This is not about food. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many of us are both concerned about gaining some weigh, and being too busy. I just found this great graphic by brain researcher Dr. Daniel Siegel and his colleague Dr. David Rock. When I cook, I like to use as many colors in my foods as I can. Let this image remind you to include all the colors into your day, as Dr. Rock says, even just a little bit of each one.
These suggestions are not only an excellent prescription for managing stress, but fit right into the recommendations for managing chronic pain.
Read the full article here.
“The seven essential daily mental activities are:
Focus Time: When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, taking on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.
Play Time: When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, which helps make new connections in the brain.
Connecting Time: When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, richly activating the brain’s relational circuitry.
Physical Time: When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, which strengthens the brain in many ways.
Time In: When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, helping to better integrate the brain.
Down Time: When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, which helps our brain recharge.
Sleep Time: When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.”