EP 222: Being a Male Nurse

EP 222: Being a Male Nurse

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Podcast

Men in Nursing

In recent years, the nursing profession has witnessed a notable shift in gender dynamics, with more men choosing to pursue careers in nursing. This increasing diversity brings new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities to the field. In this blog post, we will delve into the experiences of male nurses, shedding light on their unique journey, the benefits they bring to healthcare, and the obstacles they may encounter along the way.

The Rise of Male Nurses

Breaking free from long-standing stereotypes, more men are opting for nursing careers than ever before. Despite the historical perception of nursing as a female-dominated profession, men are drawn to the field for various reasons. These reasons include job stability, flexibility, the opportunity to make a difference in patient care, and the chance to challenge traditional gender roles.

The Impact of Gender Diversity in Nursing

The presence of male nurses contributes to a more balanced and diverse healthcare workforce, benefiting patients, colleagues, and the profession as a whole. Gender diversity in nursing brings unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, enriching the delivery of care. Male nurses often offer different approaches to patient interactions, collaboration, and problem-solving, fostering a more comprehensive and well-rounded healthcare environment.

Challenges Faced by Male Nurses

While progress has been made, male nurses may encounter various challenges throughout their careers. These challenges can stem from societal biases, misconceptions, and ingrained gender roles. Patient perceptions, acceptance from colleagues, and career advancement opportunities can be influenced by preconceived notions of what a nurse should look like or be. Overcoming these obstacles requires resilience, self-advocacy, and continuous efforts to promote inclusivity and gender equality.

Navigating Stereotypes and Patient Perceptions

Male nurses may face initial skepticism or surprise from patients who are accustomed to seeing female nurses. It is essential to actively dispel stereotypes and build trust by providing compassionate, skilled, and patient-centered care. By demonstrating expertise, empathy, and professionalism, male nurses can overcome initial biases and establish strong connections with their patients.

Emotional Balance and Leadership in Nursing

In the nursing profession, the ability to strike a balance between emotions and objectivity is essential for providing optimal patient care. While both men and women possess emotional intelligence, some argue that men’s perceived inclination toward being less emotional can offer unique advantages in certain nursing scenarios and leadership roles.

Emotional Resilience in Challenging Situations

Nursing can be emotionally demanding, with healthcare professionals often encountering distressing situations. Male nurses, who may be perceived as less emotional, can sometimes bring a sense of emotional stability to these high-pressure environments. Their ability to remain calm and composed during critical moments can help create a reassuring presence for patients, families, and colleagues.

Objective Decision-Making

Being less emotional does not mean lacking empathy or compassion. Instead, it can allow male nurses to approach decision-making with a heightened sense of objectivity. This ability to detach emotionally, when necessary, can facilitate clearer thinking and more balanced judgment in complex healthcare situations. It enables them to assess situations from multiple angles and make well-informed decisions that prioritize patient safety and well-being.

Leadership and Conflict Resolution

Leadership roles within nursing require individuals to navigate interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, and make difficult decisions. Men, who may face societal expectations of being assertive and confident, can leverage these attributes to take on leadership responsibilities effectively. Their ability to remain level-headed in challenging situations and communicate with clarity can contribute to cohesive teamwork, effective problem-solving, and positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare teams.

Conclusion

The growing number of men in nursing is transforming the profession, offering fresh perspectives, challenges, and opportunities. While male nurses may encounter biases and stereotypes, they possess the resilience to navigate these hurdles. Their ability to provide emotional stability in demanding situations and make objective decisions contributes to excellent patient care. Furthermore, their leadership qualities foster effective teamwork and positive outcomes. Embracing the contributions of male nurses enhances diversity and fosters an inclusive healthcare environment for all.

Watch the full episode

Preparing for the NCLEX Exams: 6 Proven Tips for Passing

Preparing for the NCLEX Exams: 6 Proven Tips for Passing

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Nursing Student

Preparing for the NCLEX Exams: 6 Proven Tips for Passing 

Preparing for the NCLEX exams is one of the most important things that any nursing student should prepare for. But the question in many nursing students’ minds is, how do you prepare for the NCLEX? If you are asking the same question, let these tips help you prepare for this upcoming exam. 

Passing the NCLEX exams is like hitting gold. It is your ticket to a better and brighter future. Before taking the exam, here are some excellent tips you can apply to your study plan.

