106: Calming the Chaos with Tracy Kenela

Published: Sept. 24, 2020, 10 a.m.

b'On today\\u2019s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane sits down with Tracy Kenela about \\u201ccalming the chaos\\u201d and creating peace and calm in our lives.\\nTherapist and podcast host, Tracy discusses how she came to start studying \\u201coverwhelm\\u201d as a psychological concept. An expert in chaos, Tracy explains how chaotic factors contribute to our being overwhelmed.\\nCalming The Addicted Mind - 6 Day Mindfulness Email Series\\ntheaddictedmind.com/mindfulness\\nTraci breaks down the different kinds of shock and responses that may manifest when our brain confronts chaos. It seems as though people get addicted to chaos or the absence of chaos. These things really just distract people from addressing the issues that matter.\\nIf you\\u2019ve grown up in chaos, it\\u2019s possible you\\u2019re reenacting chaos as a means of coping with trauma. Tracy and Duane both urge people in this case to seek counseling because they can break the cycle of chaos if they really want to.\\nThere is a phenomenon of victimhood in chaos addiction, too. People tend to self-create this chaos to get the right kind of attention or reactions from people around them. This is different from legitimate chaos (like the kind that just shows up in your life), but you still will need to respond to the chaos. Having a strategy to respond to chaos could save your life.\\nJoin The Addicted Mind Podcast Facebook Group>>>\\nTracy then briefly talks about how she would go about treating someone who may need help dealing with the chaos in their lives. She will validate the chaos first and then offer ways to \\u201ccalm the shock.\\u201d This part is rather physical, honestly. She may offer ice or a heat pack\\u2014some people even respond to particularly strong smells. Anything to help counteract the shock.\\nShe uses some motivational interviewing, but most of her work uses the trans-theoretical model. This model helps her to figure out at what point they\\u2019re at in regards to changing their behavior and moving away from the chaos. She then encourages her patients to take steps toward control. Even a small step like working on daily mindfulness can help you make huge gains in your focus and productivity.\\nEpisode Link\\ntheaddictedmind.com/106\\nWhat does coping with the chaos look like? It\\u2019s usually slower, Tracy says. Taking slow, deliberate steps. Taking deep breaths and moving slowly\\u2014these things will help you to become more mindful.\\nIf you think you\\u2019re dealing with chaos, the first step is to talk to a professional to get help with relaxation tools and mindfulness practices.\\n\\n\\nSupport this podcast at \\u2014 https://redcircle.com/the-addicted-mind-podcast/donations\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'