I want to share something from Chris Kresser, one of the leading health gurus in the country.
Hi, Everyone, What if you could significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease—and extend your lifespan—simply by changing your outlook on life? Well, that’s exactly what a study published in JAMA Network Open suggests. The researchers found that those with a positive outlook enjoyed a 35 percent reduction in cardiovascular events and an 18 percent reduction in early death, compared to those with a pessimistic outlook. These are not small effects. In fact, they surpass—by a significant margin—the effects that you could expect from taking statin drugs. The researchers speculated that people who were more optimistic were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, like eating well and exercising. But there’s another explanation for these benefits: neuroplasticity. Research in neuroscience over the last 30 years has conclusively shown that:
The brain is the control center for health.
Our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences change the structure and function of our brain.
This means that what we think, how we feel, and how we respond to life has a direct and measurable impact on our physiology—and thus on our health and our lifespan. We’re not talking about New Age, woo-woo philosophy here. This is based on peer-reviewed, scientific studies that have been published in some of the most reputable journals in the fields of neuroscience and neuropsychology. And I think it’s one of the most revolutionary and empowering discoveries in medicine in the last hundred years. So, how do you put these discoveries into practice? Adapt180 Health™ nutritionist Lindsay Christensen, M.S., CNS, covers how practicing mindfulness can rewire the brain and increase neuroplasticity in this article on my website. You can change your brain—and in doing so, improve your health and extend your lifespan. In health, Chris P.S. Another great resource is Dr. Rick Hanson’s Hardwiring Happiness. This book offers a practical guide for applying the principles of neuroplasticity to create a more positive outlook and increase resilience. I’d also recommend Dr. Norman Doidge’s The Brain That Changes Itself. This book introduced the concept of neuroplasticity to the public. It challenges the notion that the brain can’t be changed, and uses case studies and stories from real patients to illustrate what is possible when the brain is rewired.
Think about that. Positive outlook and being happy will make you live longer. The truth is that positivity does just this as our brains and bodies are connected. Want to feel like $h*t? Frown as much as possible and be grumpy telling yourself negative things. Your body will respond accordingly. Want to increase the hormones that tell your body to store fat? Tell yourself negative things and be sure to make sure all your surroundings create either fear or anger. You hear the stories about how people are battling cancer and attitude is one of the best drugs. Sure, they don't all win but the experts will tell you that those with a negative mindset have way less chance of winning. Your thoughts change your hormones and your hormones change your body.
Today's adventure will be at Sportsplex in Opelika. We haven't had an adventure day in a couple of weeks for a variety of reasons but mostly my personal lack of mobility made it tough. As requested a while ago, we will be playing disc golf this morning. I will provide the discs and teach you the basics. We will practice and play. The pavilions at Chewacla will be reroofed today as well. I will bring the ropes as well to help us get warm, fear not. 1001 Andrews Rd Opelika AL 36801 is the address.
When you pull into the sportsplex, circle all around to the left in the roundabout. Go to the back of the sportsplex parking lot. If you end up by the covered pickle ball courts, you went too far.
Be ready to have some fun outside this morning!
Evening...stay tuned.
See ya at Tumble Tree.
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