Tag: mindset

  • Find your path toward well-being

    Find your path toward well-being

    Find your path toward well-being

    Purpose, power, and physical health

    Often when we begin to reflect on the metaphysical questions in life, including “what’s my purpose?” we undervalue the role of physical health in the journey. But having the healthiest body possible allows us to more easily grow and stretch in other areas of life. Here are some key focus areas to boost physical health so you can more powerfully live on purpose.

    The power of purpose

    First of all, let’s eliminate any notion that seeking out your purpose and expressing it is frivolous. American psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his famous hierarchy of needs, proposed that self-actualization is the pinnacle of a life well lived. In other words, stretching to the edges of your abilities is important for your well-being. In fact, research suggests that finding purpose can add years to your life.

    Purpose and well-being

    As you reflect on your purpose, remember that there is no single magic answer and that your purpose evolves over time. Consider each of the facets of well-being as a jumping-off point for finding your next purpose.

    Garbage in, garbage out

    One of the easiest ways to minimize physical distractions is to limit the disease-promoting toxins you expose yourself to. This includes not only harmful chemicals in foods, body care products, and home supplies but also relationships, environments, and spaces that feel poisonous.

    Pay attention to how your habitual television viewing, video games, and nights out with the gang make you feel in your body. Are you light, happy, and excited or sad, depressed, and anxious? Eliminate the stress-inducing spaces and people.

    I think, therefore I am

    The brain doesn’t benefit from the same lymphatic system that removes toxins and pathogens in the rest of your body. Instead, the brain’s “glymphatic” system rinses debris from the spaces between your brain cells. The caveat to this system is that it works 60 percent better when you’re sleeping than when you’re awake—which means sleep is a purposeful priority.

    You know it in your heart

    While your brain helps you with your lists and your decisions, the heart has traditionally been seen as the hub of perception and awareness. Research has shown there is a two-way street between emotional and spiritual well-being and heart health. Nourish your heart connection with mindfulness activities such as yoga, time in nature, and meditation, as well as regular exercise and plenty of antioxidant-rich foods.

    Liver lovin’

    Possibly the least considered yet most involved organ in your body is your liver. It plays a role in all your major life events, from digestion and elimination to circulation, detoxification, and hormone metabolism. It’s a factor in body shape, inflammation, energy levels, and mood.

    Purpose proviso

    Don’t panic if you’re struggling to demystify your purpose. Often, the path is revealed only after we start walking. Until clarity comes, focus on removing the physical health distractions. It’s a win/win.

    By Dr. Lisa Petty, PhD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • From winter blahs to winter bliss

    From winter blahs to winter bliss

    From winter blahs to winter bliss

    Change your mindset to enjoy winter

    Winter is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere. How do you feel about it? If you view the winter as a dark period to get through—by commiserating with colleagues over the weather conditions you endured to get to the office or dreaming of your summer vacation plans—perhaps it’s time to change your mindset. By reframing how you think about winter, you might just find that your experience of the colder months changes entirely.

    Think like a Norwegian

    Researcher Kari Leibowitz discovered something interesting while living in Tromsø, Norway, a city that approaches the Arctic Circle and from mid-November to mid-January does not see the sun.

    Rather than dreading the onset of winter, Norwegian friends around her seemed to be excited about it—they looked forward to the opportunities to spend time outside in the snow or cuddle up at home under a blanket practicing koselig, the Norwegian version of the infamous Danish hygge.

     Leibowitz found that these positive “winter mindsets” become more pronounced the further north in Norway one lived. They allowed Norwegians to enjoy, rather than endure, the winter.

    By taking their lead and changing her own thought patterns, Leibowitz found that her winter experience was radically altered. The blue light, rather than being dark, became “cozy.” Rather than fearing time outside, she embraced friends’ invitations to walk or ski to outdoor meetups.

    Change your mindset

    Science supports the mental and physical benefits of this kind of mindset change. In an article about her research, Leibowitz talks about how the work of her mentor, Alia Crum, whose work focuses on subjective mindsets.

    Leibowitz hypothesized that positive, growth-oriented mindsets played a role in the relatively low rates of seasonal depression in Tromsø, despite the long, dark winters. One study done by Crum showed how people who have a positive mindset toward stress—seeing it as productive rather than debilitating—were able to maintain healthier levels of cortisol.

    Warm up to winter

    Even if a growth mindset isn’t your natural orientation, we can all work to change the ways we think, starting with our feelings toward the winter. First, think of some things you might appreciate about the season, without even realizing it.

    For example, if you’re a social butterfly during the summer months, perhaps you’re looking forward to having an excuse to stay home alone curled up with a good book. If light bothers you in the morning, maybe the onset of darker days means you’ll be getting better sleep.

    Otherwise, try thinking of ways to embrace the season for what it is. Cold and snowy outside? Hit the slopes or go snowshoeing! Bright and bracing? Try meeting a friend for a brisk morning walk.

    Practicing mindfulness can also help you to enjoy the season. Indulge in a guided meditation or pay extra attention to the softer lights around you. You’ll be feeling the winter bliss in no time.

    By Isabela Vera

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine