Runners, bicyclists and even walkers who let their
minds wander may put themselves in harm’s way.
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – When we run or bicycle for any length of time, it is easy for our minds to wander. If we are out on the streets in the early morning, we may be tempted to mentally prepare for the rest of our day. If we are exercising after work, we may be re-playing a stressful incident. While letting our thoughts drift as we run or bicycle may seem like a healthy way to reduce stress, it is important to remember that the roads can be hazardous. Too often, drivers and others are not as focused as they should be. So while we may strive to be in the “zone”, we also have to concentrate on our bodies
and surroundings, and not allow our minds to become foggy as we exercise.
As a triathlon participant, I understand that a distracted runner or
bicyclist is a danger to herself and those around her. If she gets so
engrossed in her thoughts that she stumbles and possibly causes others to
fall, or she fails to hear an approaching vehicle, it can be disastrous.
Common injuries of runners hit by cars include injuries to the spinal cord
and brain, as well as broken bones.
When you share the road with other athletes and/or vehicles, your complete
focus should be in the present. Although listening to music while exercising
can be motivational and help to ease the monotony, be sure that the volume
is set to a level that enables you to remain conscious of your environment,
other runners, bicyclists and drivers.
Additionally, there is data that supplementation with the pure form of
L-theanine, called Suntheanine, can help. It helps you to relax and to stay
focused. If you are working out to relieve stress (a practice that I highly
recommend), start with 200 mgs of L-theanine every four hours to see how it
helps you maintain your focus and attention while easing your tension or
anxiety levels. Additional information about the benefits can be found at
www.nostress.com.
Remaining alert will do more than keep you safe. It will help you pay closer
attention to your form so that you get the most benefit from each workout or
training session. Better training will give you better results, which can
motivate and inspire you to go back out and do it again the next day.
Biography – Dr. Cathleen London http://www.drchaya.com/
Cathleen London, M.D., is a board certified family medicine physician. As
such, her practice encompasses the entire family, including all ages, both
sexes, and any health problems that may arise. Family Medicine is the first
specialty that requires board recertification by written exam every 7 years.
As a result, many believe that family physicians are best qualified to serve
as each patient’s advocate in all health-related matters, including use of
consultants, health services, and community resources.
Dr. London believes in an integrative, holistic approach to healthcare which
utilizes a combination of western, allopathic medicine, diet and lifestyle
modification, nutritional supplements and herbal medicines when appropriate.
She earned her medical degree from Yale University and completed her
residency in family medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University. Her
pre-medical requirements were completed at Stanford University.
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