Monthly Archives: October 2015

So You Think You Can Multitask?

MultitaskingSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

The truth is, the majority of us think that we are more than capable of multitasking. Surprise! Think again. Neuroscientific studies have shown that only a miniscule 2% percent of people are actually genetically predisposed to be capable of truly multitasking. “No, way,” you might think, “I multitask all the time.” Yet, when people who took part in a clinical multitasking study were asked to rate their performance, those who rated themselves highly capable actually performed the poorest, showing that we overestimate our ability to multitask efficiently.  According to Earl Miller, professor of neuroscience at MIT, we simply can’t focus on more than one thing at a time. The brain, apparently, “is exceptionally good at deluding itself.”

Human beings have a limited capacity for information processing. Multitasking involves actively thinking about more than one thing at a time, which can overload the brain’s working memory. Therefore, while we may think we are masters of multitasking, we are actually switch-tasking — a brain process that allows us to very rapidly switch focus from one task to another. When we are performing tasks simultaneously our brains run interference between them, as the tasks compete to use similar resources in the brain. The brain’s executive processes, which allow us to voluntarily control our behaviors and ignore distractions, rapidly shift our focus and cause something like this to occur:

  • First task – Answer the phone
  • Put task aside
  • Switch
  • Second task – Type the email
  • Put task aside
  • Switch

While the brain can have only one “conscious” experience at a time, it can run multiple simultaneous “automatic tasks” that use unrelated mental and physical resources. Natural activities, such as eating or walking, place less demand on the prefrontal cortex when compared to activities such as reading or driving, which is why we can eat while we check emails or have a conversation while out walking. The brain’s networks that host repetitive or mechanical actions don’t need conscious engagement for their operation. But when our brain has to shift focus from one task to another, it causes us to lose efficiency. This is why talking on the phone while driving can lead to poor communication in addition to traffic infractions and slowed reaction times. In other words, the brain can’t multitask on “conscious” experiences but it can on “automatic” activities that don’t require conscious engagement.

Research has found that when we single-task, the brain uses both the left and the right sides of our prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is part of our motivational system that springs into action when we need to pay attention and communicates with other brain systems to carry out the task. When the brain has to switch between two similar tasks, such as writing an email while talking on the phone, the brain toggles between the two tasks and the two sides work independently. So, yes, the brain can divide resources fairly easily for two similar tasks, but add in a third task and things start to get tricky. When a third task interrupts the second task, the brain starts crashing, performance suffers, the error rate goes way up and response times plummet, possibly because of the physical limitations of having only two frontal lobes. So while we are often required to perform many tasks simultaneously, this juggling can lead to greater inefficiency.

Each time we switch tasks in rapid succession, we are required to reorient ourselves to each task, which takes time and attention. A recent study by David E. Meyer, University of Michigan Department of Psychology and Jeffrey E. Evans, University of Michigan Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology concluded that switching what you are doing mid-task increases the time it takes to complete both tasks by 25%. Multitasking not only slows us down, it increases the chances of making mistakes and negatively affects our ability to pay attention and recall information. While we are processing information, disruption and interruptions distract us from effectively focusing on the task at hand. Studies show that multitasking compromises the working memory and the ability to store information for short periods of time. So when we are demanding that our brains toggle quickly between tasks, we are depleting our energy, causing brain fatigue and accomplishing less than we think we are.

Negative side effects of multitasking are believed to include short-term memory loss, long-term stress and a reduced ability to ignore external distractions. Habitual multitasking impairs our ability to do any task well. And although single-taskers actually perform better and report higher satisfaction with their completed work, expectations that require multitasking seem to be the norm. What can you do to avoid the perils of multitasking? Multitask only when necessary, and not for convenience or out of habit. Giving total attention to a task or when connecting with a person allows you to fully experience the event. To be fully present is now a rare thing. When we never truly focus, we lose our ability to do so.

Many of us likely can’t remember the last time we did something without trying to do something else at the same time. Remember, attempting to juggle too many things at once makes it hard to get anything done at all. Society has placed such an erroneously high value on multitasking that we have come to believe that we are not productive unless we are engaged in multiple activities. Yet, science shows that chronic multitasking is toxic and damaging to our health. When we concentrate on one task, we can complete the task to the best of our abilities. Our work becomes more focused. We become more effective. Our concentration, energy levels, creativity and decision making skills improve. Our lives becomes more meaningful. Old habits, such as constantly checking email, connecting to smart phones or opening multiple tabs on the computer, are hard to break. Adopting healthier operational habits can train your brain to think more strategically and efficiently, improve your cognitive strategies, rejuvenate your mind and increase accuracy, innovation and speed. Better brain health may just begin with single-tasking baby steps. Start by giving your full attention to a single task for at least 30 minutes each day and consider putting that smart phone away while driving.

