Fortitude Fridays #66

read time: 5 mins

A few ideas as you head into the weekend.

Snapshot of Today:

• Quote: Growth.
• Question: Key Lessons From Fun.
• Book: This Is Your Mind On Plants by Michael Pollan.
• Framework: Social Connections and Health.

---

Quote to Ponder:

Some people think that as soon as you plant a tree it must bear fruit. We must allow it to grow a bit.

-Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysian Politician)

​Patience is key; greatness takes time to unfold.

Don't rush the process; commit to it.

---

Two Questions to Ask:

What 6 month period of your life was the most energizing and fun?

and...

What can you learn from your answer?

Reflecting on a fun and energizing period of life can reveal what truly uplifts us. It reminds us to prioritize activities and environments that bring joy and energy, enhancing our overall well-being and guiding us to make fulfilling choices in work, relationships, and personal growth.

It's important to remember this when deciding what to prioritize, especially in a world full of distractions. This helps us stay focused on what truly matters and directly links to our happiness and fulfillment.

More signal, less noise.

My answer: About three months after starting CrossFit, I found my groove. I was having a blast at the gym, past the awkward newbie stage and loving both the workouts and the CrossFit community. Taking a few classes before nursing school started, I learned about nutrition, mindset, and behavioral science, got stronger, and built great social connections. Reflecting on this, I realized I truly thrive when pushing myself physically and mentally. It's time for a new challenge...

---

Book to Check Out:

This Is Your Mind On Plants by Michael Pollan

This book has been recommended to me by a dear friend, and I finally cracked it open recently. Having previously enjoyed Pollan's writing in 'Omnivore's Dilemma,' I was excited to check out 'This Is Your Mind on Plants,' and it did not disappoint.

Here, Pollan explores the intricate relationships between humans and three mind-altering substances: opium, caffeine, and mescaline, shedding light on their cultural and biological impacts. Through personal stories and insights, he delves into their histories, effects on the brain, and broader societal implications.

This book not only educates but also challenges the reader to reconsider their relationships with these substances and the roles they play in our lives.

If you're into the complexities of human behavior and the influences of substances on our minds, this is a really interesting book to check out.

---

Framework: Our Social Connections Can Influence Our Eating Habits

Ever notice how you just feel a little lighter after a laugh with certain friends or a great conversation with a loved one? Those kinds of positive social interactions can directly boost your mindset and your mental and emotional well-being.

But here’s a less obvious connection: Strong social connections might help people eat better, too. That’s because loneliness is often a driver of emotional eating. Having adequate social support lowers stress and may reduce the incidences of angry-chip-eating or sobbing-into-a-pint-of-ice-cream. (I have been guilty of both)

But get this: Even when people know that connection with others is good for their health, they might still be reluctant to actually pick up the phone. So, why is it so hard for us to reach out?

A University of Chicago study pointed to an interesting answer: We undervalue how much people care about staying connected with us.

When we consider reaching out to someone, we’re likely to have thoughts like, “She’s probably busy with her own life. I don’t want to bother her.” Or, “I only have time for a five-minute conversation and that’s not really enough time to catch up.” Sound familiar?

But here’s the tragic irony: Most people are craving connection. They feel delighted and heartened when someone calls or texts to check up on them, or chooses to confide in them. Yet, many of us feel like no one cares to hear from us, which can lead us to turn to the dopamine hit from cookies instead of a trusted friend.

Why bring up this interesting study? Challenges with food and fitness aren’t always about food and fitness.

What looks like a food issue (overeating) might actually be a social issue (if overeating is triggered by loneliness and isolation). Additionally, that social issue might not be caused by a lack of connections per se, but by inaccurate assumptions.

Let’s face it—we're all emotional eaters at some point. Stress, boredom, loneliness, happiness—our emotions can drive us to eat, often mindlessly, seeking comfort or distraction. If you struggle with emotional eating, dig a little deeper. What else in your life gives you comfort and support—aside from food? If your social plate is a little empty, consider taking the initiative to grow your relationships.

You could even make a list of little social tasks to do whenever you get the urge to eat for comfort or distraction, for example:

• Text a friend
• Schedule a walking date with a buddy
• Hop on FaceTime for a chat
• Go old school and write a loved one a note

Give it a try, and just see what happens. Your connection with someone just might make you feel satisfied in a way food hasn't.

Bringing It Home:

It’s easy to make excuses for not reaching out, but remember this—every time you do reach out, you’re not just benefiting yourself, you’re likely brightening someone else’s day, too. Don’t let misplaced assumptions about being a bother keep you from nurturing the connections that can truly improve your overall health.

---

Thanks for reading! I hope you stay cool this weekend. Until next week...

You got this,