Focus, Presence, Clarity

Written by Dr. Daniel Kimbley

Let’s be real with each other for a moment. Whether we like it or not, want to or not, we live in a world that is designed to be constantly distracting to us. Pop-ups on websites, Facebook and Instagram notifications, even constant access to our emails and text messages anytime of the day; even when our focus should be elsewhere, here we are checking the latest update or post on what’s happening in the world. Our cell phones even come with these amazing, built-in buzzers that more or less poke us in the leg when we get a notification to say “hey stop whatever you’re doing and pick me up”.

While it’s really, really hard to eliminate these distractions from our lives, the question then arises how can we create space in our lives for more focus, presence, and clarity?

Many strategies I’ve discussed before include simply becoming more aware of where your attention is going. Under the battery information in the settings of your cell phone you can see where most of your battery life and time is being spent on apps in your phone. If you’re anything like me, then far too much time on screen is spent on social media. And while I wish I could say all of that time is used for business purposes, to use that excuse would be a flat out lie.

Another strategy I’ve implemented lately is simply putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” during the day so that I won’t get vibration or sound alerts. At night, I put my phone on airplane mode. These simple things allow me to be more productive throughout the day and stay present with the clients, family members, and friends that mean the most to me. The same is possible for you and your loved ones.

In addition to taking our attention from those who matter, overuse of technology is silently destroying our brain function.

Researchers are finding that technologies like computers, tablets and cell phones “are resulting in delays in attaining child developmental milestones, with subsequent negative impact on basic foundation skills for achieving literacy. Diagnoses of ADHD, autism, coordination disorder, developmental delays, unintelligible speech, learning difficulties, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are associated with technology overuse, and are increasing at an alarming rate.” ¹

So, while putting technology in front of the kiddos is easy, it’s definitely setting things up to be more difficult for them in the long run-especially in light of this new research.

Since technology definitely isn’t going anywhere I get the question often: what is the ONE THING I could do to best mitigate the negative effects of technology, ensure proper brain function, and allow for the best focus, clarity, and presence for all of my family members?

The simple answer, and possibly the most overlooked aspect of having more focus, clarity and presence is to ensure that you and your family’s nervous systems are free from interference.

We all know that the brain and spinal cord control and coordinate all functions in the body, however, the spine is often overlooked in its contribution to provide stimulation and nutrition to the brain.

Neurophysiologist and chiropractic researcher, Heidi Haavik, has found over multiple studies that the chiropractic adjustment has a host of positive effects on the brain. 

“This is solid scientific evidence that adjusting the spine changes the way the prefrontal cortex of the brain is processing information.”² The coolest part about this research is that the prefrontal cortex of the brain is responsible for a host of behaviors that are highly important for focus, presence, and clarity. This front part of the brain is responsible for behavior, memory and attention, goal directed tasks, and decision making.

Memory and attention. Decision making. Behavior. These sound eerily similar to focus, presence and clarity. There is no doubt that focus is dependent upon your ability to pay attention, behavior is dependent on presence of mind, and clarity will always result in better decision making.

Setting your family members up to be as focused, present, and clear should be a top priority. Making the decision to have your nervous systems checked will ensure that you and your loved ones’ brains are functioning optimally throughout every phase of growth and development–ultimately leading to long-term success.

If you’re interested in learning more and having your nervous system checked, it’s as easy a clicking “Request Appointment” at the top of this screen.

¹ Rowan, C. (2013, May 29). The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child. Retrieved April 27, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/technology-children-negative-impact_b_3343245.html

² Lelic, D, Niazi, IK, Holt, K, Jochumsen, M, Dremstrup, K, Yielder, P, Murphy, B, Drewes, A and Haavik, H (2016), “Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the pre-frontal cortex: A brain source localization study,” Neural Plasticity, Volume 2016 (2016). Online.