When astronauts return from space, the most common comment they all have is how vast the galaxy is. When they look down on the earth below, they don’t see troubles. They don’t see races, countries, poverty or wealth. They all realize how small we are on this spinning speck of dust amongst the larger universe and

The Overview Effect helps us look at our lives objectively.

beyond.

They call this the Overview Effect.

So let’s apply this to our objective look at our lives for a moment look at the answers to these questions from an objective viewpoint. Let’s do so WITHOUT judgement of ourselves or our situation.

Do you love your job?
Do you have an amazing relationship with your kids?
Do you have an epic love affair with your partner?
Do you friends share your values?
Do you know what you want in life?
Do you do things/behave to appease others?
Do you know your gifts, talents and strengths?
Are you happy?
Do you love your life?

11% of men and 16% of women are depressed.

The number of unhappy employees outweighs the happy ones 2:1.

Look at your life without judgement

Truth is – we are all EXTRAORDINARY. We each have the potential to achieve more than we have. If you already have everything that you want to experience, then FANTASTIC! Keep on keeping on. If not, then keep reading.

The “PETER” principle helps us to look at what we are doing and evaluating our performance. The formula is: P + E + T = ER

P = our foundational premise – what do we understand and our belief system of it.

E = Effort

T = Time

ER = Extraordinary results

If our effort is fantastic and we’ve been at it for an appropriate length of time but our actions (premise) is incomplete, then our results will be limited.

Perhaps our actions are perfect but our effort isn’t there, then similarly, we won’t achieve our full potential.

For instance – we want to save money. We create a savings account, we deposit money into it, but it’s only been two months of saving, then we won’t have the result we are likely looking for.

What about our health?

We start an exercise regime, we’re putting in outstanding effort and we’ve been at it for months and our results are there! WOO HOO! Exactly what we wanted.

Applying the PETER principle in our lives is a fantastic way to look at our goals and set pace and consistency towards achieving them.

So here are the steps to building your EXTRAORDINARY LIFE:

1. Develop a conscious philosophy. Look at what you believe about the different categories of life (health, intellect, financial, relationships, social wellbeing, or vocation). Does a lack of symptoms mean you are healthy? Is it normal for everyone to get sick? Does having no debt mean you are wealthy? Does not being dumb mean you are intelligent? What does it mean to you to be healthy, wealthy and intelligent? Consciously look at all categories and define it.

2. Build a healthy self esteem. Live consciously, develop self-acceptance, self responsibility, live purposefully, have personal integrity. Nathaniel Branden’s book “The 6 pillars of self esteem” is a great place to start.

3. Develop a crystal clear vision. See step 1. By defining your premises, you will be able to make better and more conscious choices about what to think, eat and how to move your body in ways that set clear parameters to achieve your goals.

4. Identify your purpose. Are you purpose driven or pain and pleasure driven. When we aren’t clear, we work really hard to avoid what we don’t want instead of chasing what we do want and what ignites our spirits.

5. Craft your action plan. Ideation without action is delusion. Set a clear plan to achieve your actions. Book your time to workout and hold it at a high value…just as important as any other appointment. Trust me – one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that committing to yourself is the fastest and best way to build your self esteem. Try it. You’ll realize quickly that it works amazingly well.

Here’s your 7 day Get Started Plan:

Craft your best life

Today: Schedule your Power Hour – spend 30-60 mins each day journaling and writing out your thoughts in each of the categories of life: My Health and Fitness, My Character, My Social Life, My Love Relationship, My Parenting, My Finances, My Intellect, My Career, My Spiritual Life, My Legacy.

For each category – Ask yourself:
– What do you know to be true about (category)?
– What is your vision for your (category)?
– Why do you want it?
– What action steps must you take to make it happen?

Day 1 –- “6 Pillars” Book
Day 2-4 – Answer 4 questions for 3 categories
Day 5-7 – Other 8 Categories

Dr. Craig Hazel’s mission is to help families THRIVE.  After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, he went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas.  He is passionate about seeing children and families in his private practice at Synergy Chiropractic in Kanata Ontario.  A sought after speaker, he has been featured regularly on TSN Team 1200, CTV and Rogers TV. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Chiropractic of Ontario.

The best way to feel more energized? Stay active! Top research journals have shown that moderate exercise can increase your energy. A simple 10-15 minute walk can get your blood pumping and increase the oxygen coming into your body, helping you feel more energized and maybe even helping you shed a few extra pounds.

Why it Matters:

Moderate exercise can help you feel energized by releasing endorphins,

New Year = a fresh re-start

which make you feel happier, while contributing to a better quality of sleep. Additionally, exercise helps train the heart to work more efficiently. Ultimately, your immune system will also function better with consistent exercise. In other words, exercise can not only help you feel more energized, but it can reduce your likelihood of getting sick. And combining a moderate exercise routine with chiropractic care may be one of the best ways to stay healthy and energized all year long.

▪    Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel more energized and happier

▪    A simple 10-15 minute walk per day can improve your energy level by over 20%

▪    Regular exercise can help you sleep better and reduce your risk of getting sick

Don’t feel like exercising?  You choose your pain.  It’s either the pain of feeling terrible and living in so-so or poor health or the pain of getting up and exercising.  The former results in more pain.  The latter allows you the joy of experiencing something great later.  Have you ever had a great workout and been miserable afterwards?  Then let’s get moving and choose the ‘pain’ of exercising shall we?

