Unit #4~ Mind and Body Connection

1.  Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

This weeks exercise was nothing like the ones from previous units.  It didn’t seem as relaxing, nor did it keep me focused very well; especially with such long pauses in between prompts.  I had way too much quite time and when you add that to my inability to focus or relax, my mind seems to wander off and get lost.  However, I do think this exercise could and would be beneficial when utilized repetitively(as was suggested at the end).  Who knows it may even help get my mind focused.  Doing it just the one time, makes it very difficult for me to answer honestly if I would recommend it.  If I had to answer now, I would say no; repetitively taken then maybe.

2.  What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

My understanding of the concept for ‘mental workout’ is the gradual steps taken in order to have the capability to be contemplative with our thoughts.  Research has shown ‘mental training/work outs’ can have a positive impact on attention, memory and various other mental functions (Elliott S. Dacher, 2006, p. 63). Mental workouts like the exercise we listened to for this blog as well as possible yoga classes, are the things I would not mind implementing and trying on for size.

Lisa

Unit 3 ~ The Crime of the Century response

Hello Professor & fellow classmates!

In response to the exercise for this unit; 'The Crime of the Century', I must say that I was not impressed as much as I was with the first one. I really like this guys voice though, he is very relaxing. I think my opinion of this exercise may be swayed just a little bit because of the somewhat 'bad mood' I was in when I started it. So I will try it again and respond to this question then. If I do not make it back with a response, then my answer stays the same;0)

thanks for listening to my blah..blah...blahs......(lol)
Lisa

Unit 3 ~ Reflections Part 2

Goals to develop in each area as well as activities or exercises I can implement in my life to help me move closer to each goal~

A. Physical goal- to exercise or become more active
I know that I must first change my dieting habits and get rid of my soda habit before I will be able to step closer to reaching this goal. However, I won't need to wait until I have completely accomplished the first step before starting any activity! If I mix the two (healthier eating & walking) they will help me start to feel better and therefore make it easier to accomplish both!

B. Spiritual goal- to make time for regular personal prayer
This should be an easy goal to accomplish and become more of a daily habit~ I just need to keep reassuring myself that no matter how tired I am, I should always make time to pray. If I remind myself by setting an alarm just before my bedtime or even when I wake up, to start with a quick good morning or end with a quick good night. I know that once I get into the routine of it, more will come.

C. Psychological goal- to continue to build my self-esteem
Having the other two areas put into check will definitely help me in this area. Of course have this area in check would most definitely help the other two! Funny how that works now isn't it.  For this area goal to be reached, I will start working on an exercise to help turn any negative actions/thoughts into positive actions/thoughts. For example when something seems to start going wrong during my day; instead of giving up or in.....I can try to think of another way around it. The more alternative solutions I have the better my chances are and the more positive my thoughts become.

Another blah...blah...blah down and one more to go, I believe;0)
Lisa

Unit 3~ Reflections

Ratings for my well-being in the following three categories & why:

A. Physical well-being- 3
Why such a low rating? I ask myself the same question all the time.  The biggest factor in my poor health rating is that I have no medical insurance and therefore do not get the medical help I really need.  From there, I seemed to have obtained a very poor attitude about why I should even care since there is nothing I can do about it anyway.

B. Spiritual well-being- 5
There really is no excuse why I should have such a low rating in this area, or any other for that matter. Unfortunately, I have allowed all my personal issues and daily life stressors to completely drain almost all of my energy and any self-worth to the point that I sometimes feel disconnected and hopeless.

C. Psychological well-being- 6
I have lots more work to do in this area for sure, but honestly I have come a long way since starting my education at Kaplan. How sad is that; coming a long way and I still only rate a 6? I am just glad that I am starting to get a little bit of my determination back, I had my strong-will stolen away from me by a bad addiction problem that will be a struggle now for the rest of my life.  If only I had known that I would be giving up my natural high for life; I would never have taken that road. I am sure that would be the case for most, if not all in that situation.

Blah...blah....blah....for now. I'll post another to answer the second part of our questions~

Lisa

Unit 2: Going, going & gone.....

Hello Professor/Classmates.....


All I can say about the relaxation exercise is wow.....I am sure that my being totally exhausted did not help, but the first time I started listening to it....I woke myself up with a full out body jerk! (LOL) The guys voice is absolutely perfect for the relaxation part, and he pauses with perfect timing...well maybe he paused too long once or twice, I think that is why I fell asleep. I enjoyed it though, very much...in fact I saved it to my computer and will use it another time....to get away! 

Hello Professor and fellow classmates~

I just wanted to type a quick note to everyone to let you all know that I am still 'tweaking' my blog template....I will hopefully be happy and done with it by the end of unit 2....so I guess I could just say...'under construction' still....lol

Lisa Atkins~
(aka) somedayw3 - which by the way means someday with 3 kids ;0)