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July 15, 2009

Use It (your body) or Lose It (your mind)!

Fit Body, Fit Mind? Your Workout Makes You Smarter

So you want to be smarter? Then exercise your body together with your brain for overall better results. A study released in Scientific American, reports of the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. If you find yourself struggling to break through a mental block, try exercising to break down that barrier and get your mind fit as well as your body. There are three key concepts explained below that should help spur you to add consistent, moderate exercise to your daily regime. On a personal note, I have found that when I am struggling to overcome a mental block, I take a long walk or a hike in the nearby mountains and let my subconscious mind go to work. on the issue. This has proven incredibly beneficial; the only real problem is that I can lose myself to thought so much I can find myself exercising into my work time! A healthy body and health mind can be achieved at the same time, try it for yourself and reap the benefits.

*Below are the key concepts from the article.


Key Concepts
  • We are used to thinking of intelligence as largely a matter of genetic inheritance, but that is not the whole picture. What you do affects your mental well-being: staying physically and mentally active helps us stay sharp as we age.
  • Nevertheless, our personal efforts to bolster cognitive enhancement cannot forestall all declines in our cognitive performance.
  • What is especially surprising is the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. Staying fit helps us keep cognition more robust as well.

    Sources:
    Scientific American magazine
    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fit-body-fit-mind

    by Derek Burreson

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:36 AM |

August 27, 2008

Do Everything With Vigor!

Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others.
- Jules Renard

I saw this quote this morning and thought it was very poignant and true.  If you don't approach every task, every aspect of life, with vigor and "full throttle", someone else will.  It doesn't matter if it's work, your relationships, charity, your health, or your dreams, trying to achieve something is healthy and gives us all purpose.  Today, I encourage you to think of something big or small that you have been wanting to achieve, and take a step toward making it a reality.  What is your goal today?

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:24 AM |

May 01, 2008

The Support of Friends

The other night when I was at work, a group of young women came in, all dolled up and ready to have "girl's night".  They ordered their cosmos and lemondrop martinis and sat around laughing and chatting.  Each time I passed their table, I could hear them making complimentary comments to one another.  I stopped and asked them what they were doing, and they said that they meet once a year and this is one of their rituals.  Each girl takes a turn to tell each other girl something they admire about them.  I thought, what an inspiring, powerful tool to boost your friends' and your own confidence and be emotionally supportive.  So, I encourage you to choose five friends today and write them a quick email or card and let them know something you admire about them.  They will love the unexpected praise, and it could make someone's day!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:37 AM |

March 24, 2008

Does Extra-curricular Activity Prevent Risky Behavior?

We have always heard of getting kids involved in after-school activities to keep them active, their time occupied and help them burn off extra energy.  A study published in the journal Crime & Delinquency shows that involvement in extra-curricular activities does have a correlation in the decrease of some risky behaviors, but too much participation can have a counter-effect.  Interestingly, it also shows that nontraditional activities for each gender such as sports for girls and church for boys provided a great protection from delinquency.  Researchers believe that the involvement helps deter delinquency in by reducing unstructured time, providing incentives to conform, and creating avenues for attachments with other pro-social peers and adults.  It's amazing how the groups we are involved with even as adults, influence our behaviors, so you can imagine the profound effect it has on our youngsters.  I attribute a lot of my staying out of trouble as a young adult to the fact that I hung around a positive peer group and was involved in cheer leading, drama, speech contests and other school clubs which occupied my free time. 

 

Source:  SAGE Publications (2008, March 23_.  Can Involvement in Extra-Curricular Activities Help Prevent Juvenile Delinquency? Science Daily. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases200803080321174211/htm.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:43 AM |

March 14, 2008

Your 100 Things

Part of our emotional health is derived from the recognizing and accomplishment of our goals in life.  In my Body + Soul Magazine, I was reading last night that listing 100 of the things you want to do in life actually can help you achieve those things.  I have found this to be true in my own life.  About five or six years ago I wrote a list of the 25 I things I wanted to do.  I think I wrote "this year" but I actually accomplished most of them by the time I found the list again four years later.  Some of my items were "Marry Derek", "Travel to Europe" and "Get a Bulldog".  It was amazing that I had lost the list, but not the subconscious dreams in my head or my will to make them happen.   When you write your list, the first 10-20 will come easily.  But sit there for a good 30 minutes and let your brain flow.  Even if the idea seems miniscule, write it down.  There are no small dreams and desires.  There are now websites devoted to your "Top 100" including www.your100things.com where you can list your items and ask for support in achieving any of the goals on your list, or just as a sort of exercise in accountability.  I will be putting my list on there today.  I believe that by writing down your goals, you are that much closer to making them a reality!!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:31 AM |

