Making Behavorial Changes

We have to fight them daily, like fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies."
– Etty Hillesum

For those of you that are aging, a recent study of 46 adults ages 63 to 85, found that as mood improves, so does the decision-making process. And some suggestions were found In the Blue Shield of California Better Living Newsletter-spring/summer 2014. Aside from performing regular exercise, sleeping and eating well, consider the following: 1. Wake up to bright sunlight by leaving your curtains and blinds open or using fluorescent bulbs 2. Smile-we all know how to do that 3. Be creative-painting or writing in a journal 4. Paint  verdant hues in your rooms 5. Sing a song 6. Eat dark chocolate and 7. Be around people that are upbeat and positive.

None of these suggestions are difficult to do or are they? It seems to me that regular exercise, sleeping, eating and being around smiling, happy people might be hard to accomplish, especially if you’re in your 60s. Likely, making major behavioral changes are not easy as many people are set in their ways. We all know there many excuses that get in the way of exercise like arthritis, bad knees, bad hips, being overweight, etc. Also, sleeping, and eating well can be problems, especially if one drinks alcohol a lot. How many people want to give up drinking alcohol? We know that alcohol affects one’s ability to sleep.

The major problem in making changes is the person’s personality. Likely, how an individual thinks (which is part of personality) is a major culprit. A general list of things to do is certainly not the answer. One question to ask is simply “what gets in the way of your making consistent beneficial health changes?” That question might be a good place to start for those that want to make behavioral changes.

Keep moving-put one step in front of the other, smiling, laughing, bonding, loving and appreciating. If you don’t know how, find someone to teach you.