 

1. Understand the NCLEX Format.

When you understand how the NCLEX format works, passing it will be easier. NCLEX uses the CAT format or computerized adaptive testing format. It means that not a single exam is identical.

The algorithm produces a new set of questions based on your performance on the previous test questions. Keep in mind that the test bank is comprehensive and contains all kinds of question styles and topics of content. 

The exams will produce around 60 questions minimum plus 15 pre-questions with 145 maximum questions. The candidate can pass the test when the tester has answered enough questions with correct answers at about the 95% confidence interval. Candidates will fail if they cannot maintain or rise above 95% confidence. 

It means that to pass the NCLEX, you must get above the passing line that shows competency with marginal doubt. The test can end at any point when the computer has determined your performance.

You are given a maximum time allowance of 6 hours to do this. So, all you have to do is pass the 60-145 questions. 

 

2. Avoid self-criticism.

The questions tend to get harder as you move forward. Don’t get frustrated when you get a few wrongs in a row, and don’t automatically assume you’ve failed. The best thing you can do is stay focused on your questions.

Remember, the NCLEX exam determines your knowledge and tests your endurance. It is best to keep answering instead of talking yourself down each time you get a wrong answer. 

 

3. Manage your stress.

It is expected to get worked up before the examination, but it is recommended that you find a way to manage your stress. Some test-takers get anxious before taking the NCLEX, and if you are one of them, don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to deal with test stress. 

One of the first things you should do is take as much time as you can to prepare for the NCLEX but don’t make studying your entire life. There is always time for everything, and balancing your studies with hobbies is a must. 

Be sure to include time for exercising, eating well, and going out. Keeping a balanced life during studying and doing what you love helps ease your mind from any anxiety you might feel before the exam. Some nurses say there is a rule not to study the day before the exam, only a quick skim through some notes.

On the day of the exam, do not study. Do not attempt to take a glance at your notes or review anything. It will only make you more anxious. Instead, you need to relax, do a short meditation, and eat breakfast before going to the exam center. In short, do something that will keep you grounded and calm. 

The best thing you can do is to study appropriately beforehand. When you know that you have covered everything during your study days and are confident that you will pass, taking the NCLEX exam isn’t that scary. 

 

4. Make a study plan.

Making a study plan means you need to create time for studying. Create a schedule for the week and set aside the hours you need to study. Be sure to include a goal each time you are studying too. It could be as simple as answering 4 25 question practice exams or reading a few chapters on the topic you are tackling. 

Keep in mind that you are wasting time when you do not have any goals when studying. The NCLEX is not about how long you have studied or how many hours you have put in. It is about how much you understand the context of each nursing topic. Make use of your time wisely. 

 

A. Not all past clinical experiences can help. 

I have bad news for those who worked as a nurse aid, tech, or even nursing students who volunteered. Your clinical experience cannot help you when you take the NCLEX exams. Why do you ask? 

The NCLEX exam is based on tested, researched, and evidence-based practices that you may not have learned in your clinical experience. Facilities will have different guidelines and protocols that are just as safe or as effective, BUT never assume that they are the same regarding the NCLEX. 

It is best if you answer the exam questions as if you did not have any real-life experience as a nurse. 

 

B. Practice your test-taking skills. 

Make use of test-taking strategies so you can eliminate the wrong answers. It will also help you with solutions like ALL THAT APPLY or NONE APPLY. Always remember to put patient safety first before considering other options. With continuous practice, you will see themes in the answers. For example:

  • Be sure to assess the patient first; calling a doctor is not always the best answer. 
  • Remember your ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation. 
  • Deductive reasoning can also help you even if you don’t know the topic. 
  • If you have no exact answer, follow your gut. A nurse’s intuition can help you out. 

As you practice your test-taking skills, you will realize there will always be “select all that apply” questions. But if you use a systematic approach and tackle the wrong answers first, you have a higher chance to answer each question correctly. 

 

5. Do more than just answer the practice tests.

Completing practice exams is good, but you can also go beyond that. After answering the practice questions, you can read about the answers and why they were right or wrong.

Write down the concept you would like to tackle on your next study time so you are always prepared for the next day.  Take as much time as you think you need to devote to various study methods; they each have their benefit and will pay off in the long run.

 

6. Prepare for the NCLEX Exam day. 

The night before you take the exams, go to bed early, or better yet, ensure you have enough sleep throughout the week before the NCLEX. Hide your notes and try not to study. Be sure to put gas in your car, set your alarm for the next day, shower, and arrive early at the testing center. 

