As a woman, I have always been proud of my multitasking abilities.  I can talk on the phone, drive, drink coffee and listen to my favorite audio book all at the same time!  It is often a topic of heated disagreement with my husband over the fact that he simply can't (or WON'T) listen to me while he is doing something else--that may be another issue in and of itself. 

I have come to a realization, however, that maybe multitasking isn't what it is all cracked up to be. In fact, I have noticed that I feel way more tension and stress when I am multitasking.  Some studies suggest that we release significantly more stress hormones and adrenaline when we are intensely multitasking.  

Another 2001 study performed at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke found that multitasking actually decreased our brain activity by just over half!  In fact it makes us less productive.  "The brain appears to have a finite amount of space for tasks requiring attention," the study reports.  In fact, the two tasks we are performing at the same time are simply not done as well as when they are performed alone.  

So...I have a challenge for you.   For one week, try not to multitask.  Be present with the one task you are performing.  Focus all of your thoughts on this one task.   You may find that you are much more relaxed and surprisingly more productive.  I look forward to reading your comments on your experiences.  

In health,

Dr. Allison

Articles:

http://www.ccbi.cmu.edu/news/sandiegouniontribune-dualtask.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1205669/Is-multi-tasking-bad-brain-Experts-reveal-hidden-perils-juggling-jobs.html

I don't know about you, but between the snow and the rain I am quickly losing my positive outlook on life!  One of the best ways to combat seasonal blues (and even full blown depression) is to exercise.  When we exercise for 30 minutes or more at a moderate intensity (aka "work up a sweat") we release chemicals called endorphins.  

Endorphins do two things:  1) they reduce pain by binding to our pain receptors much like pain medications do.  It is much better for your body to be addicted exercise than it is to toxic pain meds!  2)  Endorphins promote positive feelings in the body similar to morphine--again a much healthier way to reach euphoria.

Finally, the best way to reduce tension in muscles is to work them.  Lift weights, do push-ups, air-squats, etc.  You don't have to spend a lot of money at the gym to do this.  

So do yourself, your family, and friends a favor and MOVE your body!  

PS:  Chiropractic adjustments also release endorphins in the body while helping the body regain balance and heal itself the way our creator intended : )  So come by and get adjusted!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Allison 

Here are the recipes from our last dinner with the doc class!  

Apricot Chicken

1 lb chicken breasts/thighs

1 jar of sweet and spicy french dressing

1 jar of apricot preserves or fresh apricot for less sugar

Craisins and Almond slices (optional) 

Place in crock pot on low for 6 hours.  Done! 

Cauliflower Rice 

1 head cauliflower

2 Tbs coconut or olive oil sea salt, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, curry, garlic or freshly ground black pepper(optional seasonings)

1. Place the cauliflower into a food processor and pulse until it has a grainy rice-like consistency.  Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Saute the cauliflower in a pan with oil and any additional seasonings desired (sea salt, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, curry, or just freshly ground black pepper).  We added currants, onions, coconut oil, Bragg's liquid aminos (tastes like soy sauce w/0 the gluten), garlic and tumeric.

Quick and Easy Apple Pie

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1 Tbs carob powder

Filling:

• 5-6 medium sized apples, peeled and cored
• 3/4 cup raw honey
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• dash of ground cloves (optional)--we used allspice

One of the most common resolutions for the New Year is to eat better.  As most people know, preparation is key along with never letting yourself get too famished!  

What about those moments of weakness, when we say ...just one bite, just one piece?

Remember take it one choice at a time.  Become conscious of what you are putting in your body.  Every time you are making a decision on food, ask yourself.  "Will this benefit my body or just satisfy my craving"?  

I am a night time snacker...after I have eaten a meal I often feel hungry a few hours later even though I know I don't need to eat.  What is the answer?  Simple..water.  Many times we mistake our thirst for hunger.  So next time when you are feeling unnecessarily hungry, try drinking some water or decaf tea.  You may just be dehydrated!  

 So keep working toward your goals!  Make conscious choices and be mentally present every time you eat!

Yours in Health,

 Dr. Allison

Every year we make our New Year's resolutions in hopes that we will have our best, healthiest, most prosperous year ever.  We make the resolution, but then what?  We often go a few weeks or even months moving toward the resolution, but slowly we get back into our old habits and routines.  

This year write down your resolutions as your main goals.  Be sure to quantify and provide a time line for the goal.  For instance:  I will lose 20 lbs by April 5th, 2012 at 5:00 pm.  This not only gives you a number to work toward, but by writing down a date and time you are further solidifying your goal in your mind.  Once you have reached your goal, celebrate.  If your goal is to lose weight, give yourself a spa day to celebrate your new look!  Then move on to the next goal.

Another great way to make sure your New Year's resolution doesn't fizzle out is to say daily affirmations.  Affirmations are a statement of your goal combined with visualization.  Instead of using the words "I will", switch to the present tense by saying "I am".  Then be sure to include a positive action word like "enjoying", "excited", "proud", "elated", etc.  Here's and example:

"I am proud that I weigh (enter goal weight)"

"I am proudly making $5,000 per month"

"I am ecstatic to be standing on top of Mt. Rainier" 

"I am excited to be moving into my own home" 

"I am enjoying living a peaceful and balanced life" 

By using the present tense and visualizing yourself taking the steps to reach your goal, you are more likely to move toward that goal without even realizing it.   Say the affirmations over and over many times per day.  For instance, say them in the morning when you get up, during your lunch break, and then before you go to bed.  This will keep your goal in the forefront of your mind throughout your day and even while you sleep!  

Although saying them out loud is the best, thinking and visualizing work too!  Take some time to write down your goals for the year, this month, this week, etc. whatever it takes to get you there.  Then say your affirmations daily and before you know it you will be living your resolutions!  

Here's to a happy, prosperous, peaceful and healthy 2012!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Allison