Sunday, July 24, 2022

Post 3- Why Are Fatty Foods Desirable?

     Fat has become an extremely desirable component in our everyday diets. Fatty foods tend to get people's attention as they release strong enticing smells as they cook, along with the satisfying feeling that we get after eating them. The main reason that humans find fatty foods so desirable and have for so many years is simply due to evolution. A long time ago humans had to work hard to find or cultivate their food. Oftentimes food was the main concern for our ancestors for many years. Therefore during these times, fatty foods were extremely important to their survival. Fatty foods are a great source of energy and the human body digests fat a lot slower than carbohydrates or proteins. Fat also provides a more significant amount of calories per serving, providing 9.4 calories per gram, in comparison to carbohydrates and proteins, providing 4 calories per gram. Thus, fat becomes a desirable component of the human diet for survival.

    Today, as a result of our evolution we humans are now wired to crave and prefer fatty foods because they provide us with high amounts of energy. Also, due to evolution, the human body has learned to hold on to and store fat for hard times when food is scarce. Although in a society like today where many people have access to food at all times, this makes it harder for people to stay healthy. Thus, it is important that we practice self-control and monitor what we eat and exercise to stay healthy, so we don't gain large amounts of unnecessary fats. Another important way to stay healthy is to replace bad fats with good fats, like avocado, nuts, and salmon!


Brie Zeltner, T. P. D. (2010, April 4). Humans are genetically hard-wired to prefer fat and sugar: Fighting fat. cleveland. Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://www.cleveland.com/fighting-fat/2010/04/humans_are_genetically_hard-wired_to_prefer_fat_and_sugar.html#:~:text=%22Humans%20are%20evolutionarily%20wired%20to,University%20Hospitals%20Case%20Medical%20Center. 

Why do fatty foods taste so good?: Human world. EarthSky. (2017, January 19). Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://earthsky.org/human-world/why-do-fatty-foods-taste-so-good 2/#:~:text=From%20the%20perspective%20of%20hungry,us%20feel%20relaxed%20and%20content. 


Growth Mindset

  Having a whats called growth mindset can be very beneficial to your mind. A growth mindset is when you welcome adversity, challenges, and use failure as motivation to grow rather than letting it define you as a person. My high school soccer coach always used to tell us how important having a growth mindset is when it comes to sports and life. As a program we had 3 teams freshman, Jv, and varsity. My coach would put kids on teams based on athleticism, fitness, and skill but would engrain in our heads that if you do not like where your placed, then having a growth mindset will help you succeed, which it did for me. Benefits of having a growth mindset in everyday life include help with mental illness, relationships, higher confidence, and many more. It may sound hard to just get into that mindset, but if you really want something in life you have to take the lows way more than the highs because the challenges and rejections we face will teach us something every time. See your challenges as opportunities and don't seek approval from others to make it easier to get into that mindset.  



Mate Selection IN 2022

 In this time and age, access to social media comes with its pros and cons. One of the cons being a façade of only the good in ones life. A false reality that is construed by ones timeline or feed. Social media content has moved from innocent family photos to explicit and self absorbed pictures of oneself and their belongings. From vacation pictures to house tours, everything is built around bragging. Now, in the context of mate value which is "one person’s characteristics that makes him or her desirable to another person as a partner", physical attractiveness has always been apart of deciding that value (Berg,2022). But, I believe there is another factor that has overpowered that, and that is money and wealth. So many women are willing to put looks aside if their potential mate has a lot of money to offer. Placing wealth as the main factor in mate value above all else. Social medias role in this is controversial but, the fact is this. The average American spends 2 hours and 6 minutes daily on social media, that is 14 hours a week spent scrolling (Broadband,2022). With these facts it is hard to believe that a correlation between the two is nonexistent.





