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We Can Get You To WIN in WELLNESS!
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Did You Know?
Your brain has a physiological
reward center. Your physiological reward center may be different from
your psychological reward center.
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Articles
OPTIMIZE BRAIN POWER
Share the Knowledge "Optimize brain power first, confident, high performance will follow!"
by Ellen Laura
This message began as a soft statement of the obvious from Dr. Joel Robertson, medical pioneer and researcher. Today his work is shaking up systems of eating, exercise, meditation and performance. As Robertson is quietly stepping forward with 20-plus years of brain chemistry research, ears are opening and heads nod agreeably. His work challenges systems of eating, exercise, meditation and performance, and the complexity of his findings are staggering. His two ground breaking books, Peak Performance Living and Natural Prozac , initially inspired clinicians, and now captivate corporate audiences. What is so unique about another researcher with a "system?" Robertson's work is based on your physiology, and until physiology changes, old patterns of behavior and performance are locked in. Robertson clients report such incredible energy boosts, they speak of experiencing 16 full hours daily of flowing, powerful energy, confidence and alertness as "the norm."
Confidence Can Be Conditioned
A controversial film, The Insider , referred to cigarettes as the "ideal delivery system for nicotine." So what is the ideal delivery system for human brain conditioning? Flashing images pounding messages into our consciousness with brilliantly balanced elements of a gigantic screen, optimized sound system and persuasive actors. Hollywood understands how to condition the brain, and although this knowledge isn't a secret, the moment in history is ripe to unite our brainpower and test the results. Why? Because technology reduces the time it takes to shine a laser beam on what is logical and practical vs. hype.
Light and sound are the building blocks that teach the brain how to respond to different stimuli - our cultural conditioning and gene pool interpret the results. If we speak, think and move too quickly in some environments we are considered "grandiose," while other environments reward this behavior. High confidence backed by demonstrable skill and inner calm is predicted to become the most desired combination of behaviors as we move into the future. Conditioning the brain through optimizing brain chemistry is an open pathway to this goal, evolving a prima donnainto a caring contributor. When brain function is healthy and optimized, windows of opportunity are seen and accessed. Life is perceived accurately, tasks are performed effectively and excellent decisions are made.
Coping with Low Voltage and Power Surges
Consider "evolved humanity" at their best, standing up and facing world challenges with brainpower, courage and humane treatment of all people. While still maintaining this state, there is a shift into the "flow state" where hearts open, and proactive decisions create win-win outcomes. Futuristic? When brain chemistry is optimized, you can expect a significant increase in the number of hours you perform at a level of sustained momentum and flow, equating to joy, optimism, accelerated learning and emotional intelligence.
Studies on the state of consciousness, described as "flow," have captivated readers because this state is the place where performance and joy unite - where sharing and caring sweeten triumph. Since each person is unique, there is not one place of "balance" for brain chemistry. There is an optimal place for your brain chemistry and that discovery offers a good four or five additional hours each day to enjoy your life on your terms.
Research compiled by Dr. Robertson show's that women are one of the groups suffering from less than optimal brain chemistry because of social conditioning and oppression. Women must become vocal and courageous (not angry and hateful) as they ask employers and family to support them in their pursuit of optimized brain chemistry. For some this means yoga classes, for others, jogging, for others more touching and affection, and for some a gentle reminder that one cup of coffee and one glass of wine is plenty. For those who have "optimized" it is time to pass on solid answers.
