The Brain Coach: Valuable Insights on Psychology, Self-Care, and Productivity

The Brain Coach, known as Nawal Mustafa, is a Clinical Neuropsychology PhD. She shares valuable content on psychology, self-care, productivity, and relationships through her Instagram account. Her posts provide insight into various aspects of the human psyche and offer practical solutions to improve mental and emotional well-being.

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A post shared by Nawal Mustafa | Clinical Neuropsychology PhD Resident (@thebraincoach)

In one of her posts, she talks about the silent treatment, also known as stonewalling, which is a common way of expressing anger or frustration in some relationships. Nawal highlights why people may use the silent treatment, such as communication issues, passive aggression, power dynamics, and emotional regulation. While silent treatment may be an easier way to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations, it can be harmful and hurtful to the other person, leading to misunderstandings, conflict, and damage to the relationship.

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A post shared by Nawal Mustafa | Clinical Neuropsychology PhD Resident (@thebraincoach)

Instead, communicating when upset can strengthen relationships and ensure unhealthy patterns are not repeated. However, it's easier to hold back from emotions and refuse to acknowledge how we feel. Nawal identifies why we might do this, such as growing up in an environment where feelings were not talked about, wanting to avoid conflict, being used to being avoidant, or choosing our battles and letting go of small things.

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A post shared by Nawal Mustafa | Clinical Neuropsychology PhD Resident (@thebraincoach)

Acknowledging our anger and having difficult conversations to resolve the situation can be a powerful tool to regulate emotions and ensure healthy relationships. To control emotions, Nawal suggests stopping for a second, pausing, and noticing your feelings. Name the feeling and accept it instead of shaming or criticizing yourself. Finally, choose how to respond. The steps above are an exercise to regulate some common emotions that may make us uncomfortable or uneasy.

Nawal's Instagram posts offer practical tips and tools to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and strengthen relationships. Her content is valuable and insightful, providing a glimpse into the world of psychology and its impact on our daily lives.