Average daily time spent on social media (latest 2022 data). BroadbandSearch.net. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2022, from https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/average-daily-time-on-social-media#:~:text=North%20America%3A%202%20hours%20and,1%20hour%20and%2015%20minutes

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Post 2- Willpower


  
Willpower can be defined as an ability to control oneself or resist instant gratification to be able to attain long-term goals. Other terms for willpower include self-control, self-discipline, and determination. Overall willpower plays an important role in various aspects of life. It is very important in goal setting and reaching and can even be an indicator of intelligence. The psychologist Walter Mischel conducted a study known as the Marshmellow test. During this study, he studied the correlation between willpower and future success. This study was conducted using preschool-aged children, who were brought into a room with a table that had a bowl of marshmallows on it. The children were instructed that they could either eat one marshmallow now or wait 15 minutes and they then could get two marshmallows. The children who waited 15 minutes to receive the two marshmallows showed what is known as delayed gratification, in which they were able to wait a longer period of time in order to receive a higher reward. Years later the children were followed into their adolescence and researchers determined that the children who had waited the 15 minutes for the marshmallows showed higher levels of self-esteem, higher SAT scores, were able to manage their stress more effectively, and were better performing students. Overall this demonstrates how the children that had the willpower to wait the extra time for a higher reward had the willpower to become successful in school as well.

    More so, according to research, it is also believed that the benefits of willpower are also important in adulthood as well. Especially when it comes to the use of drugs and alcohol. Research shows that people with higher rates of willpower and self-control are less likely to have substance abuse problems and more likely to have fewer mental health problems. Despite some controversy on whether or not willpower can be strengthened, researchers were able to find that willpower and self-control were skills that can be learned and strengthened. It is believed that in order to strengthen willpower it is important to exercise your willpower. Another important thing to do to strengthen willpower is to get enough sleep and also meditate. It is found that mediation is very beneficial in strengthening willpower. Lastly, it is also important to avoid temptations in order to increase willpower and self-control. A good way to avoid temptations is to remove them from your life or eyesight, it will get you to focus on other more important things.

Cherry, K. (2021, April 28). More willpower in your life could make you more successful. Verywell Mind. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/willpower-101-the-psychology-of-self-control-2795041 


https://youtu.be/Cp8MMeVBAQs


Post 1- The Resilience of Sir Ernest Shackleton and His Crew

     The book Endurance by Alfred Lansing was an incredible story to read about. While reading the book the thing that stood out to me the most was the unbreakable resilience of Shackleton and his crew. The men were constantly being faced with severe weather, starvation, health concerns, and the loss of hope. Many of the men were constantly suffering from frostbite and even one of the crew members named Blackborrow had to have his foot amputated. It was truly humbling to read their story and know that they all made it out alive despite all the challenges that they faced.

    Overall, I believe that the most impressive journey that was made by Shackleton and a part of his crew was the voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia, the whaling station in an attempt to rescue his crew left on Elephant Island. This voyage was around eight hundred miles long and they had to travel through the Drake passage which was extremely dangerous and known for its treacherous waters. The men during this voyage endured horrible conditions, they had to share a limited amount of sleeping bags that were rotting from being constantly sprayed with seawater and the only way to get to these sleeping bags was for the men to crawl on the rock-covered floor of the boat. There was no such thing as anything or anyone being dry. When the men finally reached land, they found themselves on the opposite side of the island. Shackleton then had to make the journey by foot across the island to the whaling station to finally receive help. During this trip, they hiked to exhaustion in freezing temperatures with the bare minimum of supplies for them to make it through. When they finally reached the whaling station, Shackleton still had to fight to be able to reach his men and thankfully he was eventually able to. Overall, the conditions and hardship these men faced were horrible and the resilience they faced during this expedition was truly incredible and inspiring.



Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic voyage. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. photograph. Retrieved July 19,2022, from

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ernest-Henry-Shackleton#/media/1/537482/229300. 