March 11, 2008

My Aha! Moment a la Oprah

Living Like a Flower by Cindy Burreson

 
            Today I went hiking as I’ve done a hundred times before to clear my brain and get some clarity.  It is a hot, sunny day and I needed to get out of the house.  As I was walking, I felt the sun beating on my skin, saw the dirt path that thousands of hikers had paved into the mountain’s body, and saw the bugs crawling and flying by.  But, I also noticed something else.   
            Dotting the mountain were yellow flower bushes.  There was no rhyme or reason to their arrangement; they simply grew where they felt like it.  Some of the bushes were densely populated with the yellow blooms while others were more sparse.  The flowers were a bright yellow, a high contrast from the dirt and rock surrounding them.  Some of them were missing petals, or had withered a bit, but each flower pushed its center proudly toward the sun.  It was as if the sun was imparting wisdom and energy on them.  The flowers didn’t care if they were perfect.  They didn’t need to be told they were beautiful, and so they were. They were a part of the whole bush without regard to the health or imperfections of the flowers around them, yet they all lived together happily.  The flowers didn’t care whether I was jobless or the Queen of Sheba. They simply lined my path and brought sunshine to an otherwise regular hike.  The flowers didn’t pay any mind to the fact that it was extra sunny today.  They didn’t worry about the damaging rays or what the weather would bring tomorrow.  They didn’t care what others thought of them.  They didn’t fear the animals that may come their way or the careless people who may trample them.  They didn’t worry about whether they would have enough water to survive.  They somehow knew they could make it on their own.  They didn’t worry whether or not people liked them.  By doing their job, how could people not?  They didn’t try to evolve into something they weren’t.  They were the best they could be.  And at the end of the day, when the sun goes down, and it grows a little cooler, the flowers will all tuck in their petals knowing they did their job for today, and they will be there again tomorrow.  They take pride in knowing that they made the world a more beautiful and joyous place just by being.  And if at the end of the day I’ve lived like a flower, then I’ve done my job too.
 
           

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 05:43 AM |

March 08, 2008

NSSI

NSSI, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury is the deliberate, direct destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and it is frighteningly common among high school students.  The notion of "cutting" and other such behaviors has gained popularity in the news due to its commonality and celebrity involvement too, like Amy Winehouse.  According to a study published in Psychological Medicine, almost half of high school students said that they had purposefully engaged in one of 11 different NSSI behaviors in the past year.  60% of the students endorsed moderate/severe forms of NSSI including cutting skin, burning skin, giving self-tattoos, scraping skin or using a pencil to "erase" skin.  Other NSSI behaviors discussed include pulling out hair, biting self or picking at areas of the body to draw blood.  The former behaviors were more likely to report a history of psychiatric treatment, suicide attempts and the like.  The most common reasons cited for this behavior include "getting control of the situation", "stop other bad feelings" and "get a reaction from someone".  This is something that should not be taken lightly.  If you have kids or know kids who may be experiencing stress and participating in NSSI behaviors, try talking to them about what is going on in their lives.  Chances are they just want to express themselves and learn better coping skills.  If you fear that the behavior is out of control, seek professional help.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:41 AM |

November 20, 2007

Holiday Stress- Keeping it in Check

Starting with Thanksgiving, our calendars begin to fill up with COMMITments and time seems to fly by.  We are surrounded by favorite and not-so-favorite relatives, uncomfortable situations, long hours and too much food.  So, how, among all of these things, does one stay sane?

