23-Aug-2009

Brain Cleanse

Go on a News Fast

While the benefits of this super-connected global village are plentiful, there is a down-side, too. As the information age moves faster and faster, more and more information is available to you. But the human computer is still designed as it was thousands of years ago and the hardware of your system short circuits when exposed to such an immense amount of data.

The results? Graphic images of disaster and emotionally charged language inherent to news reports actually cause chemical reactions in the body, stimulating the survival response. The presence of these chemicals can produce muscle tension and adrenal fatigue, as well as degrade the immune system, raise your blood pressure and blood sugar. This general stress can lead to depression and eventually to more serious disease. So why not go on a "News Fast"? Cancel the paper and turn off the 6 PM news. Spend a week focusing on your own well being. Take a walk, cook a super-healthy meal or take a deeply relaxing nap. You'll want to spread the news yourself!

Recommended: A Quiet Place