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- Align Habits with Your Heart: Embracing New Beginnings
Align Habits with Your Heart: Embracing New Beginnings
Emily Allen
November 06, 2024
Dearest Human,
We are so happy you’re here with us today! If you have come for a wake-up call to give yourself more self-compassion, or you’re looking for a boost of inspiration, we’re here for you. When you’ve made the choice to start over, you might find yourself noticing that old patterns and behaviors don’t feel quite right anymore. And that’s okay!
Many of these patterns are rooted and constantly reinforced by our daily habits. That’s really good news, because changing your daily habits, when you break it down step by step, is something completely doable.
There might be some habits you’ve been doing for a while that are taking a toll on your cognitive function – your ability to reason, to consider different perspectives, and to make choices that align with your values.
Let’s take a look – together.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Change is the end result of all true learning.”
DEEP DIVE
Nurturing Brain Health with Positive Habits
The health of our brain is intricately tied to the habits we nurture. According to the National Institute of Aging, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may all contribute to overall health and well-being as we age.
Those lifestyle factors are the ones we can do something about – right now!
Our daily habits shape every aspect of our lives, including our cognitive health. Today, let's explore how embracing positive habits can nurture our minds and boost our well-being.
Detrimental Habit 1: Sedentary Lifestyle
Spending extended periods seated can hinder brain health. Instead, integrate movement into your day with brief exercise routines. Consider a morning walk, lunchtime yoga, or evening stretches—each promotes blood flow and fuels your brain with oxygen, sharpening focus and lifting mood.
Detrimental Habit 2: Poor Nutrition
Processed foods and sugary snacks might satisfy cravings but can cloud cognition. Transition to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. This shift fuels your brain with nutrients essential for clarity and concentration.
Detrimental Habit 3: Sleep Deprivation
Skipping sleep is a fast track to a foggy brain. Prioritize 7-9 hours of restful sleep nightly. Establish a calming bedtime routine: dim the lights, read a book, or enjoy a warm bath, easing you into deeper rest.
Detrimental Habit 4: Chronic Stress
Stress is inevitable but manageable. Practice mindfulness, engage in hobbies, or connect with loved ones to alleviate tension. These outlets foster resilience and mental tranquility.
Detrimental Habit 5: Multitasking
Juggling tasks dilutes productivity and heightens errors. Embrace focused single-tasking for efficiency, with breaks to recharge and reduce cognitive overload.
Detrimental Habit 6: Lack of Mental Exercise
The brain thrives on stimulation. Challenge it with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. This engagement nurtures neuroplasticity—your brain's ability to grow and adapt.
Detrimental Habit 7: Neglecting Self-Care
Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Carve out time for activities that recharge your spirit, giving your mind the rejuvenation it needs to flourish.
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QUICK HITS
🧠 The 7 Most Detrimental Habits for Brain Health
🏋️ How to Get Back to Working Out
💼 Integrating Values into Everyday Work
🎨 Free Exercises to Boost Your Creativity
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
This Week, Less is More: One Habit, One Goal!
If you were thinking this week’s challenge would be about creating new habits to replace those that might be dragging you down…you’d be right!
Commit to one – yes, just one! – of the following habits to track this week. You’ll want to start by creating a tracking sheet or journal page dedicated only to this habit. (Our Start Over Toolkit has some fantastic ideas!)
Get moving and grooving!
Prepare two or three meals made from whole foods. (Stuck on this one? Here are 30 beginner recipes to get you started.)
Get at least 8 hours of sleep at least three nights this week. (The actual habit here might be setting a sleep timer on your phone or limiting the number of late-night shows on your docket. Do what works for you!)
Engage in a new hobby.
Focus on a single task for at least thirty minutes each day.
Challenge your mental capacity with a daily puzzle.
Schedule daily self-care. (Think beyond the bubble bath! Maybe self-care is saying “No” to a new project, or saying “Yes!” to a night out with friends.)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transforming these negative habits into positive ones not only nurtures cognitive health – but this transformation also has the power to enrich your everyday life and the attitude with which you see the world.
Remember, it’s never too late to start making small changes that lead to grand outcomes!
Start Over Kitty & The Permission to Start Over Team
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