Bring snacks for your breaks during the test, and stay hydrated. If you get cold fast, bring an extra layer of clothing or a hoodie if allowed. In short, be as prepared as you can be.

Not only will it show that you are serious about your exams, but it also shows your character as a person and perhaps as a future nurse. 

 

Believing in Yourself is the Key

Preparing for the NCLEX exams is not that hard. All you have to do is stay focused. You are already on your way to becoming one of the best nurses. You had proven this when you passed the nursing school.

So believe that you can pass the NCLEX, and you will! NCLEX is the last step toward your career as a professional nurse. Hopefully, you find these tips helpful as you prepare for the exams; best of luck!

 

Looking for more student resources? Check out these helpful links!

4 Tips on How Nurses Can Avoid Malpractice

4 Tips on How Nurses Can Avoid Malpractice

by | Jun 24, 2023 | Nursing

4 Tips on How Nurses Can Avoid Malpractice

Any nurse will do everything in their power to care for their patients. But sometimes, mistakes can’t be avoided. It happens. And it is also among the common reasons why some nurses face charges of malpractice.

Even if the case was unintentional, malpractice could still be charged. It is why, as nurses, we must know our rights and ensure our job is not compromised.

But how can we avoid being sued for malpractice? And what can we do to avoid the things that could lead to a malpractice lawsuit? 

 

Why Malpractice Happens

Nurses work in healthcare facilities where workflow can be unpredictable. Add factors like understaffing, unfair nurse-patient ratio, Covid-19, and burnout, and you have a recipe for disaster.

In addition, nurses work in all aspects of the medical field. Their involvement in people’s lives, topped with different responsibilities, puts them in a vulnerable position most of the time.

This position also increases their risk of malpractice allegations, a reality that many professional nurses face every day. 

 

Avoid Malpractice with These Tips

How can a nurse avoid accusations of malpractice? If you want to avoid this predicament and be careful with your daily patient interaction, here are helpful tips you can follow:

 

1. Be attentive and mindful of the patient care you give.

Imagine being hospitalized; you are in a vulnerable state where you’re uncomfortable. Not only that, but you’re also in a lot of pain and discomfort. How would you feel? But despite all that, you have the nurse who attends to your needs.

If you are the patient, wouldn’t you love your nurse to be attentive to your needs and provide you with the best care? Exactly. 

Paying attention to the patient care, you give your patients helps ease any anxiety your patient may have. You can execute procedures and nursing care plans properly when you’re focused.

However, there are moments when nurses can’t give the same amount of attention to all patients. And not all patients understand that each patient’s care goes through a triage system where the most severe cases are prioritized first. 

It is challenging for many nurses to make their patients comfortable, especially those waiting in the ward. That said, nurses must build rapport and ensure that patients are treated with respect and etiquette. It will help them ease up and trust you as the nurse caring for them. 

 

2. Always explain the consent and how patients are processed.

As I have mentioned, not all patients understand the procedures and processes of their healthcare facility. In some cases, some patients may be protective of their health conditions.

You must explain how their data will be used when they consent. Let your patients ask questions and take your time to explain the answer to their inquiries. It will give them a better understanding of their situation and what they should anticipate. 

 

3. Document your work at all times. 

Many hospitals follow SOPs or standard operating procedures in different situations. To avoid malpractice, know these rules and hospital policies. Ensure that you refer to them when you are making your decisions.

Write them down on your nurse’s notes, especially when giving medications, doing procedures, and complying with patient requests. Always document in detail and make sure you have a copy. It will also help doctors diagnose accurately and ensure the best treatment options. 

Written documentation will protect you and other healthcare professionals should a patient claim malpractice and file a case against your team. While nurses cannot avoid committing mistakes at work, we can’t eradicate them.

Nurses must be vigilant by being mindful of their work, protecting their rights, and defending their actions. 

 

4. Sign up for training and continued education.

Just because you obtained your RN license, your role ends there. Keep in mind that the healthcare system is continuously changing. And it will continue to do so for many years to come.

Technological advancements and innovations in many hospitals are also changing, which is why training and education must continue. 

In some hospitals, nurses must complete several hours of educational training to increase their competency requirements. It also helps nurses update their skills and knowledge about recent changes and best practices within the nursing field.

