Is Singing a Therapy?

It certainly can be! Studies have demonstrated that singing in a choir can have a range of social, emotional, and psychological benefits. Turns out singing has some biological effects, as well. No surprise, people impacted by cancer often experience stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which can negatively impact immune system function. A study was designed to evaluate the impact of singing on mood, stress, and immune response in three population groups diagnosed with cancer. Researchers discovered that just one hour of singing was associated with significant reductions in negative affect, increases in positive affect, and significant increases in cytokines. They believe this provides preliminary evidence that singing improves mood state and modulates components of the immune system. Keep singing!

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/braingurutaylor

Which came first: Brain or Mind?

Recently a colleague and I were discussing the various theories about the brain versus the mind. It reminded me of the old chicken or the egg question. Which came first, the brain or the mind? Does the brain create the mind or does the mind create the brain? Is the mind an organ of the brain much as the stomach is an organ of the digestive system? There will likely never be 100% consensus, seeing as every brain on the planet is different. Consensus however is leading toward the belief that the brain begins to develop in utero first and then creates the mind. What is amazing is that the mind then can change and direct the brain that created it! I like the ‘vehicle-traffic metaphor’ to describe that phenomenon. Vehicles create traffic. Once created, the vehicles can be hampered or impeded by the traffic. Something similar likely can happen in the brain. 

A new AUDIO podcast is posted every Saturday morning

https://anchor.fm/arlene-r-taylor

 A new VIDEO podcast is posted every Saturday morning

https://open.spotify.com/show/3uYHO9ryZiBXDNMnUFgu3e

Where did the term phubbing come from?

The brain creates technology and, in turn, technology impacts the brain—sometimes positively and sometimes negatively. Whatever else the human brain is, it is relational. It has a relationship with the mind; with other brains; and with technology. Technology is everywhere but there have been relatively few studies evaluating the impact of technology on the brain and the mind. James. A. Roberts and Meredith E. David, researchers at researchers at the Hankamer School of Business of Baylor University, are authors of what may be the first formal study of the impact on a relationship when a person uses or is distracted by his/her cell phone while in the company of the person’s relationship partner. The researchers reportedly created the term ‘phubbing’ to describe what has been referred to as the ultimate modern-day snub: snubbing someone in favor of your mobile phone. “I’d never do that!” you say. Are you sure?

What about phubbing in the workplace?

Phubbing in the workplace was not addressed in the study by Roberts and David. However, similar problems with inattentiveness and disruption have been observed anecdotally in work settings, as well. The brain was not designed to multi-task and when one or more individuals in a group are distracted by checking their mobile communication device, they may miss key points in a discussion or fail to contribute appropriately. Moreover, their Wphubbing (snubbing someone in a Work setting in favor of your mobile phone) can distract others. It can be particularly annoying to a speaker when the behavior of attendees indicate that their cellphone is more important than paying attention to the presentation. Have you been phubbed? Done any phubbing yourself? Use your brain to evaluate if phubbing is negatively impacting your relationships, personal and professional. If the answer is ‘yes,’ you may want to disconnect periodically from communication technology rather than risk strangling your relationship—or sending a nonverbal message that you would never put into words.

Thank you for subscribing to my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/braingurutaylor

What does phubbing do to romance?

The authors of the study on phubbing reported that the higher the incidence of phubbing behaviors, the more likely a romantic couple were to experience conflict in the relationship and have lower levels of satisfaction. “But they aren’t saying anything,” you may say. Perhaps not verbally, but the nonverbal behavior sends a message to the other partner ‘loud and clear.' This implied message can reveal the partner’s priorities, suggest that the mobile device is more exciting than the person who is physically present or that whomever is calling or texting is more important than the partner. Unless I am out eating alone, my practice is to keep my mobile phone out of sight. On the rare occasions when I am expecting a call from overseas, I will tell my friend(s) in advance: “If my cell phone rings and it is an overseas call, I need to take it. Anyone else can leave a message and I’ll get to it later.” My little French grandmother used to say ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’ I want to honor and respect the individual I am with and the time they are giving to me, which is really all each of us has to give another—that no other person can give—our time. 

Why don't we hear much about phubbing?

I don’t know the answer to that question. My guess is that it’s so commonplace now that people hardly notice it. For those who don’t know what phubbing is, it involves the behavior of ignoring another person in order to pay attention to one's phone or other mobile device. :Results of a study by James. A. Roberts and Meredith E. David at the Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University, were published in Computers in Human Behavior. Nearly half of participants reported they’d been ‘phubbed’ o by their Partner and almost half of those indicated this had caused conflict. The researchers identified eight types of phubbing or Pphubbing. For example: keeping the phone in sight—if not in hand—while the couple is together; answering the phone even when in the middle of a conversation; glancing at the mobile device while talking, and so on. The authors reported that while people often assume that momentary distractions by their cellphones are not a big deal, the more often a couple’s time spent together is interrupted by the other’s cellphone, the less likely the first individual is to be satisfied with the overall relationship. A lower level of relationship satisfaction tends toward lower levels of life satisfaction. Ultimately, this can contribute to higher levels of depression. 

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/braingurutaylor

Isn't glucose important?

Glucose is vitally important! The body turns carbs into glucose, which provides fuel for all body tissues and definitely for the brain. Without glucose, your blood oxygen levels suffer, your energy levels fall, and your risk of brain fog can increase. Eating too many carbs, especially unhealthy carbs, can lead to obesity. Not getting enough can result in malnutrition or in an excessive intake of fats to make up the calories. The USDA recommends that 45-65% of your daily calories are best derived from carbs. That’s because carbohydrates:

• Are the body’s main source of fuel, can be used easily for energy by all tissues and cells, and can be stored in the muscles and liver for later use.
• Are needed for the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, and muscles (including those of the heart) to function properly.
• Important for gastrointestinal health and the timely and appropriate elimination of waste.       
• Supply energy (glucose), especially for the brain, central nervous system, and muscles.·       
• Prevent the breakdown of proteins (amino acids) as a source of energy and minimize ketosis from breakdown of fatty acids. 
• Assist with cellular and protein recognition and provide soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.