"Running significantly reduced OA and hip replacement risk due to, in part, running's association with lower BMI, whereas other exercise increased OA and hip replacement risk" (Williams, PT., 2013) Effects of running and walking on osteoarthritis and hip replacement risk, July 2013, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Nat'l Lab, doi: 1249/MSS.ob13e31885126.

The Neurobiology of Stress Management and Enhanced Brain Functioning
Facilitator: Lisa Lukianoff, Pys.D.

OVERVIEW 
This workshop will provide a presentation and understanding of the neurobiological stress response activated in the brain in response to stressful situations. Participants will learn skills to better self-regulate this neurobiological process and the negative effects of stress, which will enhance their brain performance. This presentation will explain the adrenal system function, how activation of the limbic region affects emotions, the role of the amygdala during fight-or-flight stimuli, the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and increased cortisol levels during prolonged stress.


Role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
During exposure to stress, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis acts as a regulator, both influenced by and provide feedback to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands. The HPA function is a primary aspect of the neuroendocrine system in the stress response cycle, including bodily regulation of digestion, the immune system, emotions and moods, sexuality and the inflow and outflow of energy. It serves as a central mechanism for the complex interactions of hormones, glands, and parts of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The HPA axis combined with corticosteroids produces the physiological response to stress. (Lange C, Zschucke E, Ising M, Uhr M, Bermpohl F, Adli M., 2013).



HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neural circuits in the hypothalamus, brainstem and forebrain work collaboratively to coordinate a response to stress.

The ANS responds to stress by activating neurons to stimulate release of adrenaline and noradrenalin (norepinephrine) which causes an increase in heart rate and vasoconstriction.

The HPA responds to stress by activating the hypothalamus to stimulate the corticotropin releasing hormone and arginine vasopressin. High levels of corticotropin releasing hormone is associated with major depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Arginine vasopressin restricts blood vessels. These combined responses stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone which activates the Glucocorticoids synthesis. This functions primarily to mobilize energy stores during stress.

Motivational Interviewing (adaptation) and Psychoanalytic Thought as Executive Coaching Technique 
 By: Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.

            Executive coaching is an area of practice within the APA Division 13, Society of Consulting Psychology, (http://www.apadivisions.org/division-13/). Coaching has become an effective strategy for professional development and goal attainment among business professionals and individuals.
            The practice of consulting psychology as an executive coach employs theoretical approaches and relevant models drawing from multiple disciplines within the field of clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counseling, organizational psychology, behavioral psychology and management.
            This discussion will introduce how to work with an adaptation of motivational interviewing (MI) in the context of a coaching intervention technique and how psychoanalytic thought influences these techniques.
            This is not a full examination and research into these subjects, rather it is a brief discussion about a few of the ideas presented in two articles. It is the intention of this author to provide a brief but skillful integration of an adaptation of MI and psychoanalytic thought in the professional practice of executive coaching.
             Most of these examples and citations in this discussion demonstrate an inextricable link between the use and understanding of psychoanalytic thought and executive coaching. And while there are similarities in constructing the framework of techniques and interventions, the primary focus of executive coaching remains grounded in assisting a client in modifying (current) behaviors to attain a desirable outcome or goal in their professional or personal lives.

           
References

Harakas, Peter. (2013). Resistance, Motivational Interviewing, and Executive Coaching. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research. American Psychological Association, 2013, Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 108–127 1065-9293/13/DOI: 10.1037/a0033196.

Kilburg, R. & Levinson, H. (2008). Executive dilemmas: Coaching and the professional perspectives of Harry Levinson. Consulting Psychology Journal Practice and Research. Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 7-32. DOI:10.1037/1065-9293.60.1.7. 

Habits of happy humans include (please do try this at home);
Surrounding ourselves with other happy (like minded) people
Smiling, authentically so
Cultivate resilience skills
Make an effort to be happy
Practice mindfulness of the good in things
Appreciate simple pleasures
Spending time doing charity
Losing track of time doing something fun or creative
Prefer more meaningful conversations
Generously giving to other
Active listeners
Engage in face-to-face time with others
Look on the bright side
Enjoy music
Unwind and unplug
Seek spiritual experiences and/or practices
Exercise
Spend time outside in nature
Rest and sleep well
Laugh
Practice  what they preach

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/16/happiness-habits-of-exuberant-human-beings_n_3909772.html

When working with your superiors in a workplace, it’s beneficial to advocate your authentic expression of positive emotions to further goal attainment.  While positive emotions in general are contagious to varying degrees in any interpersonal interactions, amplifying them in a work context has shown favorable outcomes for goal attainment. Additionally, inauthentic displays of positive emotions can cast an impression that someone isn’t forthcoming.

“It is not surprising that expressing positive emotions authentically has positive effects regardless of the interaction partner. Authentic expression of positive emotions has all the advantages associated with expressing positive emotions that have been postulated, and found, in research on emotional contagion…”  (Wong, Tschan, Messerli &Semmer, 2013).http://www.frontiersin.org/Emotion_Science/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00188/abstract

Research into the neuroscience of addition is providing an examination of the biological basis and understanding of the impact that drug abuse has on the brain, and thus an individual. Neurotransmitters Dopamine and Glutamate are among the areas in the brain affected by drug abuse . Additionally, biological, environment and developmental factors play an important role in addiction. https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=245906