With proper knowledge and correct documentation, nurses have a good chance of defending themselves. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

EP 221: How ChatGPT Will Affect Nursing and Healthcare

EP 221: How ChatGPT Will Affect Nursing and Healthcare

by | Jun 23, 2023 | Podcast

How AI will affect nursing and Healthcare

Have you wondered how far can AI go? Or how useful can AI bots like ChatGPT be? Chatgbt has been on the rise, it surpassed 1 million users within 5 days of launch setting the record for quickest user growth. It surpassed online services like Instagram, Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, and Twitter it blew them out of the water as Instagram took second place with 2.5 months.

Currently, ChatGPT has over 100 million users and about 1 billion visits a day with 15% of its users being Americans. This isn’t just a national occurrence, but a global phenomenon. It’s only a matter of time before ChatGPT and other AI systems will start to have a big impact on healthcare. 

If you haven’t tried out ChatGPT I highly recommend you try it. ChatGPT is a Google search engine on steroids where you can ask the AI any question. You can have it write you a Haiku, proofread your paper, have a conversation, or even just look something up.

ChatGPT and Healthcare

What impact can this have on healthcare? Have you ever used doctor google? Chatbots have been shown they can generally answer medical questions and can generally pass medical exams most of the time. But people feel put of by putting their trust in software. One of the world’s most popular doctors with a random success rate. The redness on your skin can be either an irritation or straight-up cancer, doctor google is easy and convenient but most of the time it just doesn’t give you what you’re looking for when it comes to getting a quick idea of what your medical issue is. 

  • Every minute 70,000 inquiries get answered by dr google
  • 89% of people google their symptoms before asking their doctor
  • Google gets about 1 billion health questions a day
  • 40% of people use Google instead of a doctor

Often when you go see your doctor or go to the ED you get asked to explain what exactly happened and how you feel. What the medical professionals are trying to do is to get as much information as possible to make as best prediction about what is going on. The more you put in the search bar the better the results are going to be. 

Why ChatGPT is going to surpass Google

We live in a high pace society we thrive on speed. Whatever gets us what we want the quickest wins 99% of the time, we don’t like to wait. Let’s take a look at the history of the search. 

  • Before the telephone, if you wanted to find something out you’d have to look through an encyclopedia or newspaper, or have to know someone.
  • Once telephones became more common you were able to call specialists or people that may be able to answer your question from home.
    • We went from having to go to places to being able to ask from home.
  • Then came cellphones and internet search, meaning you can call anyone whenever and physically search the web for answers.
  • Now we have cellular internet and search engines meaning you can look up anything, anytime, and anywhere.

ChatGPT takes search to a whole new level. Instead of having to look through multiple Google recommendations to find what you are looking for, you are presented with the answer in the same window. If you want more information all you have to do is ask more expanding questions. It uses fewer clicks as it searches for you and gives you the best answer. It is the fastest way to get an answer to your question. 

Impact on nursing students

ChatGPT can be used as a resource for nursing students. It can answer questions, multiple choice, and regular responses. Multiple choice works better as there are options to choose from whereas asking general questions gives you multiple options and their rationale. Take it with a grain of salt because it does answer some basic questions wrong. It would be a better idea to use it more for rationale and explanations. 

ChatGPT’s Impact on Healthcare

Why do most people not like going to the doctor? The 2 main reasons are fear and embarrassment. People just do not like talking about their personal medical/health life.

  • The fear associated with the doctor’s office, hospitals, or medical procedures is one of the reasons people don’t go to the doctor. They may be reluctant to seek medical care or even routine procedures. They also fear that they might get hit with “bad news”.
  • Embarrassment is another reason people do not like to visit their doctor. People do not like to get asked direct questions about their bowel habits, sexual activity, or lifestyles. Some feel embarrassed about the physical and other exams. Some people have a history of trauma and it is hard for them to feel vulnerable. 

Fear and embarrassment are hard things to conquer. That is exactly why people would rather google what they are going through instead of seeking help from a doctor. 

There was a john hopkins study that compared the chatGPT medical responses to that of doctors. The results were very interesting. The questions that were asked were “Will the toothpick I swallowed kill me? How big a deal is the lump I got on my head after running into a metal bar?” 

