ASK KRS
By KRS Edstrom

Dear KRS,
I’m in a position that requires a lot of phone contact with my associates. Getting my first cell phone a few years ago was like magic to me. I was immediately hooked. Being able to make calls anywhere and always be available solved all my problems.... Now it’s causing problems. I am conducting business on my cell everywhere I go — in my car, in restaurants, at sporting events. The novelty has long ago worn off and I never get a break in my day. Any suggestions?
Hooked on Cell Phone

Dear Hooked,
Technology is wonderful as long as we remain the masters of it, not the slaves. You have become the slave — along with approximately 80 million other Americans since the introduction of the cellular phone.

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Without much-needed breaks, your energy is constantly going outward with no time to recharge your own “batteries.”  Downtime such as walking to your car, driving, eating and so on is very important. This is when you process the input of the day and catch up both mentally and energetically, not dissimilar to the purpose behind sleeping and dreaming.

Limiting your phone usage while driving is perhaps the number one place to start, not only for your mental well-being, but for your physical. Car accidents that are caused by inattentiveness from cellular phone use are on the rise. Unless you are an air traffic controller who has been trained for multi-task activities, consider limiting your car phone use to emergencies.

Start weaning yourself off your cell phone in decreasing amounts over a period of 4-8 weeks, or whatever timeline you know you can stay with. Be specific each step of the way and be firm when old habits arise. You will be happier, healthier and have a more balanced life.
KRS

Dear KRS,
I am a 36-year-old woman with a very busy schedule. Occasionally (usually during my time of the month), I get migraine headaches, which I’ve been able to keep under control with Imitrex injections. They work, but they are expensive, even with an insurance plan.

I’ve recently tried estrogen patches, and they didn’t make much of a difference either. I also find that I am more likely to get them when I have a sinus infection, or don’t get enough sleep (which is most of the time). I guess there is probably no one “cure” to prevent headaches, but can you make any other suggestions as to what I could be doing to keep them at bay?  By the way, I don’t smoke or drink alcohol and have cut way back on my caffeine intake. Also, I have no known allergies. Any thoughts you might have would be warmly appreciated!
Seeking Migraine Relief

Dear Seeking Relief,
There are SO many alternatives to drugs that one should consider for most any health problem, including migraines. You actually self-diagnosed yourself in your letter. Stress (i.e. lack of sleep and infection) brings on — in your case — migraines. For another, it might be asthma, arrhythmia, ulcers or back pain.

The answer is the same for all: tune in to your body and ask what it needs. Then, honor yourself enough to take the time to care for yourself. In most cases, it is easier, less expensive, less damaging and ultimately more enlightening than artificial alternatives, such as drugs (which only mask the underlying problem).

For example, can you see the irony in your choosing to take a potentially damaging drug (most all drugs have some negative side effects) rather than simply getting the sleep you need?  Please examine why you would make such a self-sabotaging choice.

If you are making that kind of choice for this relatively big issue, imagine how many other similar harmful choices you are making for yourself in a number of other less obvious areas. Once you bring this behavior pattern to consciousness, it will help you make more positive choices in all areas of your life. The migraine is just a bright red flag of awareness waving in the breeze to catch your attention. You may laugh, but it could actually be a good thing in the long run, if you listen to its lessons.    

With the guidance of an alternative practitioner, you might try acupuncture or supplements such as magnesium — both of which have worked wonderfully for many sufferers. Learn meditation techniques to relax the muscles in your head and neck area, surrendering to the pain instead of tightening against it [you may like my “Defeat Pain” tape].

Also, visualize your hands getting warmer and warmer when you start having pain. This technique has helped many reduce the pain of migraines. Know that you have a vital role in conquering the pain. It can actually be quite an exciting and empowering realization.
KRS

Dear KRS,
How do I get the most out of my workouts? I spend a lot of time at my health club but often leave feeling like nothing has happened.
No Results

Dear No Results,
Check yourself throughout your workout to be sure you are not just “going through the motions.” INTENT can play a major role in your results, especially with toning and weight work. Focus on the muscles being used and “will” them to be fully present and to give their all. Visualize them taking the shape you desire. But it’s not just about constantly pushing yourself to the absolute limits either. It’s about being aware of your body and riding those limits. It’s about finding the balance. A focused 30-minute workout is better than a sloppy, half-hearted one-hour workout. Another checkpoint: be sure you break a sweat.
KRS
 

KRS Edstrom, M.S., is an author, lecturer and columnist. She is available for private sessions (by phone or in person) and seminars on meditation, motivation, stress, pain, weight loss and other personal growth issues. Her books and audios offer solutions for healthful, conscious living. For free soothing guided meditations and more, please visit KRS’ “Serenity and Meditation Corner” at  www.AskKRS.com   For more info call (323) 851-8623 or e-mail: KRS@AskKRS.com  
 

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