Sensei Talks  

As a behaviorist, I know how powerful action is…but as a psychologist, I know how powerful the mind is. People often think that making change has to come from the head first – you think about what you want to change, devise a logical plan in your brain, and figure it should all work out. But sometimes the body doesn’t actually MOVE. Behavior change is a difficult, progressive task that is ongoing and evolving. But the good news is that you can always be moving forward and ‘in process’, even in the face of past slips or “incidents” at the drive through window. There is always opportunity to make a healthy decision in the next moment.

If the idea of behavior change is overwhelming, there’s a new study out that might help narrow your focus. Reuters reported that “people who drink moderately, exercise, quit smoking and eat five servings of fruit and vegetables each day live on average 14 years longer than people who adopt none of these behaviors.” While it may not be a shocker since we generally know these behaviors relate to health (that’s the brain part), it may help you focus your health goals.

It’s a good reminder that small changes can lead to large benefits. So, pick one of the areas above and make a small change: enjoy 1 glass of red wine at dinner and skip the happy hour cocktails, add an apple to your breakfast, work to cut out 2 cigarettes each day, or add a walk to your lunch hour. These are examples of small, doable changes that will lead you to a happier, healthier, and longer life. Let’s get moving…