Nov
Posted by shawn ·
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Filed under Get Well , Wellness , Workshops
Tagged with Children, Chiropractic, Focus and Concentration, Peak Performance, Upper Cervical Specific
Focus and Concentration
Focus and Concentration
When the telephone rings, the television plays at full volume, kids cry and someone knocks on the door, it can be next to impossible to give any one of these things our full attention. And it’s not just this scenario—we are frequently surrounded by stimuli that easily distract us from getting things done well or in a timely manner.
Concentration is the ability to focus specifically on a single task while ignoring all other stimuli. If we can manage these outside distractions and keep our wandering thoughts in check, we often find our work is easier to complete, is more readily remembered and takes less time. In addition, good concentration often results in fewer mistakes.
This all sounds good in theory, but many people struggle to focus and maintain concentration. The ability to focus is different for each person, so there is no standard equation of factors that can be aligned to best harness an environment for complete concentration. The good news, however, is that concentration is a skill, and because of this, it can be learned and developed with practice.
Understanding what stands in the way of concentration is the first step in learning how to improve it. Feeling tired, hungry, stressed out or lethargic can all affect concentration. If we feel bored, have too much on our minds, are purposely avoiding a task or fear we may fail at it, our concentration is also affected. Our environment also plays a part: An overabundance of sound, the temptation to do other things, poor lighting and interruptions by other people can also make it difficult to concentrate.
To evaluate our concentration on a particular task we need to ask a number of questions: How dedicated or committed are we to the present task? Are we interested in it? Do we have the skills and abilities to complete the task? What is our current emotional and physical state? Are we currently in an environment with minimal distractions? In answering these questions, we need to balance these factors so that they work in our favor, thus making it easier to focus with fewer distractions.
Next, we must consider how concentration works. There are essentially four components that define concentration: width, direction, intensity and duration. Width refers to how much information on which we are focused. A broad perspective involves processing a large amount of information while a narrow one limits that information. Within a particular task, we may need to shift back and forth between these two perspectives, which means we must maintain the demands of the activity while avoiding irrelevant thoughts during that shift. The direction of our focus can be either internal or external. Internal focus requires we disregard external events while external focus requires us to focus on stimuli around us, such as when we drive a car. The intensity of concentration determines how hard we need to focus on the task at hand. The duration refers to how long we need to sustain our concentration. Being mentally flexible allows us to shift between the different dimensions of concentration easily and quickly.
The final steps in improving our concentration are understanding the things that make focus and concentration difficult for us, managing internal factors that can deter our ability to concentrate and practicing focus-related activities, such as yoga and meditation. To learn more about focus and strategies that can help you and your loved ones improve your concentration, be sure to attend our November workshop.
References:
Concentration. Natural Remedies. Retrieved October 23, 2009 from http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/improve-concentration-problems.html
Performance File #02: Focusing on Concentration – Concentration Skills and Improving Techniques. Performance Prime. Retrieved October 23, 2009 from http://www.performanceprime.com/performance-focusing_on_concentration.php
Nov
Posted by shawn ·
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Filed under Get Hope , Testimonials
Tagged with Children, Chiropractic, Focus and Concentration, Peak Performance, Testimonial, Upper Cervical Specific
Concentration
Concentration
Please describe your condition/health prior to upper cervical care:
“I was always more tired and annoyed, defiant some times. When I came here it got better.”
Please describe the results you have obtained through Specifi c Chiropractic:
“I am more active, awake and calm. I do better at school, focus
more. I talk more to people. I also do better at staying focused at
P.E.”
Please describe how these results impacted your daily life:
“I communicate more to my family. I give better effort at drawing.”
If there was one thing you wanted to say about Specific Chiropractic
what would it be?
“It helps!”
Complimentary Nervous System Consultation
Come to The Specific Chiropractic Center for a personalized meeting with one of the doctors to find out how the latest technology may be the key to getting you well.
The Specific Chiropractic Center is a focused office providing specialized technology and treatment to help care for a variety of chronic ailments and health problems to find true resolution.
CALL NOW to schedule your free 15 minute consultation 1.888.722.4467
Dublin, CA • Chico, CA • Daly City, CA • Oakland, CA • Elk Grove, CA • Livermore, CA • Draper, UT • Scarborough, ME
www.thespecific.com • 1.888.SCC.4HOPE
Jul
Posted by shawn ·
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Filed under Get Hope , Testimonials
Tagged with Chiropractic, Chronic Pain, Health, Hope, Peak Performance, Testimonial, Upper Cervical Specific
“Specific Chiropractic gave me hope…”
What’s the only difference between you and Mary Lou?
She picked up the phone and called!
Apr
Posted by shawn ·
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Filed under Get Well , Wellness , Workshops
Tagged with Peak Performance
Improving Peak Performance: Strategies for Success
Peak performance is a popular phrase that has a number of connotations. In fitness, it implies ways in which athletes maximize their potential for competition, generating the mental stamina and physical strength to succeed in sports. In business, performance indicators involve project management, organization, and communication skills that yield cost-effective results for employees and companies.
Our concern is realizing the power and improved response of minds and bodies that are well-maintained. In this sense, peak performance becomes a strategy for favorable environments in which our bodies support the mobility we depend on every day. How we eat, sleep, and stimulate our bodies determines the level of performance we can expect in return.
Do you use proper lifting techniques and maintain good posture, for instance, reducing the potential for muscle spasms, torn tissues, and spinal misalignment? Do you eat healthy, nutritious foods that promote adequate energy and tissue growth? Are your sleeping habits replenishing your body’s reserves for optimum health? Let’s discuss these issues in more detail.
Mind Your Posture
Did you know you can stimulate your nervous system by writing with pen and paper in as little as 15 minutes per day? The simple act of putting pen to paper inspires the body to use motor skills, nerves, synapses, and sensory receptors to concentrate on applying adequate pressure to create legible letters and summarize our thoughts.
Likewise, a sensible exercise program stimulates muscles, joints, and bones while keeping our spine and its supportive nervous system lubricated and properly aligned. The spinal cord and lower back provide a cushion for our entire bodies. When we use poor posture or stretch these elements beyond their limits, they respond with pain and weakness, limiting our mobility and increasing the chance that other muscles and tissues will break down as a result.
You Are What You Eat
Nutrition is also essential for peak performance. Americans often choose their diets based on how things taste, not how nutritious or supplemental they are to our health. Therefore, foods like chocolate, caffeine, frozen dinners, and carbohydrate-rich foods that drive blood sugar levels sky high become popular choices for people on the go. The toll they exact on our bodies over time is something we can avoid.
The more we rely on artificial chemicals and ingredients, the harder our systems must work to break foods down. Conversely, a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein adds essential vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins B12 and D, for example, support adequate amounts of myelin, the layer of fat that supports the nervous system. Serotonin, magnesium, calcium and flavonoids reduce the effects of stress and help muscles relax. These are the nutrients that regulate immunity and homeostasis, the tools that provide dependable levels of energy and autonomic support.
Sleep It Off
A final element of peak performance is adequate rest. Sleep is something we often take for granted, accepting the amount of rest we get each day as a blessing. Furthermore, keeping late hours means missing out on our body’s peak recovery times between 11pm and 1am.
Sleeping comfortably at night allows our most important systems the chance to rejuvenate. Using environmental controls, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, and supplements like valerian root while eliminating stimulants and late-night meals are examples of things that aid a restful night’s sleep.
Caring for ourselves pays dividends when our bodies respond with peak performance levels that ensure us better health. Nature provides the resources; we must apply the principles to optimize desired results. Our mothers offered sound advice when suggesting we eat our vegetables, stand up straight, and don’t stay up late. As adults, it is up to us to keep these things in mind to maintain peak performance and achieve great things for ourselves.
This week we will be hosting a “Peak Performance in 2009” workshop at The Specific Chiropractic Center. To attend this interactive discussion on issues and strategies related to optimum health, please consult our web site at http://www.thespecific.com/events/index.html for dates and times by location.
References:
How to get sound, restful sleep. Healingdaily. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/sleep.htm
Simple Tips to Keep Your Nervous System Healthy. Dr. Ben Kim. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from http://drbenkim.com/nervous-system-healthy.html