  • 80% of the participants preferred the ChatGPS response over the doctors. The responses were accurate and of higher quality. 
  • They viewed ChatGPT as more empathetic and had a longer explanation.
    • For example, the chatbot’s answer to that toothpick question begins, “It’s natural to be concerned if you have ingested a foreign object, but in this case, it is highly unlikely that the toothpick you swallowed will cause you any serious harm.”
    • The real doctor wrote, “If you’ve surpassed 2-6 h, chances are they’ve passed into your intestines.”
    • The doctor went on to write 58 words in total, while the chatbot’s answer was more than three times as long at 191 words.
    • https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/public-health/chatgpt-answers-medical-questions-X7TC7UUU5ZFWTIPCVTG4UZGDWM/ 

AI and diagnostics

AI algorithms are currently being used to help lead diagnosis and treatment. AI algorithms can analyze medical images like xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs and help identify and diagnose diseases more accurately and quickly. 

You have an algorithm and software that can almost instantaneously compare what is going on in an image to all the different possibilities. Instead of having to rely on multiple physicians, using AI speeds up the process. You have all the ideas to cross reference to what is seen in the image compared to a handful of brains in the room. Something to consider is the accuracy of these AI systems. Remember people have off days, they miss certain thinkings, fatigue is a factor, and all other flaws that make us human. These are computing machines. They are more consistent than humans. 

There is a downfall of it “looking outside the box” but for standard diagnoses that are easier to spot AI can be very helpful. Even when it comes to more rare types of issues the Power of AI can help with the results

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Cl5IAd65NAI

EP 220: Hidden Benefits of the Sauna and Cold Showers

EP 220: Hidden Benefits of the Sauna and Cold Showers

by | Jun 22, 2023 | Podcast

Benefits of Sauna and Cold Showers

There has been a phenomenal amount of research that came out over the last few years on the benefits of saunas and cold showers. Most of the benefits come from the physiological changes and adaptations that occur but there are more than physiological positives. There are many hidden mental benefits that most people don’t take into consideration. Besides physically feeling better there are many psychological benefits to the sauna and cold showers.

Hidden Benefits of the Sauna

Most people know about the basic benefits of the sauna such as the ones that come from sweating. Sweating opens up your pours and rids the body of certain toxins. Did you know that beyond sweating the sauna extends your workout, increases stress tolerance, and makes you more open-minded?

Extends your workout

  • Sauna keeps your workout going by continuing that vasodilation. Our body dilates with heat and constricts with cold, by going to the sauna you’re prolonging the increase of blood going into your muscles and tissues. 
  • If you had a cardio day, the sauna maintains a higher heart rate and you can get a little bit more squeeze out of your workout. If you’re someone that’s 5ft 8in 165lbs you can lose around 100 calories just by sitting in the sauna for 20/30 min more if you hop in right after a workout. Doesnt sound like a lot but it’s more than you’ll lose if you just go home.

Increases stress tolerance

  • This is the ability to take on pressure without feeling negative or letting it consume you. 
  • The sauna builds stress tolerance because you are putting yourself in an uncomfortable place. It’s hot, you’re sweating, and you want to get out of there. By forcing yourself to be there all while your brain and mind are telling you that you can just simply step out and be more comfortable. 
  • You forcing yourself to stay in the uncomfortable translates to life outside of the sauna. It makes doing the uncomfortable things a little easier because you are subconsciously showing that you can get through tough challenges by focusing on what you want to do and not so much on your body.

Makes you more open-minded

  • I’ve had some of the best conversations in the sauna. There’s something about suffering and suffering in a group makes people more open. I noticed that some of the most intellectual or groundbreaking conversations I’ve had were in the sauna. Everyone is miserable and that allows some people to put their guard down. 
  • By having a conversation with people of all races, backgrounds, and ages it gives you a broader perspective of the world. People have been through different circumstances and offer a lot of knowledge on how they got out or how they felt. Some people have been in the exact same situation as you but in turn, did all the right things and some did the exact opposite. 

Cold Showers

I’ve been doing cold showers on and off for the last 5 years. I used to do ice baths regularly when I lived in San Diego and had access to them, but overall I have been doing cold showers for a long time and can speak to its effects. 

The research behind cold showers

Do cold showers really do anything? At the surface taking a cold shower might seem like it would have some benefits because you are going from warm temperatures to cold temperatures but remember that the average shower doesn’t take a long time. So the question is do cold showers have any benefit when taken for the average time and at what temperature? 

We know the colder the better and the longer the better. 

