Book Group Chapter 7: Breaking the High-Alert Habit -- discussion of The Way Out by Alan Gordon

Forest

Administrator
Staff member
Happy Halloween, everyone. This week's discussion was about how we get on high alart.

As with previous weeks, we'd love to start a discussion thread below for this chapter. So if you had any questions for Michelle or me, or had any thoughts you'd like to share about the material covered, please post them below. (Click on "Register" and then "Facebook" to log on with Facebook.)

This week's topics and the video recording are below:
First, Michelle will discuss how our stressful lifestyles put our brains on high alert. Then, she will talk about how our brains have not yet caught up with our lifestyles. Additionally, she will talk about how to start recognizing the behaviors that put our brains on high alert.​
Then there will be breakout groups where members will be asked to talk about what behaviors they engage in that unintentionally put their brains on high alert. Also what they can do to cut back on those behaviors. After breakout groups, Forest will lead group members in a large group discussion where members will have a chance to share.​
After group sharing, Michelle will discuss intermittent reinforcement which creates habits that are difficult to break…cell phones, emails, television. Then, Michelle will talk about how uncertainty and agonizing over choices can put us on high alert. Finally, she will talk about how feeling trapped creates danger in our brain
Then there will be one more breakout group, where group members will be asked to discuss behaviors and circumstances that cause them stress. They will be asked to think of ways that can minimize those triggers and reduce their impact on their lives. Then, Forest will lead group members in a large group discussion where members will have a chance to share their new realizations and plans to minimize stress in their lives.​
Finally, Michelle will recap the session and talk a little bit about what’s coming up next week—Chapter 8, feeling good.​


More information about the other chapters and the book group can be found at www.prtrecovery.org/group.
 
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