Music Has a Positive Influence on Our Life

School has started again for many children in the state of Kansas and that involves the many choices available on what classes to enroll in. Studies continue to report the positive influence music has on our mind, body and spirit. From the infant to the adult our brain utilizes the harmonic tones to increase our neurophysiological basis. The different types of music we are exposed to can effect our mood, tension and mental clarity.

Here are some of the research facts that I found for you:

• Preschool children given six months of keyboard instruction increased their spatial IQ scores by an average of 46% over other supplemental instruction.
• Human attitudes change with music: hostility, fatigue, sadness and tension decrease with classical and "designer" music, but dramatically increase with "grunge rock".
• College students temporarily improved spatial-temporal IQ scores by 8 - 10 points after listening to Mozart, when compared with relaxation music and no music.
• Plants exposed to classical music flourished while those exposed to rock and heavily percussive music were less healthy and turned away from the source of sound, many finally dying.
• Rats exposed to Mozart music from birth to 60 days old were able to learn mazes over twice as fast as those with no music.

Music is definitely a gift to enrich our lives and minds. So when life gets stressful during the school year take the time to put on your favorite classical choice and relax.

Take care,

Gina

Your Brain and Financial Problems

You may be one of the millions of Americans that overspend to give yourself a momentary emotional lift or escape from the stress you experience in your day to day life. If you have engaged in this impulsive spending habit, you have also discovered that the moment of happiness you received from buying that purchase impulsively has only increased your stress instead of relieving it.

Financial troubles are known to trigger or exacerbate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Financial problems can also be a symptom of many common mental health disorders. Los Angelos psychiatrist Deborah Nadel states that the manic or "high" phase of bipolar disorder, for example, is characterized by impulsive and often self-destructive behavior which can include big shopping sprees. Nadel also said that depression and overspending can be an issue as the individual tries to alleviate their distress with purchases. Feelings of hopelessness can make it difficult to plan for the future or to care whether the bills get paid. The symptoms of adult ADD can also make finances difficult. The impulsivity of purchases can result in a large credit card debt and unpaid bills.

When you decide to make a purchase stop and ask yourself if this purchase is a "need or want". If the purchase is a need then determine how the purchase will effect your budget or current lifestyle. After you have answered all these questions and even researched the product so that you will receive the ultimate quality for your dollar then make the purchase. If you determine your finances are needing professional assistance seek the appropriate resources of consumer counseling for your debt and a mental health professional to help you with identifying and changing the self-destructive behavior.

Best wishes,

Gina

7 Strategies for Raising a Happy Child

Every parent wants to raise a happy child and there are several professional opinions on how to do that. I recently read an article summarizing a book by Edward Hallowell MD a child psychiatrist and author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness. He stated that the results from a study with 90,000 teens surveyed stated "connectedness" - - a feeling of being loved, understood, wanted and acknowledged - emerged as the biggest protector against emotional duress, suicidal thoughts, and risky behaviors including smoking, drinking, and using drugs.

The seven strategies he indentifies are as follows:

1. Foster connections and love your children unconditionally.
2. You are not responsible for your children's happiness. Teach your children how to deal with negative situations which will help them to develop coping skills and resilience in life.
3. Nurture your own happiness. Happy parents are likely to have happy children. Make time for your own self-care and nurture the romance in your relationship with your spouse.
4. Praise your children for the effort of trying instead of the end result. This will help them to develop self-esteem and happiness.
5. Allow your child the opportunity to learn new skills to see what they are capable of doing on their own.
6. Make sure your children feel that they are a part of the family by giving them responsibilities at home. Chores keep your children connected and contributing to the family.
7. Teach your children to be grateful for the blessings that they receive each and every day. Keeping a journal and writing goals help them to be optimistic about their future.

Good luck!

Gina