The mind and body react to each other. Functional/Integrative medicine, treating people rather than individual body parts, is a revolutionary field that recognizes body systems work together as a whole rather than separately.
This underlines the importance of healing brain disorders such as ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's, and depression by considering the whole self.
Before the obesity crisis, people as well as medical doctors were indifferent about what goes in our mouths. Even today, few know much about nutrition. What we eat is important since this contains the materials that develop brain cells. Without foods that supply the necessary nutrients, the brain cannot function well.
All of the body parts and every cell in the body are constantly communicating with each other. "Good communication is good health (Mark Hyman MD)."
A good place to start healing ADHD is with nutrition. Use a whole food approach free of chemicals, pesticides, additives, sugar, trans fats, and processed foods. Check for food sensitivities. Gluten and dairy head the list. These are easily detected using a food elimination diet.
Work with your health care professional to rule out or receive treatment for environmental toxicity (lead/mercury/mold), and yeast overgrowth. Also, check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Although doctors specializing in Functional medicine are scarce, it is worth your while to check for one in your area.
Once the root causes of ADHD symptoms are removed, a complete turn-around of mood, behavior, attention span, irritability, and anxiety is possible.
Functional Medicine recognizes and treats each person individually. Each person has a unique genetic make-up. Causes behind ADHD for one person may differ from another. Functional Medicine treats people, not diseases.
Functional Medicine is a fundamental change in thinking. Its role in ADHD and overall brain function is to be applauded.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Change ADHD behavior with body building in the brain
Since ADHD is a brain problem, it seems logical that's the place to build new habits that replace negative behaviors of ADHD.
Similar to weight training for muscle building through repeated practice, new behaviors can be formed in much the same way. The more focus on the new habit is repeated, the more developed the involved parts of the brain become.
Mastery of a new habit results from repetition.
Mastery is correlated to development of the networks in the brain. It's like "body building in the brain."
Like you decide to become a physically better you, you may do the same mentally. The goal is to become a better you by developing good patterns that replace negative patterns. The habits procrastination, losing focus, or impulsiveness may be replaced with perseverance, mindfulness, and control.
Although changing set patterns can be difficult, the brain will adapt to new changes. The first job is to identify the new behavior you desire and get to work setting the pattern.
Visualize and Practice
Do your homework so that you are prepared to visualize. Know specific traits and characteristics of the new habit for use in your visualization exercises. Know how it will feel, look, and sound. Think of people you know or have viewed that are masters of the habit you desire. Model their behavior.
Choose a quiet, comfortable place for your visualization. One where you will not be disturbed. Get comfortable, quiet, gently close your eyes and listen to your breathing as it gets slower and slower, and you feel more and more relaxed. If you have a method for relaxation, perhaps on a CD or on a downloaded file, use it. The main thing is to get relaxed, comfortable, and quiet in body and mind.
Next, visualize yourself using your desired habit. Use as many of your senses as possible, making it real.
If you start to lose focus due to thought or unrelated visuals, remain calm, gently reach up and tap your forehead just above the right eye, and return to your task. No matter how often your focus may be interrupted, tap and return.
Practice your new habit. The more practice, the better. Repeated practice, and visualization will thicken the appropriate networks in the brain, establishing the new pattern. Don't give up, the exercise will pay off.
Keep your focus on the new you.
You may find tips, strategies, and suggestions in previous Let the Energy Flow blog entries that will help you practice desired habits.
Similar to weight training for muscle building through repeated practice, new behaviors can be formed in much the same way. The more focus on the new habit is repeated, the more developed the involved parts of the brain become.
Mastery of a new habit results from repetition.
Mastery is correlated to development of the networks in the brain. It's like "body building in the brain."
Like you decide to become a physically better you, you may do the same mentally. The goal is to become a better you by developing good patterns that replace negative patterns. The habits procrastination, losing focus, or impulsiveness may be replaced with perseverance, mindfulness, and control.
Although changing set patterns can be difficult, the brain will adapt to new changes. The first job is to identify the new behavior you desire and get to work setting the pattern.
Visualize and Practice
Do your homework so that you are prepared to visualize. Know specific traits and characteristics of the new habit for use in your visualization exercises. Know how it will feel, look, and sound. Think of people you know or have viewed that are masters of the habit you desire. Model their behavior.
Choose a quiet, comfortable place for your visualization. One where you will not be disturbed. Get comfortable, quiet, gently close your eyes and listen to your breathing as it gets slower and slower, and you feel more and more relaxed. If you have a method for relaxation, perhaps on a CD or on a downloaded file, use it. The main thing is to get relaxed, comfortable, and quiet in body and mind.
Next, visualize yourself using your desired habit. Use as many of your senses as possible, making it real.
If you start to lose focus due to thought or unrelated visuals, remain calm, gently reach up and tap your forehead just above the right eye, and return to your task. No matter how often your focus may be interrupted, tap and return.
Practice your new habit. The more practice, the better. Repeated practice, and visualization will thicken the appropriate networks in the brain, establishing the new pattern. Don't give up, the exercise will pay off.
Keep your focus on the new you.
You may find tips, strategies, and suggestions in previous Let the Energy Flow blog entries that will help you practice desired habits.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Limiting beliefs stifle success
Most of us with ADHD tend to be sensitive individuals. Sure, it's good to be considerate of others.
However, being sensitive to negative beliefs is a serious problem. Admonitions, threats, and the frustration and anger expressed to us through others impress our minds with negative beliefs: "You're not good enough." "You can't do that." "It will never work." "You are weird, crazy, lazy, and will never amount to anything." "You are a failure."
Limiting beliefs come from parents, teachers, and others who have a role in our care as we progress through childhood.
I'm not excusing those who filled my head with failure, but, in my case, I can understand how symptoms of my ADHD played havoc with them. Most caregivers have our best interests at heart, and would do no intentional harm.
Unfortunately, repeated remarks stemming from others frustration at our ADHD behaviors, become deeply engrained on our unconscious. Therefore, we play out our belief of no-good, trouble-maker, failure who always forgets,and never listens or follows direction.
Or, we change the limiting beliefs.
We do this using the same principle of mind that created the belief in limitations. Of course, we have but one mind, but it serves two functions. We generally refer to the two functions as conscious and unconscious, or objective and subjective. Think of the conscious mind as the thought or thinking component and of the unconscious as making thoughts materialize.
Using the principle of mind, what is impressed is expressed, use the objective mind to reframe negative beliefs into positive affirmations and thoughts. Keep affirmations short and to the point using the present tense. The unconscious mind does not reason, or distinguish nuances. As you say it, is exactly how it accepts it. Avoid words or phrases containing someday, tomorrow, soon, I'd like, etc.
Visualize.
In fact, use all of the senses possible as you see yourself making good decisions, being a good listener, performing responsibly, making good grades, receiving raises, promotions, winning awards, reaching goals, and contributing successfully to your community and country. Feel it, see it, hear it, and taste it.
When is the best time to do this? Anytime is good. But, just before arising while in the drowsy state, and just before falling asleep at night are two of the best times for planting new seeds of thoughts. In addition to this, set aside a few minutes throughout the day sitting quietly, visualizing and affirming new behaviors.
Remember, you are not controlled by remarks, thinking, or actions of others unless you allow it. Appoint your conscious mind as the watchguard for your thoughts. Avoid limiting beliefs.
Let you determine what is true about you.
Readers of this blog know that I endorse the use of the energy modality EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to identify root causes of limiting beliefs. For a limited time, this site offers a FREE EFT Manual Download.
Learn how I convert my articles to LIVE TALKING videos in just 0.97 cents!
http://www.articlevideorobot.com/specialoffer/pkeene
However, being sensitive to negative beliefs is a serious problem. Admonitions, threats, and the frustration and anger expressed to us through others impress our minds with negative beliefs: "You're not good enough." "You can't do that." "It will never work." "You are weird, crazy, lazy, and will never amount to anything." "You are a failure."
Limiting beliefs come from parents, teachers, and others who have a role in our care as we progress through childhood.
I'm not excusing those who filled my head with failure, but, in my case, I can understand how symptoms of my ADHD played havoc with them. Most caregivers have our best interests at heart, and would do no intentional harm.
Unfortunately, repeated remarks stemming from others frustration at our ADHD behaviors, become deeply engrained on our unconscious. Therefore, we play out our belief of no-good, trouble-maker, failure who always forgets,and never listens or follows direction.
Or, we change the limiting beliefs.