References:
The Multitasking Mind. http://www.brainfacts.org/sensing-thinking-behaving/awareness-and-attention/articles/2013/the-multitasking-mind/
Multitask Masters. http://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/multitask-masters
Think You’re Multitasking? Think Again. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95256794
Multitasking and Task Switching. http://www.umich.edu/~bcalab/multitasking.html
Impacts of multitasking. http://www.multitaskingtest.net.au/the-science/impacts-of-multi-tasking
Multitasking and The Human Brain. http://www.medicaldaily.com/mulitasking-and-human-brain-prefrontal-cortex-determines-concentration-level-during-358410
Multitasking Damages Your Brain and Career. http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/
What’s Really Happening In Your Brain When You Multitask. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/31/multitasking-brain_n_6564738.html
How Being Busy Makes You Unproductive. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-travis-bradberry/how-being-busy-makes-you-unproductive_b_8363030.html
Single-Tasking is the New Multitasking. http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/373027/singletasking-is-the-new-multitasking/
focus: single-tasking and productivity. http://focusmanifesto.com/single-tasking/
Why Single-Tasking Makes Your Smarter. http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/05/08/why-single-tasking-makes-you-smarter/

Featured Brand – MegaFood®

MegaFoodSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

Professional Supplement Center is pleased to announce the addition of MegaFood®, a line of real, whole food supplements manufactured in Londonderry, New Hampshire. MegaFood® was founded in 1973 with one specific goal – delivering the most authentic nutrition possible by providing superior quality whole food supplements for those committed to supporting their own health and wellbeing.  MegaFood® was one of the first companies to formulate whole food supplements utilizing innovative FoodState Nutrients™ that deliver essential vitamins and minerals obtained from a variety of nourishing foods, just as found in nature.

In order to provide “Fresh From Farm To Tablet™” products that support and improve nutritional health, MegaFood® sources fresh and local food from trusted organic and sustainable farms located throughout the United States. These natural farm grown ingredients are tested throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that all components meet strict purity standards. Their unique Slo-Food Process™ ensures the optimal nutrient content is maintained throughout the milling, pureeing and dehydration processes.

Video MegaFood

All formulations adhere to the most up-to-date nutritional recommendations. All ingredients are Non-GMO certified, NSF Certified Gluten Free, certified Kosher and are herbicide and pesticide free. Manufacturing in an ISO Certified and GMP Registered facility assures the identity, potency, composition, quality and purity of the entire line of whole food supplements. MegaFood® provides products formulated to nourish, balance, replenish and rejuvenate for optimal wellbeing.

To see the complete line of whole food supplements specifically designed by MegaFood® to support the health of women, men and children, please visit professionalsupplementcenter.com.

Women's One DailyWomen’s One Daily – This easily digestible one daily multivitamin and mineral formula provides bioavailable wholesome nourishment and a protective array of carotenoids and antioxidants to support emotional balance, the stress response and overall wellbeing. Gluten, soy and dairy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formula. Also available – Women’s, Women Over 40 and Women Over 55 daily formulas.

Men's One DailyMen’s – This iron free multivitamin and mineral formula is designed to nourish, energize and restore by delivering authentic bioavailable 100% whole food nutrition. FoodState Nutrients™ and organic herbs aid in supporting peak performance, endurance and immune and overall health. Gluten, soy and dairy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formula. Other formulas also available – Men’s One Daily, Men Over 40 and Men Over 55.

Kid's One DailyKid’s One Daily – Formulated for children aged 5 and over, these easy to swallow mini-tablets provide 24 FoodState™ essential daily nutrients to support healthy growth and development, immune defenses, vision health and overall wellbeing. This product does not contain sweeteners, flavorings or food colorings. Gluten, soy and dairy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formula. Other formulas available – Kid’s B Complex, Kids N’ Us MegaFlora and Kid’s Vitamin D3.

 

For Beautiful Skin, Try SophytoPRO

sophytoproSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

Acne, the bane of teenagers and a growing number of adults, is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Unlike an occasional outbreak of pimples, acne is a chronic condition that can result in permanent scarring and low self esteem. As our largest organ, our skin’s primary role is to serve as a formidable physical barrier, preventing nutrient and water loss and protecting against would be pathogenic invaders. Similar to our intestinal microflora, the skin has its own ecosystem, a diverse milieu of microorganisms, some of which serve as an advanced warning system to alert our immune systems into action. A disruption in the balance of this ecosystem can result in skin disorders or infections.