The number one best rule is "Don't sweat the small stuff!"  Find humor in the events and people around you.  If you don't get all of your presents wrapped, put them in bags!  If you don't bake ten side dishes for Thanksgiving, everyone will still be in awe of the six.  If one of your relatives drives you up the wall, avoid them, or kill them with kindness.  YOU are in control of your emotions and the ability to manage your stress.  So, this Thanksgiving, remember the REAL reasons for the holidays, and enjoy your family and friends and forget all of the meaningless baloney that takes over our minds sometimes.  Have fun!!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:39 PM |

October 05, 2007

World Smile Day

Today is World Smile Day, a day created by Harvey Ball, the creator of the smiley face symbol.  As years passed, Harvey was concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how it’s original meaning and intent had become los in the constant repetition of the marketplace.  Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day.  He thought that we should devote one day each year to smiles and acts of kindness throughout the world.  The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.  Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we.

So, today, I encourage you to spread smiles to everyone you meet.  It not only makes them feel better, but can have health benefits for you as well.  Smiling changes our mood and can thereby relieve stress.  Have you ever tried to be mad with a smile on your face?  When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure.  Smiling can help boost your immune system, as those who are smiling all the time, are typically more relaxed and in better moods to begin with.  Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin all of which make us feel good.  Smiling helps you stay positive and makes you look more attractive. 

It’s amazing to me, the difference a smile can make to someone.  For myself, I know if I am out and about and someone flashes me a smile, it’s contagious, and I feel happy inside.
So, celebrate World Smile Day today, or better yet, make EVERY day World Smile Day!Laughing

Source: www.worldsmileday.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:38 AM |

October 04, 2007

National Depression Screening Day

Recently, someone close to me was diagnosed with depression, and it made me wonder how many others are having these feelings, without adequately diagnosing a more serious problem? So, I wanted to inform you about an opportunity for free screening and provide a test from the Mayo Clinic which can help identify symptoms of depression and evaluate your mood to determine if you need further consultation or treatment.
 
Today is National Depression Screening Day which is an annual event held each October on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week. During this event, local clinicians in all 50 states volunteer their time to offer free educational and screening programs at health facilities, shopping malls, libraries, colleges, workplaces and senior centers.  Screenings are free and completely confidential. The screening is an opportunity to learn more about anxiety and mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional.  In addition to obtaining a screening, participants can find out where and how to access help, counseling and treatment
Those interested in attending a free screening can locate a site in their area by going online at http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/.
  • Clinical depression is a serious medical illness.
  • Clinical depression can lead to suicide.
  • Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a "normal part of life."
  • Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
  • One in four women and one in 10 men will experience depression at some point during their lifetimes.
  • Two-thirds of those suffering from the illness do not seek the necessary treatment.
  • Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions.
  • More than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
  • Screenings are often the first step in getting help.
Mayoclinic.com Depression Information:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:12 PM |

August 16, 2007

My Grandma was Right About Friendship

My whole life, my Grandma has touted the importance of friendships.  She has innumerable amounts of friends; friends from grade school (and she is over 80 years old!), friends from work, friends from neighborhoods growing up, and friends from where she lives now.  She always told me, "You can never have too many friends".  And I read an article in "Better Homes and Gardens" today that substantiates that claim.

It says that a study, conducted at Mercy Medical Center in Maryland, revealed that men and women who had at least 10 friends were half as likely to have health challenges and disabilities that interfered with their daily lives as those with only two friends.  Another study of nearly 7,000 residents in Alameda Country, CA found that women who spent time with friends five or more times a month were far less likely to die over the nine-year-followup period of the study. 

They are still trying to figure out why friendships are so important to our health, but for me, I can tell you why.  Being around my friends and family offers me an atmosphere of positivity and support and love.  I surround myself with those I admire and love and respect, and who I would like to emulate.  Being alone seems to me, to be a sad existence and friendships offer you the chance to do new things, share new experiences, talk about opinions, or do absolutely nothing at all.  I cherish my friends, and Grandma is right, I can never have too many!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:47 AM |

August 08, 2007

What's important in YOUR life?

Today's blog entry is a reproduction of an email that my mom sent me that really hit home and I had to share it.  It reminds us how important it is to cherish the important things in life and not worry about the "little things".  As I've said before, I believe that one's mental state helps dictate their physical being, and this is a reminder of that:

 The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee


When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours
in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of
coffee.


A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it
was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar.
He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was
full.
They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if
the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty
space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the
important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends
and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only
they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house
and your car.

The sand is everything else--the small stuff.  "If you put the sand into
the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the
golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and
energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that
are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play
with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your
spouse out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to
clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls
first--the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is
just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented.  The professor smiled.  "I'm glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:00 AM |