Corporate, political and spiritual leaders can best assist those on the rise by turning them on to the synthesis of science and spiritual insight. We have lived through several decades chasing the "feel good," and the debt for that is still mounting. Since your brain has a physiological reward center, certain behaviors make you feel good. Well-meaning health advocates give the same Rx to everyone: relax, take more time for yourself, get a massage - yet this is not what optimizes brainpower for everyone. The physiological reward center in the brain is different from the psychological reward center. For example, some people say they want to rise up off of that couch and put on their running shoes (psychological desire) but get no "brain reward" for doing so (the brain just isn't conditioned to all of that extra physical activity!) On a psychological, intellectual level, most everyone knows that exercise is "good for you," yet for those who are slow to dive in, the body is more comfortable with calming activities (the comfy couch) than with change. Repeated over time, behaviors become natural tendencies if they provide physiological rewards in the brain - such as taking away pain or providing pleasure. In order to reduce the negative impact of stress and compulsive behavior, a physiological program (as opposed to a psychological) must be implemented. Those who breath deep into the wonderful field of oxygen are the most obvious to pass this information on to those who suffer from guilt and fear.
Where Is Your Brain Leading You?
"When brain chemistry is out of balance, the brain reward center drives us to continue performing the very behaviors that got us out of balance in the first place!" This discovery by Dr. Robertson was the pivotal point for the work he presents today in optimizing brain chemistry. This news flash provided Dr. Robertson with the direction to move toward optimizing brain chemistry. The other alternative: remain prisoners of out-of-balance brain chemistry. What do we see in the corporate world? People who are perfectionistic, controlling, aggressive and often masking depression with caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Who is rewarded in most corporate culture? Typically it is the driven executive who works 70 hours weekly, eats on the run and has mastered the habit of excess. When brain power is fully accessed, 16-hour days feel normal, and are characterized by high confidence, high alertness, optimal decision making and deep inner calm. Ever since Ivan Pavlov did his research on conditioned behaviors with dogs, science has realized that automatic or conditioned behaviors exist. The premise of the research done at the Robertson Institute is very simple: if a behavior doesn't provide a physiological reward, it won't be repeated. A reward is defined as taking away pain or providing pleasure. A reward is a physiological response in the brain. The brain has no morals - it just desires reinforcement for what feels good.
Harness the Source of the Power
A variety of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, work together to define your physiological reward center. These chemicals, especially serotonin and dopamine, play key roles in how you feel, act and react in any given situation. When the delicate balance of these neurotransmitters is somewhat disturbed, problems occur. For instance:
- A shortage of serotonin, which promotes feelings of well-being, personal security and relaxation, may result in increased fatigue, excessive sleep, low self-esteem, negative thinking and difficulty concentrating. Low serotonin has been associated with such behaviors as compulsive overeating and perfectionism.
- Excess levels of dopamine, which stimulates alertness and awareness, can cause an increased heart rate, muscular tension and disrupted sleep patterns and can result in grandiose thinking, excessive self-confidence and a shortened attention span. Excess levels of dopamine have been associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHA) and risk-taking behaviors, such as gambling.
- Serotonin and dopamine are always present in your brain, but you can effectively increase or decrease the levels by making behavioral changes.
- Nutrition, spiritual well being, diet and activity all impact your brain chemistry, which in turn, impacts your natural tendencies and ultimately, your performance. So, through self-care, you can affect your brain chemistry and modify your neurotransmitters to:
- Think more clearly
- React more quickly
- Overcome stress and anxiety
- Function more effectively and efficiently
Gather together to optimize:
A state of inner-well being and purpose is key to optimizing brain chemistry
- Each morning ask yourself, "Where am I going, and whom am I going with?" This question is potent when asked in this form. When these questions are asked separately, as they are for too many modern cultures, the answers alternate depending on your changing age, your economic position, your marital status, etc. In order to optimize brain chemistry a sense of inner well being flows from these answers. Where are you going and who is going with you?
- The answers to question one typically bring up responses about close loved-ones and valued work. Wherever you already experience joy, momentum and flow - at work or with loved-ones - stretch two feet beyond previous expectations to include more abundant life. Do not cast aside one aspect to repair the other. These two elements - meaningful work and loving companionship - are what give life meaning and optimized brain chemistry is a key factor in this life pursuit.
