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The Hidden Cost of Entrepreneurship on Parenting

The AHA! Team — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:05:15 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – New survey reveals CEOs have it hard, CTOs find the balance, and surprise, surprise, it’s the toughest of all for women. Racheli Kogan is a partner at the Symbol VC fund. Her husband, Ohad Bobrov of Palo Alto Networks, is a serial entrepreneur with several successful exits to his credit. This Israeli power couple has two daughters, ages 10 and eight. “In the first years of Ohad’s entrepreneurship, we definitely had a lot of difficulties and disagreements” regarding parenting, Kogan tells ISRAEL21c. Kogan surveyed 98 founder parents Curious about how other entrepreneurs balance family responsibilities, especially in wartime, Kogan surveyed 98 founder parents – men and women, CEOs and non CEOs, early and later stages – to gain a nuanced understanding of the intersection of parenting and entrepreneurship. “Founders sometimes talk about their startup as if it were a child they are raising, which is not surprising given the intensity involved,” says Kogan, who always worked outside the home and currently puts in eight to nine hours per day. “We also know that for many, this intensity is a cause for worry when thinking about raising actual children – will they have time? Will they be able to balance the two? How do others do it?” The survey emerged from research at Symbol on women’s entrepreneurship. “I’ve been busy for some time trying to understand why there are so few women entrepreneurs and how we can increase this number. We saw that many of their stories were intertwined with family considerations,” Kogan says. “So we wanted to understand more deeply the experience of male entrepreneurs who are fathers. We were also very interested in what differences there are between female entrepreneurs who are mothers and male entrepreneurs who are fathers. I couldn’t find any data on this topic — absolutely zero. This was surprising specially in Israel, a country where parenting is such a central thing.” Some of the questions Kogan sought to answer: Is working as an entrepreneur really the most demanding job that requires more hours than any other senior position? Do you improve over time in your ability to juggle between the children and the startup? To what extent is parenting really affected, both in subjective feelings and in calculating the number of hours you spend with the children? “We felt that providing data and detailed information about what is actually happening might help those who are considering embarking on the entrepreneurial path but are concerned that it is difficult to combine it with a family,” says Kogan. She hoped this data “would also provide some normalization for the entrepreneurs who filled out the survey.” CTOs vs. CEOs Perhaps the clearest message from the survey results is that chief technology officers (CTOs) seem to have more balanced lives than do chief executive officers (CEOs). CTOs are more satisfied with their work-life balance than CEOs, with 43% saying that they were very or extremely satisfied compared to 32% of CEOs. No CTOs reported that their work-life balance juggle had gotten worse since founding their startup, compared to 18% of CEOs who felt that way. CTOs are more likely to say that their time with kids stayed the same or increased since becoming a founder (43% vs. 19% for CEOs). CTOs (57%) are more likely than CEOs (45%) to pick up their children from daycare or school at least twice a week. Picking up from gan & school While most founders of both sexes say they make sure to attend their kids’ events (64% get to almost every event; 30% go to around half), 51% of CEOs go to almost every event compared with 71% of CTOs. Whereas 43% of CEO who are parents cited guilt feelings as a challenge, only 29% of CTOs did so. One-third of CTOs reported very little impact of work pressure on their relationship with the kids and none reported that they experienced an extreme impact. In contrast, 25% of CEOs cited the highest level of impact. Men vs. women “There are definitely differences by gender,” says Kogan. “Women are more likely to report feeling guilt about their dual role and pick up the children from school/gan significantly more often. Men are more likely than women to try and avoid late nights and business travel and to worry about time management with their children. Perhaps this is a different version of guilt.” Business trips & late nights While most founders are part of the pickup schedule for their kids, it varies by gender: 60% of female founders pick their kids up at least twice a week vs. 45% of male founders; and 39% of female founders vs. 9% of male founders pick up from school three times a week. Only 14% of females and 23% of males don’t pick up their kids at all, though this may be because their children are older. Women are more likely to prioritize work commitments than their male counterparts (25% of women vs. 4% of men). Among female founder parents, 61% cite guilt as their main challenge and time management as their second-place challenge (43%). For men, the greatest challenge is time management (63%) and tensions with partners is in second place with 41% (women cite this factor 29% of the time). Parent-founder challenges While 65% of male founders reported success in improving their ability to juggle work and family, only 29% of women felt they’d managed an improvement. Only 29% of respondents report dissatisfaction with their work-life balance. However, 36% of female respondents chose the lowest ratings on a five-point scale as compared to 26% of men. Male vs. female findings Kogan says the male vs. female finding that most surprised her was that although entrepreneurial mothers consider themselves “maximally committed to children and also maximally committed to the startup,” their answers revealed that “they would almost always give up things related to children and would not postpone work trips or meetings for things related to children, much more than men.” This might be due to the need many women have to prove their commitment to being a founder, Kogan speculates. Other key findings Founder parents of both sexes are more likely to report a decrease in time spent with their kids since becoming a founder (68%) vs. an increase in time spent (13%). Twenty percent report that their time with their kids didn’t change since becoming a founder. Earlier stage founders (pre seed and seed) are somewhat more likely to take late night calls and go on business trips (19% vs. 29%). The majority of respondents reported that the pressure of being a founder impacted their connection with their kids to some extent. Around 4% of both genders report an extreme negative impact on their relationship with their children and around 30% of each group reported a relatively low impact. Only 19% of respondents feel that they are able to mostly disconnect from work when they are with their kids. Most respondents – 76% – report that they are only able to disconnect a little or somewhat and 11% are not able to disconnect at all. Most respondents report an improvement in their ability to juggle startup and family life over time, with 61% saying it has either somewhat or significantly improved. For 20% there has been no improvement and another 15% report that their ability to juggle has gotten worse since founding their startup. Kogan’s takeaways “The data made me happy and pleasantly surprised to see that more than 50 percent of the entrepreneurs collect their children more than twice a week and also do not give up on significant events for the children,” says Kogan. At the same time, “there is broad agreement that the founder role is more demanding than other executive roles. This holds largely true across roles — CEO vs. CTO — and when analyzed by gender.” To read the original article click here.