How to problem solve with meditation and minfulness




Meditation can make you enter a place of joy and peacefulness. We as human beings tend to always be moving and sometimes forget about our health and well-being in the process of being so busy. Meditation and mindfulness reduce stress and have a great impact on anxiety and depression. Mindfulness focuses mainly on your breathing and one part of the body. It makes you completely focused and able to feel a sensation of being relaxed. When meditating, all of an individual's distractions and stress should be released and let go of. It should be a sense of relief and make you feel calmer. This began over 4500 years ago, however it is just now being shown awareness. If meditation was taught in schools, society as a whole would not be perfect, but it would indeed be a step toward a better world. Solutions to problem-solving could begin with meditation as the first step. Parents and schools worldwide should instill meditation and mindfulness in their children/students daily. In one of my classes, we practiced mindfulness and many individuals took it as a joke, but for me, it was something I always looked forward to because I know no matter how bad my morning was I would have a place to release some of that stress healthily and positively. 


Saturday, July 16, 2022

College Students and Caffeine Dependence

 If you set food on a college campus, chances are you will see students walking by gripping iced coffees.  If you look a little further, you might find a number of coffee sellers and even energy drink vending machines.  Though “the recommended amount of caffeine is less than 200-300 mg per day… many college students…consume closer to 400-500 mg” (Villanova).  One Bang energy drink contains 300 mg of caffeine (Bang), and one large Dunkin iced coffee contains 396 mg of caffeine (caffeineinformer.com).  Even if one does their best to avoid consuming caffeine, classes, clubs, labs, homework, and jobs all take their toll, and sometimes a coffee or energy drink seems like the only option to power through it all.  

Unfortunately, this can lead to caffeine dependence.  Trying to stop drinking caffeine can impact grades and mood.  According to the National Institute of Health, symptoms of caffeine addiction include headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feeling foggy/not clear headed. “(Sajadi et al. 2022).  Students must balance their health with their need for productivity.  


Here about it from students themselves!




Bang® Energy Drinks 12 pack: 16 ounces with coq10 & super creatine. Bang Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://bangenergy.com/shop/bang-12-pack/?attribute_pa_flavor=wyldin-watermelon

Caffeine - final - villanova. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www1.villanova.edu/content/dam/villanova/studentlife/documents/Nutrition/Caffeine%20-%20Final.pdf

Dunkin' donuts coffee caffeine content guide. Caffeine Informer. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.caffeineinformer.com/complete-guide-to-dunkin-donuts-caffeine-content 

Sajadi-Ernazarova KR, Anderson J, Dhakal A, et al. Caffeine Withdrawal. [Updated 2022 Apr 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430790/

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Self Control and Unhealthy Food Relationships

Research shows that almost 50% of Americans report having an unhealthy relationship with food. This stems from the lack of self-control in individuals minds particularly when it comes to eating. It is hard to tell yourself no because we live for satisfaction, the euphoric aura of biting into that cheeseburger. Another reason we battle with self control is our mind frame. Many Americans live in the now, meaning we do not think about the future, just the day to day. This, as one can assume causes people to make bad decisions because they do not think or worry about the consequences. One solution I have for this dilemma is to prevent this form of thinking to begin with and it starts in elementary schools. Our education system must enforce and preach the benefits of self control on food and every other area of life. 

Monday, July 11, 2022

Positivity

 On their journey, hope kept Shackleton’s men going for a very long time.  They were positive about their upcoming adventures, and that things would get better (Lansing). Remaining positive is extremely powerful.  According to IE University, “A positive mindset is the breeding ground for creativity, expansive and visionary thinking, empathy, cooperation, and connection” (Villas-Boas, 2022). It can also be used beyond coping.  In fact, “studies have shown that resonant leaders connect and activate one part of the brain, while dissonant leaders, who send out negative emotions, activate another part of the brain” (Villas-Boas, 2022).  Furthermore, positivity can have an impact on health.   In one study, “People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.” (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021).  Positivity can be used in daily life, in the workplace, to guide us through tough times, and to improve our relationships.  