We do this using the same principle of mind that created the belief in limitations. Of course, we have but one mind, but it serves two functions. We generally refer to the two functions as conscious and unconscious, or objective and subjective. Think of the conscious mind as the thought or thinking component and of the unconscious as making thoughts materialize.
Using the principle of mind, what is impressed is expressed, use the objective mind to reframe negative beliefs into positive affirmations and thoughts. Keep affirmations short and to the point using the present tense. The unconscious mind does not reason, or distinguish nuances. As you say it, is exactly how it accepts it. Avoid words or phrases containing someday, tomorrow, soon, I'd like, etc.
Visualize.
In fact, use all of the senses possible as you see yourself making good decisions, being a good listener, performing responsibly, making good grades, receiving raises, promotions, winning awards, reaching goals, and contributing successfully to your community and country. Feel it, see it, hear it, and taste it.
When is the best time to do this? Anytime is good. But, just before arising while in the drowsy state, and just before falling asleep at night are two of the best times for planting new seeds of thoughts. In addition to this, set aside a few minutes throughout the day sitting quietly, visualizing and affirming new behaviors.
Remember, you are not controlled by remarks, thinking, or actions of others unless you allow it. Appoint your conscious mind as the watchguard for your thoughts. Avoid limiting beliefs.
Let you determine what is true about you.
Readers of this blog know that I endorse the use of the energy modality EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to identify root causes of limiting beliefs. For a limited time, this site offers a FREE EFT Manual Download.
Learn how I convert my articles to LIVE TALKING videos in just 0.97 cents!
http://www.articlevideorobot.com/specialoffer/pkeene
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
When it ain't workin' Don't force it!
You can take this one to the bank: You will never get results using mental coercion.
Since ADHD is a mind disorder, using mind to manage its symptoms makes sense. However, understanding how the mind works is crucial. Your mind responds to your thoughts whether positive or negative. This is good, but on the other hand, it sabotages efforts for success.
For example, let's use the common symptom procrastination. You have a project that must be completed. You make note of it in your mind, write it on the calendar, and list it as a priority on your to do list. The task is in your conscious mind as long as you think about it, talk about it, or entertain thoughts about it. The task is in your unconscious mind as well. Our knowledge of the brain assures us that once the idea of the task is accepted by the unconscious, it will act on it-make it happen. All you need is confidence and faith that tomorrow morning you will start work on the project and complete it as listed.
Sounds good until the ADHD steps in and feeds the unconscious mind negative thoughts. From whatever source, negative thoughts reflect lack of confidence, usually based in fear. Leading up to the procrastination may be the seemingly harmless thought, "Actually, I can still complete this project if I wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to start work on it." You think this with conviction and confidence and alas! the unconscious accepts the idea wholeheartedly. Even though it is written on Monday's To Do list, you can be assured that you won't get around to it until Tuesday or Wednesday.
That first thought begins the chain of negative thinking. "It's going to be hard." "I may never get it finished." "It isn't going to be right, even if I get it finished." "I wish I hadn't taken this on." And the negative thoughts, self-talk in your mind continue.
How do you change this?
Start with constructive thinking. Do not allow negative thoughts to take hold. Whenever a negative thought begins, stop it in mid-sentence by affirming the exact opposite. Giving your unconscious mind mixed signals and messages is no different than someone giving you contradicting messages. You don't know what to do, so you do nothing. Your goal is to come to a distinct, crystal clear message in your conscious mind. The unconscious will bring the message to fruition.
Coercion, will power, and mental force will not bring successful results. It takes a relaxed, confident, assuring mind with clear input to achieve desired results.
Visualization, or imagination will boost your ability to achieve. Allow no negativity while you picture positive outcomes. See it, feel it, hear it, smell it, taste it-Believe it!
The work you put into monitoring, guarding, and changing your thoughts will be well rewarded. Your mind is powerful. Use it.
Since ADHD is a mind disorder, using mind to manage its symptoms makes sense. However, understanding how the mind works is crucial. Your mind responds to your thoughts whether positive or negative. This is good, but on the other hand, it sabotages efforts for success.
For example, let's use the common symptom procrastination. You have a project that must be completed. You make note of it in your mind, write it on the calendar, and list it as a priority on your to do list. The task is in your conscious mind as long as you think about it, talk about it, or entertain thoughts about it. The task is in your unconscious mind as well. Our knowledge of the brain assures us that once the idea of the task is accepted by the unconscious, it will act on it-make it happen. All you need is confidence and faith that tomorrow morning you will start work on the project and complete it as listed.