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Traveling This Summer? 7 Healthy Habits for Christian Families on the Go

The AHA! Team — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:19:20 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Summer is a time for family vacations, road trips, and getting out into God’s beautiful creation. But for many families, travel also means fast food, poor sleep, stressed-out schedules, and catching unwanted bugs along the way. I want to share 7 powerful habits you can practice while traveling that not only protect your physical health but also nourish your spiritual well-being. As believers, we’re called to honor God with our bodies and our choices—and that doesn’t stop just because you’re on vacation. Let’s look at some simple yet strategic habits to help you and your family stay healthy, energized, and connected with God during your travels. 1. Pray Before You Go This might sound simple, but many families forget to spiritually prepare for travel. Just like you plan your itinerary, plan your mindset and invite God into the trip. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6 Pray together before leaving. Ask for protection, peace, and purpose in your time away. This centers your trip on something greater than relaxation—it aligns it with God’s purpose for your family. 2. Pack (and Snack) with Intention Most people overeat junk food when traveling because they didn’t prepare. High-sugar and processed snacks can lead to gut issues, fatigue, and poor mood—especially for kids. Pack healthy, travel-friendly options: Grass-fed beef sticks Raw nuts and seeds Low-sugar protein bars Freeze-dried fruits or veggies Divine Health’s MCT Oil Powder for energy and focus Bonus: Bring Fiber Zone to support digestion and keep everyone regular while on the road. 3. Keep a Spiritual Rhythm Don’t let vacation be a break from God. Keep your family’s spiritual rhythm, even if it’s shorter or simplified. You might: Do a quick devotional over breakfast Listen to audio Scripture or worship music while driving Share one thing you’re thankful for each day It’s not about being perfect; it’s about staying connected. 4. Stay Hydrated, Especially in the Heat Dehydration is one of the most overlooked reasons people feel tired, anxious, or irritable during travel. Carry refillable bottles and consider adding electrolytes (especially in hot or high-altitude destinations). Avoid sugary drinks that dehydrate. Filtered water + sea salt + lemon = a simple homemade electrolyte boost. 5. Support Your Immune System Planes, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels expose your family to more pathogens. While you can’t avoid germs, you can support your immune defenses. Travel with: Zinc Vitamin D3 (especially if you’re not getting daily sun) A glutathione booster like NAC or liposomal glutathione to support cellular detox and antioxidant defenses Zone Biotics Probiotic for gut health A greens powder rich in antioxidants, like Green Supremefood, to help bridge the nutritional gaps on the road These simple additions can help your body stay resilient under the stress of travel. 6. Move Often & Rest Well Sitting in a car or plane for hours isn’t great for your circulation or digestion. Build in stretch breaks, walking time, and playful movement wherever you can. At night, create a simple routine to wind down: turn off screens, dim the lights, stretch, and pray together. Sleep is when your body detoxes, recovers, and resets. 7. Choose Purpose Over Perfection Some days won’t go according to plan. You’ll forget something. A child will get cranky. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s purpose. Let your health and faith choices reflect that. “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 By anchoring your travel in healthy habits and God-honoring priorities, you help your family stay grounded and joyful. 🧳 Dr. Colbert’s Travel Essentials These are the must-haves I pack every time I travel: Fiber Zone Zone Biotics Probiotic MCT Oil Powder Nano-Glutathione or NAC Vitamin D3 Green Supremefood Quality supplements pouch + filtered water bottle You don’t have to bring your whole pantry—just the right tools to keep your energy, digestion, and immune system strong. Final Thoughts Family travel can be a blessing or a burden depending on how you approach it. By combining practical health strategies with a spiritual mindset, you can transform even a short trip into something meaningful and restorative. Your family will come back not just with memories, but with better health and a deeper sense of connection—to each other, and to God. To your health, Dr. Don Colbert, MD To read the original article click here.