Here, Kevin Hart shares his views on positive thinking, and how it has gotten him far. 

    



The brain is powerful.  As shown in the video below, mind over matter is extremely valid.  



Lastly, this clip shows how easy it can be to change one's levels of positivity, and how big the impact of that can be.  Though it seems harmless in a game of basketball, it teaches a valuable lesson about the real world.  Even the most confident and talented can be impacted by negative feedback, making all-around positivity even more important. 



          Lansing, A. (2015). Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible voyage (anniversary). Basic Books.

The power of positive thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, November 1). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking 

Villas-Boas, B. A. G. (2022, February 1). Positivity is not magic. it's science. IE Insights. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/positivity-is-not-magic-its-science/ 


Post 1 - The Way Procrastination effects Self-Control & Solutions

When it comes to self control, procrastination takes a large role in how managed our self control is. Procrastination is known as "to put off intentionally and habitually" (Merriam-Webster, n.d). In the current world we live in, procrastination takes a large role in peoples daily lives; work, time management, chores, daily tasks, etc. It is very known to be "a threat to your professional productivity" (Brief, 2019).  The main question to be asking here is why? even on tasks that people are excited for, there is still procrastination happening. So it is clear that no matter what the case is, there will always be procrastination. 

There are many physiological reasons that one may be stuck in procrastination, these include the following - (Brief, 2019):

 - A fear of failure 

- Is it worth the effort?

- Avoiding an uncomfortable situation

- Overloaded and overextended

- Don't know how to prioritize 

- Being a perfectionist

- Simply not interested 

- Lack of time management skills

- Cannot get started

All of the listed above items then take a role on self control, because unfortunately procrastination is entirely self control - example of not putting enough time for a certain task, so it never gets done. However, if I managed my time more, and made room I would not have to procrastinate on that certain task.  There are many solutions to procrastination, and this will allow more self control with the following tips:

- Setting a certain amount time aside, ex: 10 minutes a day to complete that certain task. Understand your own energy patterns, know when you are at your lowest and highest. Take breaks, give yourself moments to yourself. Another tip to stop procrastination is a reward when the task is complete. (Brief, 2019)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x7MkLDGnu8

Stop procrastinating: 17 strategies to get back into action - The Creative  Life


Citations - 

Brief. (2019, July 15). How does procrastination affect time management? Medium. Retrieved July 11, 2022, from https://medium.com/@go_brief/how-does-procrastination-affect-time-management-fcaf6f0ea715 

Garratt, S. (2022, July 5). Stop procrastinating: 17 strategies to get back into action. The Creative Life. Retrieved July 11, 2022, from https://thecreativelife.net/stop-procrastinating/ 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Procrastinate. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 11, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinate

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Self Control and Addiction

 The topics of self control and addiction often go hand in hand.  Self control can be defined as “the ability to control one’s impulses when faced with challenges or temptations” (Science Direct, 2019).  A question is raised: do people become addicts due to lack of self control, or does addiction to something reduce self control and therefore make it difficult to quit?  UCLA found that “drug addiction is responsible for decreased impulse control while at the same time increasing the addict's desire to take more drugs” (UCLA).  Furthermore, while poor impulse control can lead to the initial taking of substances, it is also shown that ``A person develops a complete loss of control over their behavior” and/or “A person develops a decreased ability to control cravings for pleasure” (mentalhelp.net).  The following video proposes that looking beyond our current thoughts regarding self control could be very beneficial. 


