“when you are trying to figure out the answer . . . You are in a state of stress, worry, fear, anxiety, frustration. ” - Liam Naden

Relieve Stress & Worry: The Four-Part Brain Rebalancing Model

Papaya! Hello all. I want to share some insights from a conversation I had with Liam Naden on the Transform Your Future Podcast. Episode 18, “Stress Relief: The Four-Part Brain Model," Liam and I talked about how understanding your brain's inner workings can lead to effective stress relief and a more fulfilling life. His idea of rebalancing the brain to relieve stress, worry, and fear is a unique way of talking about mindfulness, being present and letting yourself off the hook. 

Basically, understanding that you do not really know the answers and being open to the possibilities as they present themselves in your life is a brain friendly and organic way to live.  This is the way your brain is supposed to work. Perhaps the way life is really supposed to be.  Although, there are immutable laws we all must live by. Not man made laws but the true Laws of The Universe.  I can not, for example, intuitively float because I am constrained by the laws of gravity.  I can not intuitively dribble a football. Because I am confined by the laws of Physics.  However,  scientists and psychologists agree there are so many more abilities and adjustments we can make in our lives by reframing our story.  Most people would agree that you can look at a glass that is half filled with water and say it is half empty or half full. One of those sounds reasonably better than the other. Then perspective is the key. 

Essentially, I might know an answer, but there are always many answers. I might find something that works for someone else, it may be an idea that everyone seems to be talking about.  However, when I am open to the possibilities and observe what is really happening in this moment, noticing what I am am noticing, my brain will present the right information at the right time, intuitively. 

I have added links below to the audio and video versions of Ep 18 of the Transform Your Future with Eddie podcast for you to enjoy.  Let's dive in and discuss the key points that are important to living a stress free, worry free, fear-free life.  Sounds too good to be true? I was skeptical too.  But by the end of the show Liam Naden  had me convinced. Read on.

The Stress Dilemma: Why Do We Feel This Way?

Before we dive into the four-part brain model, let's talk about stress. We all experience it, and it's not just an annoying part of life—it's a biological response. But why do we feel stressed? As Liam explains, "When you're trying to figure out the answer to something, you're in a state of stress, worry, fear, anxiety, and frustration. Your brain shuts down the part that actually determines all of the success you get in your life."

Imagine your brain as a car. Stress is like driving with the handbrake on. It doesn't matter how hard you press the accelerator; you're not going to go very far, and you might even damage the car. So, how do we release that handbrake? That's where the four-part brain rebalancing model comes in.

The Four-Part Brain Model

Liam's four-part brain model provides a roadmap to understanding and managing stress (fear and worry). Here's a breakdown of each part and how it contributes to our stress levels:

1. The Rational Thinking Brain

This is the part of your brain responsible for gathering and storing information. Think of it as your brain's library. It keeps track of all your experiences and knowledge. While it's great for solving logical problems, it can become overwhelming when faced with emotional stress.

2. The Emotional Feeling Brain

This part manages your emotions and feelings. It's like the emotional weather station of your brain. When you're happy, it’s sunny. When you're stressed, it's a full-blown hurricane. Learning to calm this part of your brain is crucial for stress relief.

3. The Survival Brain

Also known as the fight-or-flight response center, this part of your brain is always on the lookout for danger. "When you're in a state of stress, worry, fear, anxiety, and frustration, you've activated a very limited part of your brain—your survival brain," Liam explains. This part is great for escaping lions (or dealing with rush hour traffic) but not so much for long-term happiness.

4. The Creative Brain

Here’s where the magic happens. Your creative brain is responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and achieving peak performance. When you're relaxed and stress-free, this part of your brain lights up, leading to innovative solutions and a sense of well-being.

Applying the Four-Part Brain Model for Stress Relief

Now that we know what each part of the brain does, how do we use this knowledge to relieve stress and worry? Here are some practical tips based on Liam's insights:

1. Accept Uncertainty

One of the most liberating things you can do is accept that you don't know everything. "When you actually accept that you don't know the answer to something, you activate a different part of your brain," says Liam. This acceptance shifts your brain from the survival mode to a more creative state, allowing for better problem-solving.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques can help calm your emotional brain. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or even a mindful walk can significantly reduce stress levels. As I like to quip, "Think of it as giving your emotional weather station a much-needed break from stormy weather."  However, mindfulness is not relaxation or meditation.  I find that we are mindless most of the time.  We train ourselves to learn skills and tasks.  We work to make those skills and tasks something we no longer think about.  They become second nature.  Think about all the times you drove your car and unconsciously started driving to work, when you were headed to the mall.  This is mindlessness.  This is the state we live in and we must become mindful.  Noticing and observing what we are thinking, doing, and our surroundings.  Dr. Ellen Langer is the mother of mindfulness research and over her 40 years she has proved many incredible theories.  The first and foremost idea is that the brain and body exist as one,  We are not a brain and a body that has a connection.  We are the connection.  Using mindfulness techniques dr. Langer has dispelled a lot of myths and common perceptions about health, memory, aging and more.  Dr. Langer says "Mindfulness is the process of actively noticing new things, relinquishing preconceived mindsets, and then acting on new observations." Langer highlights the difference between mindlessness, where one's thoughts are elsewhere, and mindfulness, which keeps a person grounded in the present moment through active engagement with their surroundings.  

3. Focus on the Present

Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past can keep your survival brain in overdrive. Dr. Langer further states, "Everything we do is determined by the perspective we bring to it. Mindfulness teaches us that there are other perspectives and, when we open ourselves to them, we create more possibilities."  Try to focus on the present moment. I like to say “Keep your thoughts where your feet are.” Engage in activities that require your full attention, whether it's cooking, playing a musical instrument, or even gardening. As Liam puts it, "By learning to manage these negative emotions, individuals can access their creative brain, leading to greater success and life fulfillment."

