The 90-Second Rule of Emotions in Pelvic Pain
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The Pelvic Pain Podcast- Episode 52: The 90-Second Rule of Emotions in Pelvic Pain
Summary: In this episode of the Pelvic Pain Matters Podcast, Karl Monahan explores neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor's "90-Second Rule" and its implications for pelvic pain management. He explains how emotions chemically last only 90 seconds, yet we can become trapped in extended mood states, affecting our pain experience and recovery journey.
Key Takeaways
- Pure emotions only last 90 seconds in our system
- Mood states can persist through continued mental engagement
- Four key brain chemicals influence our emotional states: serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin
- Mindfulness practice can help break persistent mood cycles
- Regular meditation (10 minutes daily) reduces emotional grip
- Pain affects the whole body system, not just the pelvic area
- Understanding emotion cycles helps manage pain responses
Topics Covered: Emotion regulation, mood states, mindfulness techniques, meditation practice, neuroscience of emotions, pain management, mind-body connection, emotional resilience, behavioral patterns, anxiety management
Related Resources
- Jill Bolte Taylor's research and TED talks
- "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris
- "Whole Brain Living" by Jill Bolte Taylor
Related Podcasts
Transcript
Pelvic Pain Matters Podcast - Episode 52: The 90-Second Rule of Emotions in Pelvic Pain
[00:13] Hello, this is episode 52 of the Pelvic Pain Matters podcast. I'm Karl Monahan, and today's Friday takeaway explores how our brain processes pain and emotion.
[00:42] Let me be clear - I'm not suggesting your symptoms are "in your head" or that you're making this up. Rather, pelvic pain affects your whole system, not just your pelvic floor. Understanding this integrated model gives us more opportunities to manage and overcome symptoms successfully.
[01:15] Today we're exploring what Harvard neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor calls the "90-second rule" of emotions. An emotion is a complex interplay of neurotransmitters and hormones, involving four key chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin.
[02:03] The entire process of an emotion lasts only 90 seconds. However, we often remain stuck in these emotional states for much longer - minutes, hours, days, or even years.
[03:27] When an emotion like anxiety arises, the initial response lasts 90 seconds and then passes. The subsequent mood state can persist much longer, depending on how much we engage with those thoughts and beliefs.
[04:45] These thoughts are based on:
- Previous experiences
- Things we've been told
- Our internal safety mechanisms
- Protective behaviours
[06:12] Mindfulness and meditation can help manage these extended mood states. While you may not feel physically better immediately, regular practice helps reduce the grip of emotional states.
[07:33] Start with 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice. You can't simply eliminate these emotions, but you can learn to recognise the 90-second cycle and allow emotions to pass naturally.
[08:56] For more information, I recommend exploring:
- Jill Bolte Taylor's work and website
- "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris
- "Whole Brain Living" by Jill Bolte Taylor
