Mind

Try this breathing exercise for stress release and getting rid of cortisol

Edmond Chan · Jul 31, 2016 · 2 Comments

Anxiety is the scourge of our generation. As I mentioned in a previous article, I'm pretty damn happy most of the time, but I do get anxious and stressed. Stress is linked to the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the body in fight or flight mode. When you're on a losing streak, or anxious about stuff, your body will produce cortisol. Cortisol is perfectly normal and has served us well for millennia. But it's only supposed to be in the body for short amounts of time. In the last century however, cortisol stays in the body for longer at low-levels, due to the lifestyle we now have. This is not good. In fact, this …

Crush your OCD with this one question

Edmond Chan · Jul 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Last Thursday, I did my usual OCD lockdown routine when I left the office. I checked that the windows were closed, the taps were off, the lights were off, and when I locked the door, I pushed it 30 times to make sure it was closed. Jesus, that sounds crazy just writing that down. As I walked down the street, I wrestled with OCD insistently asking me whether I truly locked. I suddenly asked myself a question. 'Do I trust myself?' This literally stopped me where I stood. Of course, my lockdown routine and insistent voice in my head would suggest that I didn't trust myself. But it's almost impossible to say to yourself …

Defeating anxiety and stress

Edmond Chan · May 29, 2016 · 1 Comment

I'm an anxious person. I'm a happy person but I can also be an anxious person. Those who know me, know that I have OCD as well as general worry about things. My OCD is pretty standard as things go. I have a routine upon leaving the house. I check the balcony door is locked. I check the hob. I check the taps are shut off in the kitchen. I turn off all power sockets. I check that the shower is off. I check that the bathroom taps are shut off. Then I get to the front door. I check this is locked by pushing the door 30 times. This must sound utterly insane to someone who has no OCD tendencies. And it is. I know …