Normal, healthy sebum production is essential for the protective function of the skin. Sebum, a naturally occurring oily substance produced by the tiny sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin, is part of the body’s natural barrier, as it moisturizes, lubricates and protects skin and hair and provides an antibacterial shield. Acne is often associated with an overproduction of sebum, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation and an overgrowth of skin based bacteria. The buildup of sebum within clogged pores provides an ideal growth environment and functions as a nutritional source for P. acnes, acne-causing bacteria that lives in the follicles. The most common treatment for acne involves the use of oral or topical retinoids, which are designed to reduce sebum production.

Professional Supplement Center now offers SophytoPRO®, a line of functional, organic skincare products from Ortho Molecular. These all natural, scientifically designed products are formulated to actively transform the health of the skin for optimal skin function. SophytoPRO® targets the root cause of skin imbalances by changing the environment to encourage the skin’s innate mechanisms for renewal, resulting in longer lasting, effective skin restoration. Seven years of research and development based on Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western medicine has resulted in the formulation of skin care products that are free of the detrimental toxic chemicals and suspiciously carcinogenic substances found in many skin care lines.

Manufactured in the U.S.A with an average of 90% certified organic whole foods and botanical extracts, these acne-fighting, anti-aging formulas take a groundbreaking preventative approach to enhance and maintain clear, vibrant skin. The clinically proven, science-based formulas take a holistic approach to acne treatment and overall skin revitalization and contain powerful antioxidants and prebiotics designed to inhibit acne-causing pathogens, minimize pore size and protect against environmental stressors. All products are biodegradable and are gluten and paraben free. The botanical extracts are sustainably cultivated on a 200 acre farm located in Herefordshire, England, which has twice won the U.K.’s leading environmental and farming award.

SophytoPRO® Skin Restore System – Recommended for acne and blemish prone skin, this breakthrough 3-step system utilizes age-defying botanicals with clinically proven, research- based acne fighting power to help control breakouts and improve the appearance of skin for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

SophytoPRO Skin Purifying CleanserSkin Purifying Cleanser – This lightweight cleanser is designed to maintain skin’s delicate pH balance, while effectively providing a thorough cleansing without stripping surface oils. Skin friendly, bioactive quillaja extract provides deep pore cleansing along with botanical based alpha hydroxy acid benefits. Ingredients include quillaja wood extract, fruit extracts and pine leaf extract.

 

SophytoPRO Skin Restoring Acne SerumSkin Restoring Acne Serum – This oil-free serum provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action that rapidly transforms unhealthy skin and helps to mitigate P. acnes bacterial growth to help prevent future breakouts. Plant based ingredients take a holistic approach in supporting healthy skin flora, while suppressing unhealthy bacteria. Ingredients include fruit extracts, willow bark extract, and wintergreen leaf extract. This acne serum contains 1% natural salicylic acid.

 

SophytoPRO Skin Reviving MoisturizerSkin Reviving Moisturizer – This instantly absorbed lightweight, luxurious moisturizer effectively hydrates, while minimizing dryness, controlling excess oil and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Ingredients include green tea oil, fruit extracts, cherry seed oil and willow bark extract.

 

SophytoPRO® Pure Daily System – Recommended for all skin types, these three high performance essential products contain organic bioactives derived from vitamin-enriched plant oils that work synergistically to cleanse, balance and nourish the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin’s texture and overall appearance.

SophytoPRO Pure CleanserPure Cleanser – This creamy cleanser removes makeup and impurities to gently purify and cleanse, and delivers conditioning agents to restore and maintain skin’s natural moisture. Ingredients include hazelnut oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, honey propolis extract and rosemary leaf extract. Detergent free.

 

SophytoPRO Pure Antioxidant SerumPure Antioxidant Serum – This ultra mild and oil free formula provides highly concentrated, water soluble antioxidant tea extracts that nourish and deeply penetrate the skin to protect against oxidative stress, DNA damage and UVA free radical exposure. Ingredients include green and white tea extracts, aloe leaf juice powder, and whole apple fruit extract.

 

SophytoPRO Pure MoisturizerPure Moisturizer – This lightweight formula is noncomedogenic and instantly absorbed to hydrate and balance stressed or congested skin. Ayurvedic adaptogens and sea buckhorn seed oil help to rejuvenate, harmonize and invigorate the skin. Ingredients include astragalus and panax ginseng root extracts, sunflower, jojoba and sea buckthorn seed oil, containing omegas 3,6,9 and 7.

 

References:
The skin microbiome. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/
What is Sebum? http://thescienceofacne.com/in-depth-sebum/
Acne. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a—d/acne
About Acne. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0025360/