lifestyle ideas
I gradually became aware that the pressures of our industrialised and monetarised way of life are the cause of most of our distress and once they are fixed in our body and habits they are difficult to shake off.
limiting lifestyles
Our emotional state and thinking patterns are typically locked into place by our lifestyle and habits. What we eat and drink, the drugs we take, the way we walk, the way we sit, where we live, what we read, the company we keep, the things we say, our career, posture and sleep.
Habits are essential. Imagine having to decide every activity and movement from scratch. But some habits get in the way. Particularly when we are expecting to fail. Or are compulsively attracted to situations and relationships that lead to misery or avoid ones that would lead to healing and contentment..
For example somebody who has been traumatised might find a stressful job and take a tense and defensive approach to life paralysed by fears. Someone else might find a risk-free isolated job and relieve their depression or anxiety with drugs. Someone who has experienced loss might withdraw and overeat comfort foods. Complicating the problems instead of resolving them.
Exploitative relationships perpetuate low self esteem. High stress situations continue the stress of child-hood trauma. Alcohol and coffee consolidate anxiety and depression.
Even a good life may be limiting. It is so easy to repeat mildly satisfying activities without getting to where one really wants to be. Trivia can side-track us from what we really want.
Information
Most of the damage we do to ourselves is unnecessary and easily avoidable. There are not many reliable sources of information on drugs, diet, sleep, work , relationships and emotional well-being. So on the top menu I share some ideas, exercises and suggestions that have worked in my practice.
For example someone incapacitated by feelings of anxiety or depression often haven't noticed their poor sleep, fading health or addictions. Reducing or eliminating coffee or alcohol or changing eating habits has been sufficient for many to get enough sleep and vitality back in a matter of days and enthusiastically work through their problems by themselves.
A lifestyle change can be a circuit breaker for anyone who can move out of their familiar comfort zone and step into the unknown. A small change now can avoid premature, avoidable and irreversible damage to health and wellbeing. The sooner the change the greater the gains.
copyright (C) John Brasted 2008
updated 11/06/11
