Tag: holistic well-being

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Let Your Body Be: Harnessing the Power of Your Subconscious for Optimal Well-being

The old adage goes, “Listen to your body.” But in our fast-paced world of quick fixes and instant gratification, we often override the wisdom of our bodies and the potent power of our subconscious. This article delves deep into the idea of “Letting your body be” and letting your subconscious guide you. More importantly, it underscores the significance of priming your body to be in its best state.

The Power of the Subconscious

Our subconscious mind operates in the background, registering more than we’re consciously aware of. Dr. Joseph Murphy, in his seminal work “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind,” posits that this part of our psyche influences a lot of our daily decision-making, behaviors, and habits. If nurtured and tuned correctly, it can help us optimize our well-being.

Sleep: The Foundation of a Healthy Morning and a Vibrant Day

Harvard Medical School emphasizes that sleep plays a pivotal role in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. A pattern of consistent sleep deficiency has been linked to heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults aged 18-64 should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. But it’s not just about quantity; it’s also about quality. They further point out that sleeping early (aligned with our natural circadian rhythm) can dramatically enhance the quality of sleep.

In a 2018 study by the University of California, researchers found that individuals who slept and woke up in sync with their internal body clock reported better mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. The beauty of this is that it’s not about rigidly setting an alarm for 5 am. Instead, it’s about understanding when your body naturally feels tired and when it naturally wants to wake up. When you’re aligned with this natural rhythm, you “let your body be.”

Nutrition: Less is More

The concept of ‘Eat less, Live Longer’ has garnered attention, especially with the popularity of intermittent fasting. A study in Cell Metabolism found that cycles of a four-day low-calorie diet that mimics fasting (FMD) cut visceral belly fat and elevated the number of progenitor and stem cells in several organs of older mice.

When we let our body rest from constant digestion, we give it a chance to regenerate and heal from within. This isn’t about starvation but rather understanding your body’s needs and not overburdening it.

Morning Thoughts: The Flow State

Mornings are a potent time. The brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, self-control, and emotions, is more active and less fatigued early in the day. It’s the best time to harness the power of positive thinking.

A study from the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania underlines how morning routines that include reflection, meditation, or simply being present can train the subconscious to tackle the day with optimism and resilience. It’s not about bombarding your mind with tasks but letting thoughts flow. It’s a dance between guiding the subconscious and letting it guide you.

Conclusion: Aligning with Your Body’s Wisdom

Our bodies have an inherent wisdom. By understanding and aligning with its rhythms, we don’t just survive; we thrive. Letting your body be is about balance. It’s recognizing when to take conscious action and when to let the subconscious guide you. By sleeping in alignment with our circadian rhythm, eating with mindfulness, and harnessing the power of the morning, we set ourselves up for holistic well-being.

References:

  1. Murphy, J. (1963). The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. Bantam.
  2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). The importance of sleep and how it can affect your heart. Harvard Medical School.
  3. Hirshkowitz, M., et al. (2015). National Sleep Foundation’s updated sleep duration recommendations. Sleep Health, 1(4), 233-243.
  4. Roenneberg, T., et al. (2018). Social jetlag: Misalignment of biological and social time. Chronobiology International, 23(1-2), 497-509.
  5. Choi, I. Y., et al. (2016). A Diet Mimicking Fasting Promotes Regeneration and Reduces Autoimmunity and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms. Cell Metabolism, 23(6), 1048-1055.
  6. Seligman, M. E., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5.
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The Intersection of Health, Value, and Selflessness: Drawing Inspiration from Di Tran’s Philosophy

In his seminal work, “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS,” Di Tran put forward a profound philosophy that not only compels us to prioritize others but also underscores the significance of maintaining good health as an expression of personal value and motivation. He presents a compelling anecdote featuring an elderly man in his seventies, who, despite his age, boasts an impressive physique and a determination to remain healthy and valuable until his very last breath. This anecdote incisively encapsulates the essence of self-care as a powerful tool for enhancing one’s personal value and living a meaningful life.

Understanding the Philosophy: The Intersection of Health and Value

The philosophy embedded in this narrative strongly resonates with the concept of ‘healthy narcissism’ espoused by Craig Malkin in his book “Rethinking Narcissism.” Healthy narcissism, according to Malkin, is not about vanity or self-obsession, but about a profound sense of self-worth and the motivation to take care of oneself. The elderly man in Tran’s narrative embodies this by maintaining a robust physique and a sense of attractiveness that extends well into his advanced years.

The Strength of Mind: More Than Physical Fitness

In his narrative, Tran underscores that achieving a well-maintained physique like a six-pack is more about mental strength than physical capabilities. This sentiment resonates with the concept of ‘grit’ discussed by Angela Duckworth in her renowned book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” Duckworth argues that grit, a combination of passion and perseverance, is crucial for achieving any long-term goals, including physical fitness. The act of regularly exercising, fasting, and consuming a protein-rich diet requires an immense amount of discipline and determination, demonstrating mental resilience and strength.

Hard Work: Beyond Physical Wellness

However, Tran’s narrative extends beyond the realm of physical wellness and enters the territory of holistic well-being, suggesting that the essence of life lies not just in self-care but also in the ability to add value to others’ lives. This principle is reminiscent of the ideas expressed by Adam Grant in his book “Give and Take.” Grant argues that successful individuals are often those who add value to others’ lives – ‘givers,’ as he calls them. The elderly man in Tran’s narrative exemplifies this by dedicating his life to serving his family and others, illustrating that the real value of life stems from the impact we have on the people around us.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s narrative represents a powerful intersection of health, value, and selflessness, urging readers to maintain their physical health and mental strength while also emphasizing the significance of adding value to others’ lives. The example of the elderly man’s commitment to maintaining his health and fitness while simultaneously serving others presents a compelling model for holistic well-being. This philosophy does not just challenge the conventional views of self-care and value addition but provides a unique perspective on how these concepts can co-exist harmoniously to create a life filled with purpose, health, and happiness.