Why don't they just stop? addiction and the loss of Control. Mental Help Why Dont They Just Stop Addiction and the Loss of Control Comments. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/addiction/why-cant-they-stop/

Which comes First: Addiction or impaired impulse control? Which Comes First: Addiction Or Impaired Impulse Control? | Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/News_and_Resources/Which_Comes_First_First_Addiction_Or_Impaired_Impulse_Control

Willems, Y. E., Boesen, N., Li, J., Finkenauer, C., & Bartels, M. (2019, February 26). The heritability of self-control: A meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418307905


Saturday, July 9, 2022

Fear Conditioning Post #1


 Fear Conditioning 

                        Fear conditioning is a form of classical conditioning. It is the mechanism we learn to fear people, objects, places, and events that are aversive such as an electric shock. In evolution, this form of associative fear learning plays a critical role in our survival from future threats. An example of this type of conditioning is the Little Albert study. Little Albert, an eleven-month-old infant baby used in John Watson and Rayner's 1920 study. Like many babies, Albert naturally feared deafening noises but had no aversion to white rats. Watson and Rayner presented him with a white rat, and when he touched it, they struck a hammer against a steel bar just behind his head. After seven repetitions of seeing the rat and hearing the frightening noise, Albert burst into tears at the mere sight of the rat. In conclusion, Albert showed some generalization of his learned fear response; he would cry at the sight of objects that resembled the white rat, such as a white coat or a white dog.  

For mediating fear learning, a brain area must satisfy two basic requirements. First, it must get input from the sensory systems that are processing the potentially dangerous stimuli, such as the visual system for a light or the tactile system for a shock. Second, it must project to the brain regions known to control fear responses. Using these criteria, researchers identified the amygdala as a critical region for fear conditioning. The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped cluster of nuclei set deep in the temporal lobe that seems ideally positioned as the locus of fear learning. It receives input through its lateral nucleus from cortical areas and the thalamus, a critical sensory relay station within the brain. It sends output via its central nucleus to various brain regions that mediate fear responses, such as the hypothalamus.

              







                    Please put this in your YouTube search engine : https://youtu.be/9hBfnXACsOI

                Example of a fear condition: exam anxiety :

                                            


                                     Put this in your YouTube search engine:   https://youtu.be/D64TZ-wcLCY


Citations:

Pamela Li, M. S. (2022, June 28). Fear conditioning: Classical examples in psychology. Parenting For Brain. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.parentingforbrain.com/fear-conditioning.

Schaffhausen, J., Fitzgerald, A. M. L., & Author: (2016, November 29). Fear conditioning: How the brain learns about danger. Brain Connection. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2005/08/26/fear-conditioning-how-the-brain-learns-about-danger/





The Pros and Cons of CBD Vape Pens Post #3

 

    The Pros and Cons of CBD Vape Pens 

       Cannabis e-liquid, also known as CBD vape juice, is still a controversial formula; however, it is considered a convenient way to consume CBD. The beneficial aspect of vaping CBD liquid is that it does not produce a hallucinogenic effect and can deliver the medicinal properties of marijuana. Unfortunately, as with all things in life, vaping CBD juice does present certain drawbacks, such as addiction.

Pros:

#1: The Health Benefits 

CBD is most well-known for the medicinal benefits of its marijuana components. Research has shown that this product can reduce the pain suffered by patients with degenerative diseases, arthritis, and even some types of cancer. Moreover, CBD oil can assist in alleviating the effects of anxiety, depression, and stress. One way to consume CBD oil is by using CBD vape pens, which are a faster alternative with high bio-availability.

#2: Fast Absorbing Liquid 


Another popular reason CBD liquid has increased in popularity is the effects felt after consumption. After the oil has been used in a vape pen, the individual will immediately begin to feel its effects. Typically, these effects include relaxation and calm throughout the body. The substance is also sent to the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. When in the bloodstream, the user begins to experience the effects of CBD, and the quick absorption can reduce pain or anxiety attacks.


#3: Convenient And Discreet 

One of the most significant advantages of using a CBD vape pen is discretion and convenience. As the device is portable, you can inhale the juice anywhere in almost all areas, and all you need is a vape pen and juice to enjoy the act of vaping. Moreover, based on the increased popularity of vaping, people are unlikely to question the type of substance being inhaled and why you are using it.

