Yesterday, I read an article my monthly Prevention magazine (January 2014, always running a bit behind on personal reading!) and I thought, how much does this sound like Network Leaders?  “You feel like you’re running in 90 directions at once – but never the right one.”  How does this sound like you?  I certainly related to the comment!  This time of year is a busy time for NCHN.  We are nearing the end of our fiscal year, so that brings on some additional tasks – like budget development for 2014; updating membership dues assessment form, reviewing our work plan and seeing where we have fallen short of goals and celebrating where we may have exceeded goals.  And then of course the Annual Educational Conference, at least we have a breather on this event, as it has been moved to June, but we are still very busy with all those conference details and planning.  We had planned to include the conference announcement in today’s issue, but still have a few final details to confirm, so look for a special conference email announcement later this week.  I can share with you the theme, “2014 NCHN Educational Conference – Your Gateway to Innovation, Leadership and Collaboration” and I can assure you the event will have a lot of exciting presentations, networking opportunities, sharing of ideas and fun!  So, save the date now, June 17-20, 2014 and plan to join us in St. Louis. 

So, back to the Prevention article – Dr. Pam Peeke offered following advice on the challenge we all face of trying to do too much!  She recommended “Adapt & Adjust.”  To do this, sit still for 10-15 minutes a day. (I know, got to find those 10-15 minutes). Call it your “quiet time” – sit quickly and check in with your breathing, focus on your breathing, and calm your mind. “Don’t ‘think’ your thoughts – let them drift away as you concentrate on deep, slow, rhythmic breathing.”

According to Dr. Peeke, these “quiet time” sessions, practiced once or twice a day, will strengthen your prefrontal cortex, the executive center of your brain. This helps you make the right decisions more easily, filter out time-wasting temptations, and zero in on tasks you designate as important. Think of the impact this could have on your day!  More easily made decisions for your network and zeroing in on those important tasks!  Dr. Peeke went on to say that you’ll begin to sink deeper into sensory experiences that you’re missing now – food will taste better, you’ll see things more clearly, and life will be richer. Regularly practicing the art of stilling your thoughts will strengthen your vigilance and concentration, so you can begin to prioritize your long-term goals over short-term distractions.  Her article also has some other suggestions on how to stick to your health goals with life gets in the way.  You can send questions to Dr. Peeke to askdrpeeke@prevention.com 

Ok, I think I’ll try this new strategy, so I’m going to take a “quiet time.” Let me know if you tried and how you are feeling in a couple of weeks! 

Oh yeah, also Happy Spring – so looking forward to its arrival on Thursday!