Sounds good until the ADHD steps in and feeds the unconscious mind negative thoughts. From whatever source, negative thoughts reflect lack of confidence, usually based in fear. Leading up to the procrastination may be the seemingly harmless thought, "Actually, I can still complete this project if I wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to start work on it." You think this with conviction and confidence and alas! the unconscious accepts the idea wholeheartedly. Even though it is written on Monday's To Do list, you can be assured that you won't get around to it until Tuesday or Wednesday.
That first thought begins the chain of negative thinking. "It's going to be hard." "I may never get it finished." "It isn't going to be right, even if I get it finished." "I wish I hadn't taken this on." And the negative thoughts, self-talk in your mind continue.
How do you change this?
Start with constructive thinking. Do not allow negative thoughts to take hold. Whenever a negative thought begins, stop it in mid-sentence by affirming the exact opposite. Giving your unconscious mind mixed signals and messages is no different than someone giving you contradicting messages. You don't know what to do, so you do nothing. Your goal is to come to a distinct, crystal clear message in your conscious mind. The unconscious will bring the message to fruition.
Coercion, will power, and mental force will not bring successful results. It takes a relaxed, confident, assuring mind with clear input to achieve desired results.
Visualization, or imagination will boost your ability to achieve. Allow no negativity while you picture positive outcomes. See it, feel it, hear it, smell it, taste it-Believe it!
The work you put into monitoring, guarding, and changing your thoughts will be well rewarded. Your mind is powerful. Use it.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
5 Steps in Making a To Do List Work
Yes! I have a To Do list. I made the form myself and fill it in at each day's end, ready to go for the next day.
The ADHD mind plays amazing, but deceptive tricks. I fill in the spaces from 1-10 and believe great things will happen. Projects will fly off my desk, signed, sealed, and delivered.
Reality kicks in. The purpose of the To Do list is to increase productivity by prioritizing tasks, completing each one, and moving to the next. Its purpose is not to master the art of making a list.
When I discovered changing the date on my list was all that was necessary, I realized something was wrong. Something that creating a new form wasn't going to fix.
Avoiding tasks is usually fear-based. Many of us, admittedly or not, are perfectionists. We put off tasks fearing the end product will be less than perfect. Or, perhaps we don't feel qualified to complete the task. The logic, usually unconscious, is how can we fail at something we don't attempt? If I never finish my novel who can say it wouldn't be a best seller? Procrastination haunts most of us with ADHD, and can be damaging. (If you are a notorious procrastinator, I suggest you click the link.)
These 5 steps will revitalize your To Do list, increase your productivity, and make you look procrastination in the eye.
The ADHD mind plays amazing, but deceptive tricks. I fill in the spaces from 1-10 and believe great things will happen. Projects will fly off my desk, signed, sealed, and delivered.
Reality kicks in. The purpose of the To Do list is to increase productivity by prioritizing tasks, completing each one, and moving to the next. Its purpose is not to master the art of making a list.
When I discovered changing the date on my list was all that was necessary, I realized something was wrong. Something that creating a new form wasn't going to fix.
Avoiding tasks is usually fear-based. Many of us, admittedly or not, are perfectionists. We put off tasks fearing the end product will be less than perfect. Or, perhaps we don't feel qualified to complete the task. The logic, usually unconscious, is how can we fail at something we don't attempt? If I never finish my novel who can say it wouldn't be a best seller? Procrastination haunts most of us with ADHD, and can be damaging. (If you are a notorious procrastinator, I suggest you click the link.)
These 5 steps will revitalize your To Do list, increase your productivity, and make you look procrastination in the eye.
- Prioritize tasks into 3 categories: (a) Critical (b) ASAP (c) Needs to be done
- Move the task that you dread most, or least desire, into the number one spot. Do this for each category
- Move the task you most look forward to doing into the second position. Do this for each category
- Order remaining tasks in each category alternating from Most dreaded to Most desired
- Begin with the Critical category and progress through B and C completing each task in turn
The ADHD accomplice, Focus, will try to mess with you. Counteract it by having the second task, and third if necessary, from your list layed out and ready to go. When you lose focus with task one, simply transfer to task two and work on it. Move back to task one and repeat the process.
By the way, make sure you keep returning to task one. Afterall, you don't want procrastination to win.
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