Vaping CBD liquid does not produce strong odors, unlike traditional marijuana cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes use a vapor without any associated smoke. While most people choose to vape indoors, you must check the state law regarding illegal vaping in public places.

 Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a high. People use CBD in a wide variety of ways for its potential therapeutic effects:  

Trusted Sources may include:

Cons: 


#1: The Health Risks 

Just as there are health benefits to vaping CBD oil, it is vital to be cautious regarding the amount of liquid being vaped simultaneously. If you have a pre-existing health condition, particularly a respiratory condition, inhaling CBD oil can result in coughing and nausea; this is particularly true in cases where a person over-inhales the liquid.

 CBD oil extract is often too thick for vaporizers, so thinning agents are used to thin the formula. The most common agents are polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and when they reach high temperatures, the thinners break down into carcinogenic compounds. The research found that vaping even small amounts of these compounds can result in respiratory complications, including asthma and allergic reactions.


#2: Addiction To CBD Vaping 

While doctors and researchers have noted CBD oils as not having addictive qualities and being used to cure addiction, the CBD vaping act is an addictive behavior. Research has found that most users will become preoccupied with the act as it is convenient, discrete, and more straightforward than traditional smoking methods.








https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4_l-klxqCQ : 





CBD Vape Pens - Pros & cons of vaping CBD Oil: Medicinal Cannabis. Medicinal Cannabis | Encouraging widespread knowledge of nature's most effective medicine. (2019, August 7). Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.medicinal-cannabis.org/pros-and-cons-to-using-cbd-vape-pens/

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Vaping CBD: Pens and oils for pain, depression and anxiety. Medical News Today. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaping-cbd#cbd 

Emotional Eating(Stress Eating) and how it effects us Post#2

 


                     Emotional eating is eating to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness, and loneliness. Major life events or, more commonly, the hassles of daily life can trigger negative emotions that lead to emotional eating and disrupt your weight-loss efforts. These triggers might include relationship conflicts, work or other stressors, fatigue, financial pressures, and health problems. Although some people eat less in the face of strong emotions, if you're in emotional distress, you might turn to impulsive or binge eating, quickly consuming whatever's convenient without enjoyment. Your emotions can become so tied to the eating habits that you automatically reach for a treat whenever you're angry or stressed without thinking about what you're doing. Food also serves as a distraction. For instance, if you're worried about an upcoming event or stewing over a conflict, you may focus on eating comfort food instead of dealing with the painful situation. Emotional eating causes an unhealthy cycle — your emotions trigger you to overeat, you beat yourself up for getting off your weight-loss track, and you feel bad and overeat again. When negative emotions threaten to trigger emotional eating, you can take steps to control cravings. 

   To help stop emotional eating, these are some ways to help deal with it:

   Keep a food diary: Write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you feel when you eat and how hungry you are. Over time, you might see patterns that reveal the connection between mood and food.

  • Tame your stress. If stress contributes to your emotional eating, try a stress management technique, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
  • Have a hunger reality check. Is your hunger physical or emotional? You're probably not hungry if you ate just a few hours ago and didn't have a rumbling stomach. Give the craving time to pass.
  • Get support. You're more likely to give in to emotional eating if you lack a good support network. Lean on family and friends or consider joining a support group.
  • Fight boredom. Instead of snacking when you're not hungry, distract yourself and substitute a healthier behavior. Take a walk, watch a movie, play with your cat, listen to music, read, surf the internet or call a friend.
  • Take away temptation. Don't keep hard-to-resist comfort foods in your home. And if you feel angry or blue, postpone your trip to the grocery store until you have your emotions in check.
  • Don't deprive yourself. When trying to lose weight, you might limit calories, eat the same foods repeatedly and banish treats; this may increase your food cravings, especially in response to emotions. Eat satisfying amounts of healthier foods, enjoy an occasional treat and get plenty of variety to help curb cravings.
  • Snack healthy. If you feel the urge to eat between meals, choose a healthy snack, such as fresh fruit, vegetables with low-fat dip, nuts, or unbuttered popcorn. Or try lower-calorie versions of your favorite foods to see if they satisfy your craving.
  • Learn from setbacks. If you have an emotional eating episode, forgive yourself and start fresh the next day. Try to learn from the experience and plan how to prevent it in the future. Focus on the positive changes you're making in your eating habits and give yourself credit for making changes that'll lead to better health.


