more information: http://brainprayers.com/
To order:first version 2014 (90 pages, black background, 3 pages for each of the 10 brain parts.https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/1490833625second version 2924 (35 pages, white background, 1 page for each of the 10 brain parts)https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/196284899X?ref_=ast_author_mpb For more information on her podcast Brain Lady Notes from the Couch with Karen D. Wood visit: https://www.brainladypodcast.com/, with links to all episodes.
📺 Watch Brain Lady Notes from the Couch podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainladypodcast/
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🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ” podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Yp2vjP🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ”podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA
📱Connect with Clear Thinking Solutions, Inc.: Website: clearthinkingsolutions.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clear_thinking_it/
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Email: karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com
🚨 DISCLAIMER: The Brain Lady Podcast Notes From The Couch podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The host Karen D. Wood shares personal stories, experiences, and knowledge aimed at helping listeners gain new insights for personal growth. References made to comments made in sessions may not be reference to a specific client, or another name was used to protect a client. However, the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not use the information as a replacement for consultations with qualified mental health, medical, or other professionals. If you are seeking professional help, please consult with a licensed specialist.