Researchers from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg found a link between heavy phone and computer use and sleep disturbances.

The research included multiple questionnaires that were answered by 4,100 young people (between ages 20 and 24), as well as 32 people who were considered “heavy” information and communication technology users.

“Regularly using a computer late at night is associated not only with sleep disorders but also with stress and depressive symptoms in both men and women,” study researcher Sara Thomee, a doctoral student, said.

The findings also suggested that people who are always reaching for their phones — called “constant accessibility” — had more stress and symptoms of depression because of it, not to mention sleeping problems for men.

“This means taking breaks, taking time to recover after intensive use, and putting limits on your availability,” Thomee said in the statement.

Similarly, a study from researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology showed a link between depressive symptoms and excessive online chatting and frequent checking of e-mail.

If this information was useful then you may want to consider contacting me arrange one of my seminars or 2 to 3 day corporate training programs in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and other centres around South Africa.

All training material includes cutting edge research and tried and tested techniques presented by an experienced presenter with more than 20 years of experience in wellness, staff training and management fields.

 Do you feel that you need to see more information on our corporate training packages? You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za. Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

Results
Of 721 workers, 307 reported experiencing at least one headache per month. Compared with working 35–45 h/week, the prevalence ratios of severe or disabling headaches among individuals working >55 h/week were 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.78] and 1.63 (95% CI 1.09–2.43), respectively.
After stratification by the level of physical activity, the prevalence ratios were greater in the low-physical-activity group: 1.56 (95% CI 1.11–2.19) for severe headaches and 2.20 (95% CI 1.31–3.68) for disabling headaches.

The number of hours worked was not associated with headaches in the high-physical-activity group.

Conclusions
Among workers in the general population, long working hours were associated with the prevalence of headaches, and the association may depend on a lack of physical activity.

There is no doubt that structures employee wellness programs can help, but where do you start?

We offer a variety of programs ranging from on-site assessments and one day seminars through to structured turnkey employee wellness programs.

Do you feel that you need to see more information to hear how we can help you with your corporate training and development?
Specialists in employee wellness,, sales training and management development skills. You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

Change your Mind is a Business Unit of The University of Life, (SETA accreditation number 1232)

Research by : K. Satoa, Y. Hayashinoa,et al. Accepted 28 February 2012. Available online 20 June 2012

Would it be useful to learn some drug free intervention that have consistently proven to show results?

Many studies indicate that people who exercise either on gym equipment or without benefit from a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.

What are the psychological benefits of exercise with depression?

Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.

Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. They are manufactured in your brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain medicines. However, unlike with morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body’s endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.

Regular exercise has been proven to help:

• Reduce stress
• Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
• Boost self-esteem and confidence
• Improve sleep

Exercise also has these added health benefits:

• It strengthens your heart.
• It increases energy levels.
• It lowers blood pressure.
• It improves muscle tone and strength.
• It strengthens and builds bones.
• It helps in terms of fat loss.
• It makes you look fit and healthy.

Is Exercise a Treatment for Clinical Depression?

Research has shown that exercise is an effective but often underused treatment for mild to moderate depression.

Are Particular Types of Exercise That Are Better for Depression?

It appears that any form of exercise can help depression. Some examples of moderate exercise include:

There is no doubt that structures employee wellness programs can help, but where do you start?

We offer a variety of programs ranging from on-site assessments and one day seminars through to structured turnkey employee wellness programs.

Do you feel that you need to see more information about our unique and practical way of training your staff? After you listen to what I have to say here then feel free call me to see how we can assist you in terms of your various educational projects. You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

Change your Mind is a Business Unit of The University of Life, (SETA accreditation number 1232)

Would it be useful to be able to take control of those urges, desires and cravings?

Do you feel that you need to see more information on our corporate training packages? You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za. Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

Well according to new reports, Spanish and USA researchers have discovered that “impulsive behaviours” may be dampened by regular exercise.

Certain brain structures called the “Inhibitory control centres” of the brain, (the parts that inhibit urges and impulsive behaviours) are continuously overwhelmed by temptations which are nothing short of an assault on the nervous system.

Regular movement and Exercise, it appears, may assist in getting that inhibitory strength back

Europe and the USA have  experienced rising levels of obesity and the related disorders that go along with it

The researchers have also concluded what we in the fitness industry have known for a very long time: when clients exercise they are more likely to adopt other healthy changes in their lives.

Anybody with a passing knowledge of neuro-linguistic programming will of course recognise this as being a “state change”.

The research team state that regular practice of physical exercise, produces a “potentiating effect” on the brain’s executive functions, including the ability for inhibitory control. This helps us resist the many temptations that we are faced including high calorie food (read junk food) which has become far too convenient.

The benefits of exercise are far-reaching , such as making the brain more sensitive to physiological signs of fullness. This helps not only to control appetite, but it also modifies the “hedonic” response to food stimuli, say the researchers. The conclusion is that the benefits of exercise are short term and long term. In the short term exercise affects metabolism and in the long term exercise affects behaviour.

Helping your employees and staff make better decisions about food and exercise creates a happier and healthier work environment. Many, so called “chronic diseases” can be addressed through adjustments to dietary habits”

If this information was useful then you may want to consider contacting me arrange one of my seminars or 2 to 3 day corporate training programs in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and other centres around South Africa.

 Do you feel that you need to see more information about our unique and practical way of training your staff? After you listen to what I have to say here then feel free call me to see how we can assist you in terms of your various educational projects. You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

 Change your Mind is a Business Unit of The University of Life, (SETA accreditation number 1232)

Chronic sleep problems can be a result of anything from home or work stress all the way to serious medical conditions. Sleep problems an the resulting mental fatigue has been the cause f many minor and major work based issues.

In a majority of cases sleep can be restored by assisting employees to follow a relatively simple program including ways to manage home and work stress more effectively.

Research studies have confirmed it and most of us already know it: physical exercise can contribute to better sleep quality.

This study spanned 40 days and looked at

• quality of sleep and rest,
• reported mood,
• most importantly the quality of life.

After the initial study period

• extended full sleep,
• shortened sleep suppression or latency,
• fewer awakenings after sleep onset,
• and overall improved sleep efficiency compared to controls.

4 month follow up revealed that many of the positive effects had remained.

If your spending your money or medical aid funds on sleeping tablets, tranquilisers and alcohol to get to sleep or simply lie awake thinking that there is nothing you can do then you may like to take notice of this study and the implications

Moderate exercise could involve and of the following activities

• Cardio exercises such as Treadmill, spinning bike, stepper or elliptical trainer
• Core and floor training such as Pilates, yoga and Bosu ball core classes
• Strength or bodybuilding exercises on fitness equipment
• Performing a short workout every day is preferable but as can be seen from recent research, three times per week will give substantial benefits.

Do you feel that you need to see more information about our unique and practical way of training your staff? After you listen to what I have to say here then feel free call me to see how we can assist you in terms of your various educational projects. You can call me now on 071 863 7398 or mail me immediately at miles@changeyourmind.co.za Or look at more options at www.changeyourmind.co.za

Change your Mind is a Business Unit of The University of Life, (SETA accreditation number 1232)

Research from : Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 700, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany