Have you ever thought about how much time and effort we spend wanting to be somebody:

• different
• better
• new

Imagine if the same time went into being comfortable with who we are right now?

Sure, some old habits may not work for you anymore and are entirely within your control to change (or not).  

But I’ve got news for you – you aren’t broken.  

While we know that change is inevitable, it’s also comforting to know that we can improve ourselves to lead healthier and happier lives. 

This is more about the storyline, the dialogue in our mind. And how to stop overthinking.

So if we are caught up in a lot of unproductive thinking, simply fantasizing or wishing that we were different, that “if only we could be” a certain way, everything would be okay. 

Getting caught up in much of that thinking usually causes us stress, suffering and disappointment. It anchors a tension and uses a ton of energy – there is the situation as it is – the reality – and here’s how we want it to be. 

It’s exhausting.

While the brain represents just 2% of a person’s total body weight, it accounts for 20% of the body’s energy use.* Feeling sluggish and sad makes managing your mental and physical health hard.

What if we could positively use that mental energy?  

Of course, moving your body (aka play) is like a magic pill for your brain and your body because it helps:

• Reduce fatigue
• Improve sleep
• Stave off a host of diseases.
• Increases your “feel-good” neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, while resulting in a natural energy boost.

So, take a walk!

And while you are at it, listen to one or both of these excellent resources to start dialling in more positive self-talk – a workout for your brain – to help you go a little easier on yourself and build a self-compassion toolbox for when needed.

1. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos – A Daily Workout To Tackle Nagging Self-Criticism – practicing “self-talk” exercises are as important as physical ones too!
2. The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial – Stop Mental Masturbation – you read that right – and “stop trapping yourself in the cycle of overthinking so that you can start to move the needle in your life.”

While you can’t turn your brain off, you can give it the direction of what you want to think and do to become a healthier you!

Play on,

Coach Jan xox 

PS: Whenever you are ready, here are three more ways I can help you PLAY for life:

1. Click here to grab a copy of my best-selling book: The Play Book: How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health
2. Join the FREE 7-Days of Healthy Habits Course that can help you starting today.
3. Want to work with me personally on your health habits? Click here to book a call.

*Headspace.com

**https://time.com/5400025/does-thinking-burn-calories/