Most research studies use temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius which is about 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Illinois shower water. Overall studies show that ice baths are superior to a cold showers but that doesn’t mean cold showers don’t have any benefits. 

Basic Physiologic Affects

When the body comes into contact with cold water, the initial cold sensation stimulates the skin’s surface vessels, causing them to narrow and redirect blood flow to preserve heat. 

  • The brain and vital organs receive a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood. 
  • Unlike warm receptors, cold receptors are abundant on the skin surface, ranging from 3 to 30 times more numerous. This abundance explains why the body feels invigorated by the sudden contact with cold water, as it promotes vasoconstriction and applies pressure to these receptors, resulting in heightened brain activity.

Physical benefits

Cold exposure offers numerous benefits for human health, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects. Regarding physical well-being, cold exposure can potentially aid in body 

Fat reduction: 

  • Cold temperatures stimulate increased energy expenditure and metabolism. Additionally, exposure to cold prompts the activation of brown adipose tissue (brown fat), which utilizes stored body fat as fuel. Consequently, cold exposure holds promise as a means to facilitate body fat loss.
  • Nonetheless, further research is necessary to establish conclusive evidence. Realistically you won’t lose fat from cold showers this was seen to be more effective with ice baths and really cold temperatures. A shower won’t stress your body enough for you to start using your fat as fuel. 

Improved cardiovascular health. 

  • Initially, cold exposure raises heart rate and blood pressure, leading to enhanced circulation. Blood is redirected from the skin towards vital organs, necessitating increased effort from the heart to pump blood effectively to these organs. 
  • Regular brief cold exposure over time can enhance heart efficiency and improve blood flow. Enhanced circulation yields various health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved cognitive function, and enhanced metabolism.

Immune system:

  • Contrary to common misconceptions (e.g., the belief that exposure to cold weather causes illness). Brief cold exposure actually increases the number of white blood cells and natural killer cells in the body, effectively bolstering the immune system. 
  • However, it is crucial to note that brief cold exposure is beneficial, whereas prolonged cold showers or extended periods in cold weather may not yield the same effects and could even be detrimental.

Alleviate pain and reduce inflammation:

  • The reduced blood flow during cold exposure helps minimize swelling and other inflammation-related factors.
  • Additionally, the release of endorphins during cold exposure activates opiate receptors in the brain, diminishing sensations of pain. This aligns with the common practice of using ice packs or cold therapies to alleviate inflammation, injuries, or pain in specific body areas. Similarly, cold showers can reduce systemic inflammation, soreness, and overall pain, making them an efficient and potent pain-relieving strategy.

Cold shower as an analgesic

One interesting theory about cold showers and cold therapy, in general, is its potential to act as an analgesic. There is a basis for how cold showers and cold therapy can improve mental function. There are 2 interesting theories, cold showers and therapy as a battle against depression and psychosis. 

  • Cold showers and psychosis
      • With respect to cold stress, an adapted cold shower could work as a mild form of electroshock applied bilaterally to the sensory cortex, and cold showers appear to have an anti-depressive rather than a sedative effect. Since electroshock therapy is known to have beneficial effects on psychotic symptoms of patients with schizophrenia, it is possible that adapted cold showers might have a similar antipsychotic effect. In addition, cold hydrotherapy is known to cause analgesia, suggesting that it may act through the mechanism of stress-induced analgesia involving the mesolimbic pathway and thus could have the effect of “crowding out” psychosis in that region of the brain similar. 
      • This idea is referred to as hormesis, our body’s response to a low amount of stress or toxin which causes a beneficial response. Over time the threshold increases and the effect of the toxic or stressor is decreased.
  • Cold showers and depression 
    • Exposure to cold temperatures leads to greater blood flow toward the brain, resulting in the simultaneous increase of endorphin production. These endorphins activate opiate receptors, which can contribute to an improved mood. 
    • Additionally, cold exposure enhances the transmission of electrical impulses in the brain and potentially raises dopamine levels. The combined effect of increased blood flow, endorphins, dopamine, and enhanced electrical activity can have potent anti-depressive effects. Notably, the boosted electrical activity resembles the mechanism employed in electroconvulsive therapy for depression, but without the associated potential side effects. 
    • Therefore, incorporating cold showers into one’s routine can serve as a simple approach to alleviate depression or low moods, while acknowledging that depression encompasses more severe symptoms beyond a mere transient low or bad mood.

 

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8eOkLijbl4