Recent research suggests that willpower by itself is inherently limited. However most of us believe self control is largely a character issue. The area of the brain in charge of willpower, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), can become easily overtaxed; when it is overtaxed, willpower can decrease dramatically especially when you try to do too much too soon. Studies show that the PFC can be improved by focusing on 1 behavior change at a time which in turn can lead to other positive changes. One such study asked college students to improve their posture and over the course of two weeks noticed other improvements of self control happened as a consequence. The key take away here is that the PFC cannot process multiple requests to change at the same time. Some of my patients who attempted to do too many health goals at once were not successful.

Three simple steps to help you reach your health goals

1. The brain cannot handle multiple health goals at once For example, all it takes is 5 extra bits of information to decrease willpower in the PFC. One study tested willpower by having subjects choose a fruit salad or a slice of chocolate cake while keeping in mind a two digit or seven digit set of numbers. Those trying to juggle 7 digits were twice as likely to choose the cake over a fruit salad. The solution is to focus on only 1 health goal at a time. This way you not only start your health goal but continue to commit to it until it becomes a positive habit and is successful.

2. Calories do count but not in the way you think. Another study gave one set of students lemonade with artificial sweetener and the second set of students lemonade with sugar. After viewing a video all the students were tested on several self control tasks. Those given the lemonade with artificial sugar, which had 0 calories, performed tasks less successfully than those who had consumed the sugar lemonade, which contained calories. The conclusion suggests that calories are needed to supply the brain with food to function effectively and increase self control. Skipping meals to lose weight or because you are too busy only makes it harder to maintain your willpower and will often lead to overeating or eating snack foods. I recommend you plan your meals and eat at regular times throughout the day to maintain proper blood sugar levels, and nourish the brain so it supports your health goals.

3. Simple and easy exercise is more important than you think. By simple and easy exercise I mean just doing some daily physical activity to start. Why? Because exercise releases positive endorphins so you end up feeling better once you adhere to a regular activity routine. For example it could mean something as simple as a daily walk around the block or joining a gym. Exercise trigger the brain reward center which helps us feel positive, improves our mood, helps us sleep better and stimulates the flow blood to feed the brain.

Weight loss is a big issue for some of my patients. In fact many of my patients talk to me about losing weight and ask if acupuncture alone can help. I always make the joke that if acupuncture worked perfectly for weight loss by itself I wouldn’t have to work anymore. What I do know is acupuncture can help sustain your health goals in these areas:

* Feel more relaxed which reduces those anxiety induced cravings for the bad stuff * Improved focus and be better able to concentrate on your goals and daily tasks * Experience more energy that sustains your commitment to changing your behavior * Enhance your digestion which allows for a more efficient processing of your food

By combining the Three Health Goals Tips along with a series of acupuncture treatments, you will be better able to prioritize, stay committed and succeed with your health goals in 2010.

Susan Wallace is a licensed acupuncturist serving the San Francisco bay area for the last 25 years and specializes in combining acupuncture, herbs and western nutrition to maximize health. New patients receive 1 free treatment for each paid visit for the first month. For more information or to sign up for her monthly newsletter click here.

It can take a long time to quit smoking. Some people can do it in a few weeks or months, while other needs several years. But no matter what your timeframe is, you need to figure out how to keep your urge to smoke as low as possible.

At some point in your experience trying to quit you will encounter a situation where the urge to smoke is very strong. How you handle this situation will go a long way towards your ultimate success. Being prepared for the urge to smoke will ensure that you have a plan to keep your willpower strong and continue on your path to quit smoking successfully.

Take the time to decide exactly when you typically smoke. For example, after meals, after a jog around the block, or even after your shower each morning. Knowing when you typically smoke will put you in a good position to create a plan to combat the urge.

Create a plan of attack. This could be something as simple as a stress ball for your hands, or even just a piece of hard candy to keep your mouth busy. If you really enjoy the taste and feeling of a clean mouth you could try brushing your teeth each time you want to smoke, or suck on a mint flavored candy, which will freshen your breath.

Avoid the temptations that lurk. If you go out to eat, make sure you are sitting in the no smoking area. Avoid going into tobacco stores, and also try to limit the amount of time you are around other smokers. If you are continuously around cigarettes, it will be much harder to resist temptation.

Clean your house of all smoking instruments. This means all ashtrays, lighters and matches; and get rid of the smell of cigarettes. Products like Febreeze are great for helping to get rid of cigarette smell, which can also trigger an urge to smoke.

If you are having a place where you normally smoke, it could be a good idea to rearrange your this area. By breaking the routines it will be easier to resist the temptation to smoke. This advice works especially well, if you typically smoke at the same, few places in your home. So if you normally watch television in your favorite chair while you are smoking, try to remove the chair (or the television). Then it will be much easier to resist the temptation to light a cigarette.

Know your goal to quit smoking; and write it down. It might seem like a minor detail, but it can be a major step towards ensuring that you keep your focus on quitting smoking. If you just tell yourself in your head that you want to quit smoking, it will be much easier to cheat and give into the urge to start smoking again. With written goal, you will be more likely to follow them. This advice can also be used if you are trying to lose weight, exercise more etc. Goals on paper can improve responsibility radically.

Do never discount yourself. If you think you can succeed, you will actually be much closer to the success. It is important that you trust you can succeed, because it will help you fight the serious battles against the urge to smoke. It you decide to slip up again and again, you will find it much more difficult to get back on your feet. On the other hand if you hold on to your dedication to stop smoking you will see that each time the urge presents itself, it will be easier to handle.

Martin Elmer is writing about quitting your cigarettes and rygestop dag for dag. You can also learn how to minimize your nicotine withdrawal symptoms with Nicorette priser products.