Focus- A key to complete wellness.

 

When I was in school, my parents used to insist that I get up early to memorize my lessons. I tried my best and sometimes succeeded in the endeavour. Did it really help me in getting a better grasp? In retrospect, I am not so sure.  Early mornings were definitely a peaceful time, so I could focus better. As a result, the time is taken for me to get rid of distractions around me were minimal, plus of course, it was a pre phone era. So connectivity was regulated. Now I think in present times it will be a challenge.

Human Anatomy- Physical Dilemma

On further research I came across the concept of Circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are internal body clocks that regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Our clocks are on highest alert mode from 10 am till around 1 in the afternoon, and then on athletic high mode at 4 pm. By late evening melatonin secretion starts around 9:00 pm and we prepare to sleep.

Now if we look at this and then look at our work schedules, we will realize that we due to pressure of increased work requirements, or students due to increased responsibilities  or distractions are unable to follow the rhythm, as a result, undertake a fight with their own physical self.

Think of yourself as automobile running on four wheels of physical, emotional, spiritual and mental energy. Going against Circadian rhythm sometimes is like one wheel going in a different direction which will make the automobile lose control. That is what happens with  our life and focus.

That is why probably our  grandparents and parents and now us, have with age started realizing the need for early to bed and early to rise.

Lesson 1- Understand your circadian rhythms and follow the cycle. It might be difficult but worth the effort.

 

Too Many, too soon, Don't know how (Mental Dilemma)

Adults and students face this problem alike. We have more than one thing on our plates. Sometimes its projects, deadlines and personal issues all at once. We scramble and struggle and then work with what we can control and leave the rest. As a result, we don’t balance consciously; but we make choices based on what we can easily control. What makes us feel in charge? Those choices may or may not be the best choice, but since it is suiting us then, we go ahead with it.

What are we supposed to do about it?  The idea is to list down everything that we have on our plates and then plan individually. Some may even be an overlap and it is absolutely ok. When you see everything in your mind laid down in front of you, you will feel a better sense of calm and your decision making will not be rambunctious but rather thought through and well-articulated. How will that help? This process will give you a sense of ownership of life decision rather than being played by it.

Lesson 2- Put aside time to look at your life from an objective view to list down your expectations and plans. Draw up and exhaustive list. That helps you to have a complete view of your priorities and helps you decide what to focus on.

 

Today we discussed two aspects of the Bridge Partnership model of Total wellness, introduced  by Aaron Barnes. My blog tomorrow will discuss the spiritual and emotional aspect of the model. Do keep tuned in to find out more.