  I have had this issue throughout my life when I feel stressed and rely on eating to help me cope. But I realized this is a bad habit, so my mom encouraged me to keep a food diary, exercise, and take breaks between assignments and distractions. 


Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, December 9). Weight loss: Gain control of emotional eating. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342

https://youtu.be/3oem_bNxIUw: 




Friday, June 10, 2022

Negative/Positive Punishment (Post 3-Final)

 It is important to see punishment in terms of both positive and negative, depending on how it is applied. A person's use of punishment may be traced back to the time of their parents. Punishment is described in the book introduction to learning and behavior as the delivery of an unpleasant stimulus or the removal of an appetitive stimulus in order to weaken a behavior. As a result of these fundamental differences, the book also discusses penalties in terms of positive and negative consequences. In the case of negative punishment, an event is removed as punishment for an action, which reduces the power of the reaction in the future. People are less inclined to act in such a reckless manner because their actions result in the loss of what they value. Positive punishment, on the other hand, is the addition of anything to the mix that will result in an unpleasant outcome. The objective is to reduce the possibility that the undesirable conduct will occur again in the future. For example, when a child neglects their responsibilities, a parent will add extra chores to the list. 



Classical VS Operant Conditioning (Post 2)

 

From a psychological viewpoint, classical conditioning is an important aspect of learning. Classical conditioning refers to learning through provoked reactions or instincts. This process starts with a neutral stimulus and gradually transforms it into a conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. Pavlov is credited with developing classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is divided into three stages: before conditioning, during conditioning, and after conditioning. Because both are behavioral changes, classical conditioning and operant conditioning might be mistaken at times. Operant is concerned with a voluntary activity that results in a consequence, whereas classical is concerned with an automatic behavior reaction and stimulus. Classical conditioning is characterized by involuntary and inflexible behavior. The stimulus is what prompts the action. Conditioning is all about the stimulus-response. There are several types of operant conditioning, and each one affects the likelihood of future action. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment are all examples of operant conditioning learning processes. These kinds of learning processes can be difficult to distinguish at times.



CLASSICAL VS OPERANT CONDITIONING









Phobias/Flooding Therapy (Post 1)

 Classical conditioning has a significant impact on our lives because of its role in the formation of fear and anxiety. It is possible for a previously neutral stimulus to be linked to an adverse stimulus and trigger anxiety. To avoid a potentially hazardous scenario, this type of fear conditioning serves as a powerful motivator for the individual. As a result of this process, we might get overly concerned about situations that are neither harmful nor threatening at all.There is a wide range of severity when it comes to phobias, with the majority of people experiencing mild to severe symptoms. Intense phobias can lead a person to be so anxious that they are unable to carry out everyday tasks. They are frequently the result of horrific childhood events that left a person feeling so terrified and anxious that they developed a long-term phobia. Phobias can range from a fear of little critters to a fear of things and places that one would not normally encounter. Intense fear of spiders, or arachnophobia, is a typical example of an extreme phobia, and it's one that I share.

 In terms of psychotherapy, there are several alternative treatments, including flooding therapy, a behavioral treatment in which a feared stimulus is repeatedly exposed for an extended period of time, allowing the conditioned fear response to decrease to the maximum extent possible. People who have a fear of dogs, for example, may be put in a room with a dog and requested to pet the dog right away. This would be an extreme case. Despite the fact that this treatment is frequently quite beneficial for long-term phobias, it can be incredibly unpleasant for the patients.

(See video below)


https://youtu.be/AOkxcOU-Ypw