Accept:
Amor Fati. Love Fate. This is the daily commitment to accept what happens, even the negatives.
According to Neitzsche, “want nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it…but love it.” The wise Robert Greene speaks of a power “so immense it is hard to fathom … you feel that everything happens for a purpose, and that it is up to you to make this purpose something positive and active.”
You don’t have to believe everything happens for a reason, just act like it does. You will not waste time regretting or complaining. In paradoxical fashion, by accepting (and loving) fate you seize control.
Mindful:
Are you looking for a way to incentivize yourself to meditate? How about making a “grand gesture” as Cal Newport suggests. He tells of a guy who bought a roundtrip ticket to Japan so he would have to work the whole flight on a manuscript (he was successful).
In the same way, spending money on an app helps force you to “get your money’s worth.”
Headspace is the best meditation app I have come across, costing roughly $70/year. The same person guides the wide diversity of themes, and they have sessions for kids of all ages.
Rest:
Sleep deprivation uncouples the amygdala from the prefrontal cortex. So your brain’s fear/anxiety center cannot be “talked down” by your rational side. After a night shift, and all-nighter studying, or just a crappy night of sleep, notice your reaction time and ability to control emotions.When you are on this “edge,” use the experience as willpower practice. Just like pushing yourself in the gym, use this stretch of your emotional regulation to practice being rational. Don’t eat the donut, don’t yell at your child, don’t judge the patient. Then when you have slept and something ruffles you, it is easy to cope.
Nutrition:
It is cold and flu season and the myths of infection prevention are all over the place. “Wear a coat or you’ll get sick.” “Take Echinacea,” “wash your hands” (wait that last one works).
Here are two easy actions that are evidence-based to prevent viral infection:
1. garlic pills, 2. sleep a lot.
Both are proven in high quality trials to prevent infection when exposed.
Focus:
Ok time to get a little bit weird with coffee. Aware of the health benefits, I know many of you have been wondering how to get mushrooms into your coffee. Well Four Sigmatic has done it for you. You can buy pure mushroom powder, but I have really been enjoying the mushroom coffee. 40mg of caffeine, less than even a tiny cup of coffee, but a robust flavor.
Quote:
The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.
– E Joseph Cossman