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How to Reset and Reconnect After a Fight or Argument

AHA Publisher — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 08:00:39 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #341) and blog, I talk about ways to reset and reconnect after a fight or argument. Arguing with friends, family members or loved ones is inevitable. It’s impossible for us to get along all the time, especially when we spend a lot of time with certain people, such as during the holiday season. We are all unique, and we all see the world in different ways. This is a wonderful thing. It makes the world interesting—it makes living in this world a wonderful learning experience. However, it can also lead to a lot of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and conflicting opinions! It is important that even when these arguments or misunderstandings come up, we find ways to make amends—to bridge the divide as best we can. Yes, this can be a challenge, and it can take some time, but it is possible. Here are some simple tips you can follow to reconnect with a loved one, colleague, or friend after a fight: • See arguments as a natural part of life. The first thing to remember after a fight, especially when you feel sad, angry, or frustrated, is that arguments between friends, family, and loved ones are normal. • Recognize that arguments can be beneficial. In many cases, these arguments allow for healthy emotional expression and can help prevent the buildup of resentment or grudges. It can also help you better understand the other person and help them understand you. Arguments may even lead to better boundary setting because both you and the other person communicate what you can and can’t deal with. Arguments can also lead to compromise, an essential part of any relationship. A reasonable amount of arguing is actually quite ordinary and can be healthy because it is in the messiness we can repair and grow. No “mess” means there is nothing to repair or change, which means no growth. It’s how you argue that is key! • Give yourself time to calm down. Most likely, the fight involved many emotions, as well as some accusations and defense mechanisms. Even if you managed to get the root issue resolved, your cortisol levels are probably still quite high. This is why it may be a good idea to take a break and distance yourself from the other person for a little bit—see this as gathering and processing time. Work on calming yourself down; go for a walk, do some deep breathing, practice yoga, or whatever works for you. • Make sure you address the issue(s) that come up. Once you have managed to calm down, it is always a good thing to readdress some of the issues or problems that led to the argument. This doesn’t have to happen on the same day—you may even need a few days to process what happened or calm down. There is no set way or time to do this, but re-addressing the issues can lead to healthy conversations, compromises or boundaries that could prevent further arguments in the future. I know that doing a “review” of sorts may seem stressful or repetitive, and you may feel like you just want it to go away and move on, but this can be beneficial. Think about how, with certain people, you tend to have the same fight over and over again. When you “redress and assess” the fight, you can really get to the core of why you disagreeand possibly prevent it from happening again. This is particularly important if you could not resolve the issue in the heat of the moment. • Apologize. Sorry is a powerful word. It acknowledges the other person’s pain, anger, sadness or frustration, and indicates that you don’t want them to feel that way. This can be very tough to do because our pride often gets in the way, but it can also be incredibly freeing, especially if followed by action so the apology doesn’t seem like an empty gesture. • Laugh. One great way to reconnect after a fight is to tell a little joke or bring up a funny topic or memory that you both have in common. When you laugh with someone, you are literally resetting your brain and reestablishing the connection that you have. • Get to the root of the issue(s). Make sure you get to the root of why you had the fight, or it may happen again in the future. One way I recommend doing this is using mind management to do a mental “autopsy” on why you both reacted in the way you did. To this end, I recommend doing a Neurocycle—the 5-step mind-management system I have developed over the past 38 years that is based on my research and practice. (I discuss this in detail in my book Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, my app Neurocycle and in my recent clinical trials.) The 5 steps are: 1. Gather Awareness of how you feel about the argument emotionally and physically. What are your warning signals? Frustration? Depression? Anxiety? Irritability?Does your brain feel tired even though your mind doesn’t want to stop? Are you battling with gut and intestinal issues like bloating? Are you experiencing bursts of aggression? Are you more irritable than normal? 2. Reflect on why you feel the way you do. Go through each of these warning signals and ask yourself “Why?” Dig deep and be honest with yourself. Ask yourself questions like “Why am I frustrated? I’m frustrated because…” 3. Write this all down to help organize your thinking and get more insight into what is going on in your life. 4. Recheck what you have written and reflected on. Take each of the warning signals you have gathered, reflected on, and written down above, and see them for what they are: signals that something is going on in your relationship that needs to be addressed. Then, work out a relationship“antidote” (new thought pattern/behavior) for each one. 5. Active reach. Take action to work on the issue you are dealing with in your relationship. But, remember to give yourself and the other person grace! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take time to develop this newly reconceptualized way of responding, so keep on keeping on. To read the original article click here.

