By: Naomi Chaytor, PhD, ABPP, Associate Professor
Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University

Dr. Chaytor is a clinical psychologist with expertise in brain-behavior relationships (how our brains take in our world and produce emotions, thinking and other behavior). She was a practicing clinical neuropsychologist at UW Medicine for 11 years working with patients with neurological illness and injury.  She conducted evaluations of patients in order to better understand the cognitive and emotional consequences of brain changes and help them return to work, school or home. She also did short-term problem focused psychotherapy helping patients adjust to their illness or injury.

My research at WSU focuses on the relationships between chronic disease self-management and cognitive and emotional health, particularly in older adults with diabetes.

The key thing to remember about stress is that we actually have a lot of control over how the inevitable stressors in our lives impact our health. Since you cannot avoid all stressors in your life, it is important to know that you can learn how to minimize the harmful effects of stress. We often magnify stress by the stories we tell ourselves.  These stories can be changed, which will result in less perceived stress and greater well-being.

Understanding stress and how it impacts your health and cognitive performance is very important. Learning effective ways of dealing with stress when you are young will serve you throughout your life. For those of you at the other end of the age range, stress can negatively impact cognitive aging.  It is never too late to make a positive change!

 

Dr. Naomi Chaytor will be a panelist at #StressAndHealthyU at WSU Spokane January 12th from 12:00-1:00pm in SAC 20.
Students, faculty, and staff from the university district are encouraged to attend!