Turn Off the Stress Switch Stress is activated by self-centered thoughts and thinking about yourself. This thinking is unhealthy and hazardous to people and society. These self-centered thoughts include obvious thoughts such as thinking about your problems, feeling sorry for yourself, or negative thoughts about yourself. Other examples are less obvious such as trying to be someone else or your job title, trying to please others, and thinking about what people think of you. Other less obvious examples include complaining, criticism, and blame as well as jealousy, resentment, and worry. Feeling guilty is stress and means you’re thinking about yourself. Unknown examples include trying to gain power and control over people. Be your authentic self to counteract social media and social group manipulation from disinformation. There are serious consequences from relying on self-centered stress center thinking, especially with guilt that can result in property destruction and unsafe communities. It makes sense to turn off the stress switch. Turn off the switch of negative self-centered thinking from the stress center. Think from the heart with giving and kindness to yourself and others. Think from the mind with courage to be your authentic self, creativity to solve problems and help others, and inspiration to improve the world. Gary Epler / Eplerian Life Philosophy Copyright© 2023 by Gary Epler, M.D. All rights reserved. This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.