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How to Keep the Elderly Safe and Happy in a Pandemic

AHA Publisher — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:00:41 +0000

Nicky Blackburn via Israel21c – Should the elderly stay home during the Covid crisis, how do we know if they are depressed, what can we do to raise their spirits? We asked four experts for their advice. It’s a tough time everywhere in the world right now, as the numbers suffering from Covid-19 continue to rise. And hardest hit of all are the elderly. Asked to shelter in place for months already, some are now being told they must continue to stay put indefinitely, while others are being told it’s fine to go out, even while pandemic numbers rise. As part of a new series, Ask the Experts, we invited readers to send in questions they might have about how to keep elderly friends and relatives healthy and safe during corona, and asked four professionals in the gerontology field to answer them. The experts are Prof. Efraim Jaul, the Director of Geriatrics at Herzog Medical Center; Yonit Zabari, Director of the Department of Social Work at Herzog Medical Center; Dr. Amnon Raviv, a professional medical clown and college instructor; and Dvora Corn, a Jerusalem-based family and marital therapist specializing in aging, illness and end-of-life issues. She is cofounder of Gisha L’chaim – Life’s Door, helping people cope with death and loss. Find out what they said below. Question: In many places around the world we seem to be going into a second wave of corona, but some governments are keeping everything open. What should elderly people do in this case? Is it better for old people to just stay at home until this crisis is finally over? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “It is important for older people to go out. Loneliness and staying indoors can be more problematic than corona, causing depression and other issues. One should be careful when outdoors — wear a mask, do not stay in closed areas, keep two meters (6 feet) apart, and meet with friends in open areas.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “This is an open question. It is clear now that old people are at risk. Staying at home for long periods of time can be depressing, so if you decide to do this, I recommend you meet your loved ones not only through virtual platforms but also for real. Keep 10 meters’ (approx. 30 feet) distance (from your balcony, for example) and you can meet safely and share your feelings with the family. This is extremely important for your mental wellbeing.” Dvora Corn “The question of how elderly people, or any individual in what has been identified as high risk groups, ought to behave during this health pandemic is complex and highly personal. As with many choices, decision making may be based on a risk-benefit equation which takes into consideration not only physical health but other factors which influence quality of life. “In this corona time, which is fraught with so many unknowns, the capacity to plan is further challenged by the reality that we have no clear end-point and as such one may be challenged to sustain plans or may want to reconsider choices as time progresses. “As a guideline to assist in these challenging times, it is often helpful to begin with an examination of values that one senses are core elements of that person’s meaningful existence. For instance, in asking oneself the question ‘What makes my life worthwhile?’ or even ‘What makes a day a good one for me?’ we begin to understand those unique activities without which one’s life becomes less satisfying or even, tragically, unbearable. “As such, one may opt to run the risk of serious illness and even death, if they deem that a life without these elements (e.g. family connection, or other social interactions, time in nature) is not a ‘life worth living.’ While this may seem harsh or even irresponsible behavior, as a society we owe this right to every human being– to choose how he or she wants to live. “The question, if at all possible, should be posed to the individual elderly person to engage in an honest reflection. It is never too early to engage in ‘The Conversation,’ examining core values and sharing choices on how to live, especially in the face of potential illness. Many tools to assist in this process exist and some can be found on www.lifesdoor.org.” Question: Is there anything old people can do to improve their chances of survival if they do catch corona? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Eating properly is very important. Drink a lot of liquids; eat fresh fruit and vegetables; meals should be light but ensure to include protein, for example eggs.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “Like any other life-threatening disease you would be able to fight the disease better if your spirit is high. Using lots of humor, lifting the spirit with playing and singing good music, dancing (even in your bed if you don’t have much energy), meeting with your beloved ones to share good memories or singing together.” Question: I’ve heard that vitamin D helps you fight corona. What level of vitamin D should we be taking every day? Are there other vitamins or food supplements that might help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Assuming one is eating healthy as outlined above, Vitamin D 4000 units is recommended on a daily basis. Vitamin D is known to keep bones healthy and reduces depression. If one is not eating a healthy and balanced diet, Vitamin B and B complex vitamin are recommended as well.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “Your physician probably would be able to answer this question, but I can add to the list other very important vitamins you should have: vitamins L, E & H (love, empathy & humor). It would be great if you could have a big quantity of those, as they would strengthen your immune system as well.” Question: How can my family and I lift the spirits of an elderly family member, who is isolated in a nursing home? He can only see his family through a window, which makes him happy, but at the same time frustrated and sad that he cannot physically be in the same room as us. With the lockdown continuing on in California, it is very challenging for him (and us too). Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Meeting with the elderly in an outdoor area (e.g. garden) is very important and should be implemented where possible and as much as possible. Communication must be more than just through a window. We encourage use of tablets, as well as frequent phone calls during the day.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “It is very important to do something together. After sharing how you feel and finding out how everyone is, it is highly recommended to do something enjoyable together. For example, if you have good memories from a vacation that you had in the past, try together to remember every funny detail. You can sing songs that you like together or you can tell jokes to each other. The emphasis is on doing enjoyable things and less on discussing negative feelings.” Dvora Corn “We know that the frustration of social distancing may be hard on both the elderly as well as their family members. Further, many older people with cognitive impairment find the technological alternatives such as Zoom to be anxiety producing and overstimulating. Living with these restrictions challenges us to find new and creative solutions. “We have found that setting goals and engaging in activities that are meaningful to both parties– even if they are not done in the same space — provides a sense of connection. This may include doing a ‘book club’ and setting times to share thoughts about the books, or doing creative arts and showing one another how each is progressing in such projects. “The benefit of these sorts of activities, beyond being engaged in a pleasurable task, is that they carry us forward and allow us to plan for interactions with family members which are content based (‘Show me the scarf you are knitting’ or ‘How is your orchid plant doing?’). “These corona times have actually opened up new or dormant vistas for engagement and sharing. While none of us chose to live through a pandemic, we can find deeper meaning and connection, despite the physical space between us.” Question: I’m worried that my parent/grandparent is suffering from loneliness, but they put on a brave face when I ask them about it. How can we tell if an elder may need professional counseling or other forms of help, and what can I say to help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Try to determine if they are following a daily routine, i.e. sleeping well, eating healthy and balanced meals, and if they have an appetite. These are all indicators for depression. Frequent phone calls and use of video calls are important. Encourage them to go out for a short walk outdoors.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “You can say how much you love them and show them how much you care for them. Everybody will feel less lonely if they feel loved. The virus makes everybody feel lonely, especially elderly people, and it is our privilege, but also obligation, to take care of them. If you feel that they need professional counseling ask them first what would help them, and then see how, and in what way, you can assist with professional counseling.” Dvora Corn “Loneliness has been a growing problem in the Western world over the past decade. The challenges of corona have exacerbated the demographic trends in the increased number of elderly (what has been termed the ‘Gray Tsunami’), with social isolation being the cause of many serious health problems ranging from depression to malnutrition and cognitive decline. “While we want to support an older person’s need to feel a sense of dignity and autonomy, as concerned family members we want to monitor and take action if we see early signs of these sequelae. In such situations, an assessment by a professional who understands the needs of the elderly would be advised.” Question: My family of three in NY has been home since March 2 and is scrupulous about social distancing. My husband and I work from home, my son attended school on Zoom, and we only have grocery deliveries. We have mostly avoided being in public, except for occasional walks. My father is age 86 and lives an hour from my house. Come the fall, when my son restarts high school in person, I am afraid for our family to be around his grandfather. Is there any safe way to see him? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “We are always faced with risks and have to make decisions. Your father should not be alone. We would encourage you to visit but keep in mind the following: Do not stay in a closed area, the visit must be outdoors, everyone should wear a mask. Everyone should maintain social distancing, especially your teenaged son. If outdoors is not available, ensure that the indoor area is well ventilated and windows are kept open.” Dr. Amnon Raviv “It is hard not to celebrate the Jewish [holidays] together. What we should keep in mind is that hundreds of laboratories around the world are working to produce a vaccine to the pandemic. The estimated time for having the vaccine is around a year from now, so we should encourage ourselves and our family to be patient. Soon enough we would be able to celebrate the Jewish chagim together again. In the meantime, try to stay safe and celebrate together on Zoom.” Question: I live in a different country from my parents, who are in their 80s. Flights now seem to be resuming, even though corona isn’t over. Is it safe for me to fly there and stay with them in their home or should I stay in a hotel? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari “Currently it would be preferable to travel by car only. We are concerned about traveling by...

