Try the lateral eye test
As I describe in my book, I ask my patient to put on special glasses or just use an envelope to limit their vision to one half of one eye.
This short exercise takes about two minutes and reveals something surprising about how your brain processes distress. Research published using functional MRI at McLean Hospital has shown that looking through the lateral half of each eye activates the opposite brain hemisphere - and most people find that one side produces significantly less anxiety than the other, typically a 2 to 6 point difference. Once you know your calm side, you can use it as an instant self-regulation tool.
This is a technique I use in my practice every day. Submitting your results really helps my ongoing research - and as a thank you, I'll send you a free copy of the Dual-Brain Psychology Self-Help Guide so you can start using what you discover straight away.
How to do the exercise:
Step 1 - Cover your right eye with an envelope or a piece of card, leaving only the outer (temple) half of your left eye uncovered - as shown in the illustration below. You should be looking through just the lateral half of your open eye, not the whole eye.
Step 2 - While looking this way, think of something moderately upsetting - not your worst memory, just something that causes mild discomfort. Hold this for about 30 seconds and mentally note your distress level from 0 (no distress) to 10 (very distressed).
Step 3 - Now swap. Cover your left eye and look through just the outer half of your right eye in the same way. Think of the same upsetting thing, hold for 30 seconds, and note your distress level again.
Step 4 - Complete the form below with your scores and we'll send you a free copy of the Dual-Brain Psychology Self-Help Guide.
Research and Ongoing Work
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Fredric Schiffer, MD
30 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands, MA 02461
+1 (781) 405-8800
fred.schiffermed@gmail.com