In order for good habits to take effect, they need a trigger — a little motivational feeling that says, “Hey, you want to do this action now.” They also need a reward. A feel good response to the action. But these are really hard to identify by yourself because they happen below our level of consciousness.
For those of you waiting for something to click before you spring into life again, you’re wasting precious time. By being more aware of your negative triggers and tweaking them with positive triggers, you can enjoy a more peaceful, more fulfilling and healthier lifestyle.
Here’s a few common triggers and tweaks that can get you headed in the right direction:
Proper Sleep
It may sound like “blah blah blah”, but sleep is the most fundamental ways to bring positive triggers to our life. When we sleep your body and brain repairs itself by replenishing its supply of energy. Without enough sleep, we’re more likely to have unhealthy stress levels, mood swings (high blood pressure) and more likely to make unhealthy choices.
Positive trigger ideas:
Late-night snacking/drinking: Do you have nasty habit of craving naughty snacks around 10:00 pm? Not sure why, but I do and it’s very annoying! Mojo friend, Karen Gartner, who is also a dental hygienist, says she flosses/brushes her teeth after dinner so she will not eat again before bed. Problem solved!
Anxious at bed time? I will pull out my Calm.com app. I have a number of friends who use this as well. Sounds corny, but it works!
Keep a well rounded diet
When our body does not receive the essential nutrients it needs, it sets us off balance mentally and physically and can result in serious health problems.
Positive trigger ideas: Quite simply, prepare ahead of time, so you don’t end up grabbing junk on the run. Prep cut veggies, homemade yoghurt dip, tuna fish, nuts, apples/almond butter, avocado with squeeze of lemon and lime. (Oooh, I’m hungry!)
Another option: When you’re craving a snack, typically you’re bored or thirsty. Try drinking a glass of water or sparkling water with a lime (my fave) instead.
Get Some Sunshine
A lack of vitamin D can lead to several health issues, including seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. Endorphins, also known as the ‘happiness hormones,’ are released into the bloodstream when a person is exposed to sunlight. These hormones are responsible for the increased productivity of the brain.
Positive Trigger Idea: Just do it! Even 10 minutes can do wonders. Mojoing outside LIVE and virtually has been a wonderful new activity for a number of our friends.
Learn How To Cope With Stress
When we experience stress, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, these hormones can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease a weakened immune system, in addition to anxiety and depression.
Positive trigger idea: Choose the media you put in your brain with the same care as the germs you willingly put in your body. Their goal is to get you riled. Fear and anger are titilating emotions, but they leave emotional hangovers. Be aware, control what you can do what you can and learn to live in the present.
As with the media, do your best to surround yourself with people who lift and inspire you. Limit your exposure to toxic people who leave you feeling drained or feeling lousy about yourself.
Weave regular “recess” into your routine
When we maintain a physically active lifestyle and engage in daily exercise, the circulation of blood throughout our entire body improves. Because of the increased blood flow, the number of oxygen molecules in our blood increases, and as a result, we experience an increase in our levels of energy, freshness, and mental activity.
Positive trigger idea:
A few years ago, I learned the term “dash”. It has become my “go to” verb when I am trying to overcome a project (or fear) that is holding me back. All I can say is, IT WORKS.Whether you’re attempting to organize a closet, learn a new skill…or get your health back on track, research suggests that you should: Stop Thinking About The Beginning
and…Learn how to “dash”.
This means forcing yourself to focus on a procrastinated item for short bursts of time—perhaps as little as just one minute. Once you take the fear away from the task, it gets easier to progress on an overdue project.
Surround yourself with energy that empowers you!
Shout out (and hug) to Elli Kucmerowski who has been battling a number of health issues, but continues to FIGHT for her health in Tega Cay, SC…
I tackled my first 50 minute class this morning with my youngest workout buddy. “Blown” (Mojo Online) is still my all time favorite class. I took some pics and promised him I would send them your way!
Thanks for sharing Elli and Max 💚
Congrats on getting over your health hump and keep fighting! 💪🏻
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