What really happens when a clinical research pioneer steps into the corporate world ready to offer logical, time-tested solutions to world leaders? That is a question for discerning, caring people to review. Sharing knowledge is a risky business. First, you have to care enough, and then you have to discern if the knowledge is worth sharing. Adding heart power - the element of deep, subtle joyousness - propels knowledge to a 'top of mind position.' What knowledge will you stand up and share? Your answer is shaping the future.
Reprinted from Nevada Woman, April 2000
copyright 2000 by Ellen Laura
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ALTER YOUR BRAIN CHEMISTRY
Easy, Drug-Free Ways to Alter Your Brain Chemistry for Greater Energy and Improved Productivity
by Ellen Laura
According to Dr. Joel Robertson, author of, Peak-Performance Living , daily practice of meditation, prayer, and relaxation exercises can foster long-term, beneficial changes in brain chemistry. Once we learn how to achieve this balance intellectual clarity, confidence and a subtle joyousness become the norm. Wouldn't that be a long sought after achievement? In an interview with Dr. Robertson, he shared highlights from his years of research:
Ellen Laura: What's going on in the world today that is harming our brain chemistry balance?
Joel Robertson: The brain can be thought of as an electrical system. The nerves, or "wires" communicate their electrical signals to each other by way of chemical messengers. Most people today are deficient in calming, 'brake pedal' chemicals like serotonin, which create feelings of relaxation, personal security and well-being. The arousing 'gas pedal' chemicals like dopamine and nor-epinephrine make us alert, and normal levels provide us the ability to react quickly and aggressively to demanding situations and danger, but most of us have an excess of these arousal chemicals.
Every day we are hit with repeated exposure to experiences that stimulate us and these experiences boost dopamine and nor-epinephrine. I refer to these as the 'gas pedal' chemicals because they are classified as the excitatory neurotransmitters. We have become increasingly addicted to arousing substances and behaviors: Violent and sexual media images; various pharmaceutical and recreational drugs such as cocaine; over-exercising; protein-rich foods, such as meat, eggs, and some dairy products; caffeine – these are just a handful of the ways we get our dopamine rush each day.
EL: If we didn't have enough stimulation we would become lethargic and unproductive and I think many people fear that state. But you're saying we have such an excess of stimulation that we have upset the delicate balance of our brain chemistry.
JR: Exactly. Thoughts and images of excitement, activity, risk-taking, challenges, deadlines, gambling, sex, fear, anxiety, frightening scenarios, and beliefs that the future will present difficulties – these thoughts and images are taking over the lives of many people. The problems occur because these thoughts and images promote release of the chemical messenger called dopamine.
The impact of this chemical imbalance in favor of dopamine has had a profound effect on the young. The teen-age suicide rate is skyrocketing. Worse of all, much arousal takes place while people are sitting. They are exposed to arousal images and sounds or eat foods that send dopamine levels soaring. Yet, they are passively watching these images or listening to arousing music – they are resting consumers. The result is that energy, muscles, and respiration are not being utilized. Dopamine is not being burned up. It is increased and stored, waiting for its moment to trigger some type of behavior. Meanwhile, serotonin falls. The combination causes anxiety and depression, which is a volatile mix that very often leads to violence. Anyone who has serious concerns about the direction our society is heading toward needs to understand what has happened to our biochemistry because of excess stimulation.
EL: If biochemistry drives our behavior, then most of us may need remedial training to turn around the current situation. What can we do to bring ourselves into balance?
JR: A relatively small percentage of our population has the ability to self-regulate, meaning they naturally select foods and activities to maintain optimal brain chemistry. Some of this is hereditary, and some is environmentally influenced. At the Robertson Institute we emphasize the factors needed for self-care. Self-care is knowing enough about yourself to make some good decisions. Many people feel guilty because they're not doing something they think they should be doing. The first essential in creating a program for a person is to include this factor: Tell me what I will do, not what I should do. The second thing we discovered is that people generally determine what is good for them by choosing what feels good. In our research we found that when we get out of balance, what feels good is what maintains imbalance. For example, alcoholics feel good when they drink; perfectionists feel good when they are perfectionistic; workaholics feel good while running themselves into overdrive. Feeling good is not the determinant of what is good for you because it may keep your brain chemistry out of balance.
EL: This information could put a lot of self-help gurus out of business. What you prescribe is a program that people will do based on what will balance their individual brain chemistry, right?
JR: Exactly. We've developed a tool called a Performance Enhancement Plan, and my book, Peak Performance Living, resulted from the program. From the assessment, if we determine that a person's physiological reward center is Arousal, which means they prefer excitement, crave stimulation, and 'gas pedal' chemicals, we don't ask that person to follow a diet because they will probably be non-compliant. But if we say, "Look, we know you're going to go to McDonald's and have a cheeseburger, and we know that is going to mess up your brain chemistry, yet we know you will still do it. What we prescribe for you is to get involved in competitive sports or intensive exercise, because we know you enjoy these arousal type activities. Once the brain chemistry moves toward balance you are more likely to include other healthful choices such an improved diet."
On the other hand, you may be a Satiation type who craves a calm state of mind, avoids physical danger and challenge, and is low in serotonin. We know that a diet that eliminates or reduces red meat, eggs, coffee and chocolate will help balance this type of brain chemistry. Since the Satiation type seeks and enjoys calming experiences, we prescribe prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and some eating changes. When they get closer to balance, gentle exercise like walking, stretching, and yoga will feel good. The Satiation type is attracted to 'brake pedal' type chemicals and gets no physiological reward from strenuous exercise. Instead of having you randomly choose what feels good, or what works for your friends, we prescribe what you will do that is good for you. Many of your readers will already have some idea whether they naturally prefer arousing or calming activities, although these are generalities. Our assessment gives much more specific information. Remember, when you have hours, then eventually a full day, and ultimately weeks where you experience intellectual clarity, alertness, confidence and a subtle joyousness – you are experiencing the benefits of balanced brain chemistry.
EL: Is it really possible to change our brain chemistry and behavior without drugs?
JR: Yes, it is, and it is important for each of us to start the process toward balance now, no matter what our current age or condition. I started doing this research twenty years ago, and the comment I made then, and not very loudly because I've always been accepted in the conservative medical community, but I'd say, I think our biochemistry has something to do with our behavior – that was what I said twenty years ago. Today I think the major determinant of our behavior is our brain chemistry.
Now that's a strong statement, so let's review something that is very important. If there is anything I can have the world understand it is this: For several years (at least since the 1960s) research indicates that psychotherapy (whether that is insight or self-awareness) plus drug therapy are more effective together in changing behavior than either alone. My contention is that insight plus optimal brain chemistry is what changes behavior. It is not necessarily medication. We have come to the conclusion in the United States that drugs are the only thing that change brain chemistry. That's why we spend 5 billion dollars annually on Prozac. I'm coming back and saying, look, research also shows that certain diets, certain exercises, and certain meditation practices change brain chemistry, and most importantly, our spiritual view of life changes brain chemistry.
EL: You started off by advocating faith and optimism. Why is this so important to you?
JR: Our brain chemical imbalances cause us considerable suffering and mood swings. The deep part of your being that you know to be your true self, the person you experience when you say, "I," is deeper and more fundamental to your identity than your mood. Unfortunately, the line between mood and identity gets so blurred that we begin to identity too closely with how we feel rather than who we are. The inner you is still you whether you're up or down. I prefer to feel good, and to experience a high level of confidence, inner peace and high alertness - this is a must for busy professional people! So I do the things that bring balance to my life. You can do the same, without losing the deeper connection with who you are.
EL: I use your Personal Enhancement Program, with my coaching clients and the response has been totally positive. I look forward to the time when more health care professionals, coaches and consultants use your program. Thank you for your time and caring.
JR: You're certainly welcome, and I wish all your readers optimal health.
Reprinted from Nevada Woman, January, 2006
2006 by Ellen Laura
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