And another thing – stop feeling like it is an “ALL OR NOTHING” thing!  Many people get caught up in the notion that you have to ‘kill yourself’ in order to get a great workout; or if you usually do 60mins and you only have 30 mins then it’s not worth doing.

Nonsense.

All exercise helps your body.  Even if you have 10mins, you can get a great 10 mins of activity and feel great afterwards.  Who doesn’t have 10 mins?

Next Steps:

Start with a simple calendar. Schedule at least three days per week that you can take a 10-15 minute walk. By putting the activity on your schedule, it’s more likely that you will follow through. Also, ask us about how chiropractic care may be able to keep you pain-free and on track with your exercise goals. We want to partner with you to make this year your healthiest and happiest year ever!

Comment below – what are you committing to doing?

Science Source:

Sports Med. Endorphins and exercise. 1984

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. February 2008

Dr. Craig Hazel’s mission is to help families THRIVE. After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, he went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas. He is passionate about seeing children and families in his private practice at Synergy Chiropractic in Kanata Ontario. A sought after speaker, he has been featured regularly on TSN Team 1200, CTV and Rogers TV. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Chiropractic of Ontario.

Losing weight is a focus for many in the spring.  If you’ve put on some extra weight this past winter, you are not alone. Many of our patients are working towards a similar goal.  We are going to help kick start your ‘Spring Cleaning’

How you move, eat, and think every day will determine your success. All three are part of maintaining an active lifestyle. So where does Chiropractic fit in?

How Chiropractic Helps

Unfortunately, no Chiropractic technique takes off 10 pounds with each adjustment; but people just like you have been able to maintain a healthy weight by adding Chiropractic care into their active lifestyle.

Research has suggested that periodic Chiropractic care can help evaluate, detect and treat emerging problems that may limit your mobility. So, by reducing injuries, you will be able to stay active and keep your exercise routine on track.  Movement is a key step in shedding weight.

Also, many people report reduced stress after getting adjusted. This makes senses because research studies have shown reduced muscle tension in the shoulders after an adjustment.

And finally, we firmly believe that healthy food choices make a significant impact on your body’s ability to be well and stay well. Eating healthy whole foods and sometimes even using select supplements can give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day.

• Chiropractic has been shown to reduce the stress and tension in the muscles that support your head and neck.
• Staying active with daily exercise will help keep your muscles toned and reduce your risk of injury.
• Lower your sugar intake to avoid those devastating blood sugar crashes in the afternoon.

Next Steps:

Thank you for making our office a part of your healthy lifestyle. Our team is here to support your ability to move, think, and eat in a way that results in achieving your healthcare goals.

We know that by moving your body, making smart dietary choices, and managing your stress, you will put yourself in the best place possible to live your best life. We are proud to be your partner in health.

On May 15th, we are hosting our “Weight Loss Workshop” at 6:15pm.

Sign up here!

Science Source:

• The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015
• Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 years. Obesity 2017
• Sugar Consumption, Metabolic Disease and Obesity: The State of the Controversy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2016
• Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017

Prolonged stress, long travel and maybe just one too many fruitcakes can all contribute to the dreaded holiday hangover.

Most of us have been there.  I find it odd that I can actually feel hungry the next day after binging on turkey dinner the night before.

How about you?

Well, with the New Year comes a new opportunity to get healthier, lose those extra pounds, and overcome the holiday hangover.  How we eat plays a huge role in our weight and our energy levels. When you have a low energy level, it’s difficult to get the motivation to stay active and exercise. However, when you give your body the proper nutrition, you can have more energy, lose more weight, and stay more active. So instead of focusing on the foods, you shouldn’t eat, let’s highlight a few foods and supplements that can help you stay active, energize, and get ready to shed those pounds.

Why it Matters:

For healthy foods to give you an energy boost, it’s all about eating the right ones at the right time. Eating small meals and snacking throughout the day is a great way to keep your body fueled and your energy levels high.

Eating well is critical to getting rid of the holiday hangover

• Here are a few high energy foods (without that sugar crash):  blueberries, strawberries, salmon, lean meats, nuts, whole grains, vegetables.
• Supplements such as fish oil and probiotics can help you reduce inflammation and keep your gut healthy and happy.
• Focus on having protein at every meal.
• Stop mixing fats and carbs or protein and carbs.  Fats and proteins.  Carbs on their own.
• Eat a handful of nuts once a day.

Next Steps – Hangover Cure:

Start by eating a few small meals per day and snacking every few hours in-between. This will help keep your energy up throughout the day. You’ll feel better, think better, and be more motivated to stick with your exercise routine. The New Year is a great time to improve your health, get a little extra motivation and even lose a few pounds in the process!

Science Source:

Harvard Health Publishing. 2017

Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat Rev NeuroSci. 2008

Dr. Craig Hazel’s mission is to help families THRIVE. After graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, he went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas Texas. He is passionate about seeing children and families in his private practice at Synergy Chiropractic in Kanata Ontario. A sought after speaker, he has been featured regularly on TSN Team 1200, CTV and Rogers TV. He is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Chiropractic of Ontario.