Considerations on Habits and Happiness

Phill and I watched Gretchen Rubin speak at Santa Clara University yesterday evening.  It was a last minute decision, and I am happy we went. 

Gretchen Rubin is the author of the "Happiness Project".  She was speaking about her new book, "Better than Before".  Her new book is essentially about using one or a combination of 21 strategies to change or develop habits in a way that works for the individual.  I have not read any of her books, but after hearing her speak I look forward to it.  She is funny and interesting to watch, so I'm sure her books will have the same tone.  She also has a blog, which I am sure I'll take a peek at today.

During her talk, she mentioned that there is a direct correlation to the habits we have and happiness.  I definitely agree with this. Over the last few months, I've developed the healthy habit of reducing the amount of refined sugars I consume.  I feel good about it - I feel healthier, I am slowly losing the belly fat probably caused by the sugar spikes and extra triglyceride production, and I feel much less tired.  I love sugary foods, so the fact that I've been able to do this makes me feel very accomplished and, therefore, happy.

Before a few months ago, I had already changed a lot of my diet but I was not aware of HOW MUCH sugar I was consuming even with those changes.  But my last doctor's appointment and blood work really opened my eyes to the kind of problems I was headed for if I even stuck with my current diet. So, I decided to make a change, effective immediately. 

Gretchen spoke about "abstainers" versus "moderators" during her talk.  "Abstainers" are the folks that are able to abstain from a certain habit easily, but are unable to exercise restraint if they engage in the behavior even a little bit.  For example, it is easier for a "Abstainer" to not have (or stock) any cookies because if they have one cookie they will have 10 cookies.  

"Moderators" are the folks that are able to moderate a habit, and it is easier for them to engage in the habit moderately over not engaging in it at all.  For example, it easier for a "moderator" to have a piece of chocolate daily rather than not having/carrying any chocolate at all.

I am pretty sure I am an "abstainer".  I do a lot better when there is NO ice cream in the house - I barly even think about it, unless I have a random craving. If there is ice cream in the house, however, I'm eatin' the whole pint....before the end of the night.

When I began reducing my sugar, I thought it was the end of the world. I didn't understand and I thought it was a bit unfair.  BUT now that I know how much sugar is in most yogurts and other "healthy" snacks and products, I understand that it was my lack of awareness on what I was putting into my body that created most of my problems.  A pre-disposition could also be a factor, but that factor is not something I can control...so I don't even think about it. I just change what I can change - and that is the amount of sugar I put into my body. 

I know you are all thinking, "but she had a donut last Saturday".  Yes, I did.  But it had been a long time since I had had a donut, and it was concurrent to a run and a walk.  So, I knew that my blood sugar would be regulated, as I enjoyed my delicious donut. Also, I've decided that I am not going to eat any sweet treat unless I have time for a 20 - 30  minute walk immediately after. 

I am looking forward to reading Gretchen's books and blog.  I'm curious to see how sound her advice is, and if it can help me continue to improve myself and my outlook on life. 

On Wednesday, Phill and I ran 3.2 miles.  We ran from my office down a path towards Gunn Highschool.  It's a really nice path.  I will have to visit it again on a longer run to see how far it goes. After the run, we went to the gym below my office to do core.  We did various sit-ups, planks, and work with the Bosu Ball to assist with those balancing muscles in our lower legs and ankles.  Was a very fun workout. 

Yesterday, I just walked, totalling about 2 miles.  A migraine headache developed late Wednesday, which continued through the next day.  I left work early yesterday and slept for a couple of hours before going to Gretchen's talk.  I feel a lot better today, and I plan to run 2 - 3 miles.  I will also incorporate more core and also some arms after the work out.  On Tuesday, Phill and I did handstands for a good 10 minutes...which made both of us very sore.  My soreness is finally manageable, and some push-ups and other arm work will not hurt me. 

Running-wise this weekend's plans are to do 2 - 3 miles Saturday and Sunday.  Phill and I will also do drills on Sunday.  I've been teaching Phill how to do track drills, and I hope to add a new drill into the mix this weekend. 

Have a wonderful Friday, all!