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Family Environment Affects Adolescent Brain Development

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 May 2020 07:00:30 +0000

Karolinska Institutet via EurekAlert – Childhood environment and socioeconomic status affect cognitive ability and brain development during adolescence independently of genetic factors, researchers at Karolinska Institutet report in a new study published in the journal PNAS. The study demonstrates how important the family environment is, not just during early infancy but also throughout adolescence. While the way in which genes and environment affect the brain and cognitive faculties is a hotly debated topic, previous studies have not taken genes into account when describing environmental effects. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have therefore studied both environmental factors and a new genetic measure – an index value based on an aggregation of the 5,000 or so DNA locations that are most strongly associated with educational attainment. The study involved 551 adolescents from different socioeconomic environments around Europe. At the age of 14, the participants gave DNA samples, performed cognitive tests and had their brain imaged in a MR scanner, a process that was repeated five years later. At the age of 14, genes and environment were independently associated with cognitive ability (measured using working memory tests) and brain structure. The environmental effects were, however, 50 to 100 per cent stronger than the genetic. Differences in socioeconomic status were related to differences in the total surface area of the neocortex. “The previous debate was whether there is a special area that is affected by the environment, such as long-term memory or language,” says Nicholas Judd, doctoral student at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and co-first author of the study along with his departmental colleague Bruno Sauce. “However, we’ve been able to show that the effect occurs across the neocortex and so probably affects a whole host of functions.” Genetic differences were also linked to brain structure, affecting not only the brain’s total area but also specifically an area of the right parietal lobe known to be important for mathematical skills, reasoning and working memory. This is the first time a brain area has been identified that is linked to this genetic index. When the researchers followed up on the teenagers five years later, they were able to examine how genes and environment had affected the brain’s development during adolescence. What they discovered was that while the genes did not explain any of the cerebral changes, the environment did. However, it is unknown which aspect of the environment is responsible for this. “There are a number of possible explanations, such as chronic stress, diet or intellectual stimulation, but the study shows just how important the environment is, not only during early childhood,” says principal investigator Torkel Klingberg, professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. “Finding the most important environmental factors for optimising childhood and adolescent development is a matter for future research.” To read the original article click here.

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How to Protect Your Mental Health in this Current Political Climate

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:00:33 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In the current political climate, many people are stressed out and may even be dreading the Holidays with relatives or friends who do not agree with their political views. Even a simple comment can go awry! It is like we are all stepping on eggshells and no conversation is safe. In this week’s blog and podcast, I am going to give you several useful tips I use to navigate tricky subjects, and manage political stress and anxiety on a day-to-day basis: 1. Imagine a shield around your mind: Every time you find yourself having a stressful conversation, visualize a shield around your thoughts. Imagine the words bouncing off your mind: you are not going to absorb the weighted emotions that are threatening you. You are protected and safe. Tell yourself that you are calm and at peace. How does this process help? The way you use your conscious and nonconscious mind (that is your imagination) shifts the way the brain processes information. So, as you visualize this shield, your thinking changes, which, in turn, changes your brain waves and engages different neural pathways. This is called neuroplasticity, and mind-management is directed neuroplasticity. If you don’t manage you mind and how you react to others, you can wire damaged, toxic thoughts into your mind that not only affect how you treat people, but how you feel, mentally and physically. 2. Be curious: Ask questions! Think about what the other person is trying to say. Listen. As I often used to say to my patients, a curious mindset is crucial to navigating life and different relationships, as it encourages you to listen to different views, get as much information as possible by engaging with multiple news outlets and so on, and questioning your own assumptions. If you catch yourself saying that “so-and-so” doesn’t know what he is talking about, stop, remind yourself that everyone sees the world differently because no two minds are alike, and listen to what that person has to say before responding impulsively. You can step outside of yourself using your frontal lobe and truly hear what someone says as an observer rather than as someone who thinks “so-and-so” is an idiot. So, train yourself train yourself to really tune into what that person is saying and not just hear “trigger” words and react. For example, every time you listen to someone who has a different opinion, try see the argument from their perspective, as your teacher made you do in school when you encountered different ideas. The ability to think critically and understand different viewpoints is, after all, a sign of intelligence, not compromise. 3. Don’t let your feelings influence you: Acknowledge your feelings, but do not let them control you. In many cases, you will react because of the flight or fight response. Work through these reactions and question them. Think about your emotional triggers, so that you can avoid reacting impulsively in the future by controlling these triggers. Remember, just because we feel something doesn’t mean it’s correct, especially if it gets in the way of us focusing on the person speaking and trying to understand where they are coming from and their worldview! 4. Focus on solutions, not problems: Rather than just ruminating on the issues that are causing you distress and becoming bitter about what is being said, develop a solutions mindset. Think of ways to you can improve the situation you are in and reduce tension. Find ways you can learn from what is being discussed, even if you end up agreeing to disagree with the person in question. 5. Don’t let politics control your schedule: Limit the amount of time you spend discussing political issues, so you don’t end up ruminating on things that upset you. Choose a time and space where you focus on politics, so it doesn’t pervade the day. 6. Listen to what is being said, not who is saying it: Focus your attention on what exactly is being said—focus on the details of the speech, so you don’t demonize the person who is speaking and make it personal. Listening to a politician’s voice, or seeing a politician’s face, can have a strong emotional component because it can get stuck in your head, overriding your ability to examine what is being said in a rational and objective way. As they speak, imagine the politicians as tiny people, smaller than ants, like in the movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids. This will bring humor into the situation, which dramatically reduces anxiety and can help you listen to what they are saying in a more detached way. 7. Read and listen with a compassionate mindset: Compassion defuses the inflammatory reactions in the body that occur when we get worked up and anxious about what someone is saying, which will protect your own brain and body while helping you understand and navigate different political perspectives. Indeed, compassion can really help you recognize that most politicians are in high states of anger, anxiety and stress themselves, and often don’t say things in the best way or make the best decisions. They are human, after all! 8. Examine your own worldview: In many cases, people get upset when they feel that their worldview threatened, which happens so often in politics! It is easy to feel that your way of life is being challenged and that people disapprove of your belief system, and that this is a direct attack on you as a person, but you need to remember that everyone sees the world differently. So, take the time to objectively examine what you believe, and compare it to how other people see the world. Think deeply about what it means to have a “worldview” or “point of view”, and recognize that it normal for people to have different perspectives. You may not agree with these perspectives, but just understanding that they exist can make you more compassionate and considerate. Of course, today it is far too easy to put someone in a certain group or label them as an enemy just because you disagree with them. Rather than falling in this trap, always remind yourself that no two minds are alike. No two brains are wired in the same way, just as no two people are exactly the same! We cannot escape our differences, so we need to learn to live with them—especially when it comes to politics. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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