Every great move, creation and step in life begins with thinking. You create a great life by thinking great and coupling those thoughts with action.
Here are a few ways to ensure your brain is in tip-top shape so you can achieve all you set out to do!:
1.) Do a Good Deed. Researchers have determined that when we express a kind act towards another person, that person’s “happy hormone” serotonin increases and from there a reduction of stress ensues that helps to bring about a healthier physiology. Your kindness is a healing agent for the one you served–but, even better–you, as the “server of kindness”, gets an even larger increase in serotonin than the person you served.
*Print out this graphic and tape it to your mirror as a reminder to go out and serve someone today!
2.) Become a student for life. Pick up a book on Spanish, do homework with your kids at night, learn about a new culture–do everything you can to keep learning! Keeping your brain active with learning has been shown by researchers to help you live longer and stronger.
3.) Have an optimistic outlook on life. Every night write in a gratitude journal. A lot of times we focus on the negative parts of our
day, but the more you practice writing down what you are thankful for, you’ll realize how much there truly is to appreciate in your life. The best part is, your happiness will increase!
4.) See it be it: Meditate. Start by taking two minutes first thing in the morning to relax, breathe and say “ommm”. In much the same way our digestive system flourishes under the influence of a clean and simple diet, our minds think, create and thrive under the influence of a clean and simple diet of focus and meditation.
5.) Eat a Mediterranean diet. Focus on eating a plant-based diet (9 or more servings of fruits and veggies each day) and wild fish. Most importantly–never skip breakfast! (Read more about the Mediterranean diet)
6.) Stay active . Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day. (Try these simple exercises.) Working out helps your body to rid itself of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol shuts down genius-making cognitive function by aiding in the decline of the empowering brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and others that build creativity, calm and confidence.
Read more about the POSTURE, EAT or MOVE categories of “Get Your Awesome On!”