4. Eliminate Fear, Stress, and Worry

Fear is the primary driver of stress. "By learning to eliminate fear, stress, and worry, you can shut down your survival brain and access your creative brain," Liam advises. This might involve facing your fears head-on, whether through therapy, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend.

I want to add that most of the fear I have experienced in my life were lessened when I took the time to uncover what I am actually fearful of. Many fears are not accurate.  They are not based on facts. For example if you are afraid you will not be successful in reaching your goal, you must ask yourself if it is possible.  If it is possible to reach the goal then what are you really afraid of?

We must right-size the fear. As you examine this you may find that you have made the best decision you can and you are waiting for results.  They have not shown up yet.  You are doing everything you are supposed to be doing, you have made the best decision you can with the evidence you have in front of you.  Meaning your fear is really impatience or not aligned with your expectations. Reexamining your expectations and time line reduces the fear and anxiety..

I believe that worry is the easiest thing to deal with. Worry is usually about the things we have no control over.  Some possible thing that could happen.  Where something could go wrong.  When I am focused and putting one foot in front of another.  Having open honest communication.  Not procrastinating or avoiding.  There is not much to worry about.  However, most of life is out of our control. We can not control other people, places and things.  In these situations I find it best to let go.  Many years ago I met women who shared “If you are going to pray,  why worry? This also means if you want to worry do not bother praying. I have lived by her words since then.  Those things I can not control. I give to the care of the force for good in the universe.  Then leave it alone.  It takes practice but the more you are devoted to keeping yourself here in the present moment, the easier this all becomes.

Finally, I want to at least mention here that pressure is a privilege.  I have pressure in my life that I accept and it makes me sharper, stronger, more confident and energized. This is often pressure I put on myself or from the situation. This is not stress or worry.  This is not a negative feeling.  Feeling the pressure to perform at the highest level and being around people who expect you to put your best foot forward, is not the same thing as being stressed about not making a deadline.  Stress comes from NOT performing at your best, procrastinating and not effectively communicating when there are issues.  My main advice to most people is “Be Gentle with Yourself.  DO NOT beat yourself up.”     

5. Trust Your Creative Impulses

Your creative brain knows what you need to do to achieve success and happiness. Trust those impulses. As Liam says, "The brain will naturally guide individuals towards their best life when they trust and follow their creative impulses." 

Real-Life Applications: Liam Naden’s Journey

Liam’s personal journey is a testament to the power of the four-part brain model. He went from being a successful entrepreneur to losing everything and living on his mother's couch. "I lost everything, went from millionaire to homeless virtually overnight," he shares. This catastrophe forced him to rethink his approach to success and stress.

By applying the principles of the four-part brain model, Liam was able to rebuild his life. "Instead of the struggle, instead of trying to figure it out, things were falling into place," he says. Today, he travels around Europe in a motorhome, and helps others achieve stress-free success.

Lightening Up: Stress Relief with a Smile

While stress is a serious issue, it's essential to inject a bit of humor into our lives. After all, laughter is a fantastic stress reliever. As I like to joke, "Trying to control everything in life is like trying to herd cats—futile and hilarious to watch."

Practical Tips for a Lighter Life

1. Laugh Often: Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or spend time with friends who make you laugh.

2. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: Not everything is a crisis. Learn to differentiate between minor annoyances and real problems.Most things that people worry about are just inconveniences that want to avoid. Perhaps its better to wait, do nothing.  Perhaps we can find a silver lining. I find that if I can find a positive notion, or a different way to look at something, changes the way I feel.  This is a small act - with big consequences. That guy in traffic in front of me,  that you think is slowing me down, maybe the very thing I needed at that moment - to notice what is around me - instead of focusing on where I want to be in the future..

3. Play: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's playing a sport, painting, or building a sandcastle. Walk out in nature, breathe and move. It's an incredible way to relieve worry and stress.  I focus on my breathing often. It is an ancient technique that is a form of meditation. 

4. Be Curious and Observe: It is amazing how the truth about life is NO ONE really knows anything. We are taught things like skills and rules, and we believe things, like values and facts. Dr. Ellen Langer likes to ask students the question: 'What is one plus one?' Everyone invariably answers two.  But if you add one pile of laundry to another pile of laundry it is still ONE pile of laundry.  These learned rules and patterns, make us mindless to the moments and possibilities.  We do not consider that things have other meanings or that there are other options. If you can stay curious and observe you may see that for every fact or thought you have there is an opposite view. I have had things happen in my life that I thought at the time was the worst possible thing that could have happened. Yet later I realized that it was a gift.  It actually pushed me in a different direction and I explored the possibilities.  Allowing my creative mind and intuitive process to guide me to what was next, which created a more fulfilling life..   

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Relieving stress and worry is not about achieving a state of permanent calm—it's about learning to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. By understanding the four-part brain model and applying practical techniques, you can unlock your creative brain and live a more fulfilling life.

As Liam Naden wisely states, "Our brain is designed to ensure our survival by achieving homeostasis, a state of optimal functioning that includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being." So, take a deep breath, trust your creative impulses, and remember—stress relief is a journey, not a destination.

For more insights and practical tips on stress relief, self development and personal growth, subscribe to the Transform Your Future newsletter at transformyourfuture.com.. Reach out to me with your thoughts and feedback (I want to hear from you) by texting +1-813-722-1417.  Thank you for joining me on this journey to stress-free living and improving my self improvement practice.  Remember, the best is yet to come!

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