Feb
18
The Green Tea 30 Day Trial
Filed Under Mindful Food, Mindful Growth | 4 Comments
As you may know, I am a big fan of the 30 Day Trial system developed by one widely known personal growth blogger and am embarking on a new trial this month. Several years ago I made the switch from coffee to black tea and enjoyed tremendous benefits. I felt better, slept better, and even enjoyed the tea more than coffee. Now, for the next thirty days, I’m swapping out the black tea for green tea in yet another attempt to scale back my caffeine intake and improve my overall quality of life.
The best part of a 30 Day Trial is the opportunity it affords you to get invested in a decision and really test it out enough to get legitimate results. At the same time, these trials make it easy to change back to old behavior patterns at the end of thirty days.
Benjamin Franklin believed it required at least 21 days to create a habit and keep it. This is the other great benefit of the 30-day system. If the results are positive, at the end of the trial you’ll have developed the beginnings of a habit.
Neural pathways offer a similar framework for understanding behavior change and habit formation. Studies in this field have shown that our brains develop neural “grooves” that create habits and consistent ways of behaving and seeing the world. As of now, my brain has a very deep caffeine and black tea neural groove, which I have developed over many years of consistent and even scheduled behaviors.
As you can see, changing a behavior is not a simple matter of deciding to do it. The best approach is to use a system that works. And based on my previous experience with the 30 Day Trial, this is one of the best ways of encouraging change in my life. Plus, I get to remind myself that when the 30 days is up, I can go back to the former behavior if I decide it really is superior.
Again, I want to give very clear credit here to Steve Pavlina for the popularization of this unique and very effective system.
During my trial period with green tea, I’ll be offering occasional feedback results here on MindfulSource.com to let you know how it’s going and whether this green tea craze is really what it’s cracked up to be. My first day of the trial was February 16, and the last day will fall on March 16.
As of this writing (just a few days in), I am experiencing a lot of very positive side effects from the switch and very few negative effects.
On the negative end, I am periodically feeling slightly irritable and mildly frustrated for no particular reason. My patience seems to be limited and difficult to sustain in the absence of caffeine. Also, I am experiencing some slight digestive changes. (I’ll spare you the details.) Nothing too discouraging as this likely will adjust with time.
On the positive end, my “natural energy” level is way up. I feel much clearer in my thinking and am finding it easier to focus on tasks during work periods. I am also finding it easier to sleep and to stay asleep. One of my major motivators for making this switch was a recent bout of mild insomnia. Essentially, I was finding it difficult to get to sleep in the evenings because of excessive caffeine intake earlier in the day. After even just a few days of the switch, I am already seeing great improvements in this area.
Another positive benefit I didn’t exactly anticipate is a general reduction in body temperature. I tend to run a little hotter than most people and often find the increased heat levels uncomfortable and distracting.
Although most of the results so far are positive, the results are not entirely consistent just yet. My improved focus and energy levels are occasionally clouded or interrupted by intermittent periods of fatigue and an inability to focus. This is the strangest part of the process for me so far.
Interested in joining me in my trial? Leave a comment below or simply start today! I’d also like to hear about your personal results. If you’d prefer a private message, complete our site contact form.
Feb
15
We’ve all experienced this at one time or another. Life is going along smoothly and, suddenly, you hit a slump. Yes, slumps are inevitable. There isn’t much you can do to prevent these low periods of life, but you can do a number of things to help get through the rut. The following article offers a few ideas for making it through the tough times…
Change Your Diet
What we consume on a daily basis has a direct impact on how we feel - mentally and physically. If you’re feeling out of whack or just a bit low, consider upgrading your diet. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Give up sugar. Switch from coffee to tea.
Your body really is a temple (and so is your mind!), so treat it right. Even the smallest change can make a difference in how you feel today.
Exercise More
Looking to get more energy? You can send a direct signal to your body immediately by going out for a brisk walk, hopping on the treadmill, or doing yoga poses in your living room.
As my very fit massage therapist likes to say, “When in doubt, workout.” I second the motion. Do it now!
Listen to Uplifting Audio
I’m a huge fan of audiobooks. There’s just nothing like a good business or personal motivational book to pump you during a down time. I’d recommend The Four Hour Work Week, Goals, or The Law of Attraction to get started.
Take a Vacation
Ever feel like life is getting a bit too routine? It probably is. If so, it may very well be time to hit the road, Jack.
Of course, exotic hot spots around the world are ideal. But even a simple drive out of town on a Sunday afternoon can help recharge your batteries. (And, while you’re at it, pop in an audiobook or some inspiring tunes.)
Two Steps Forward…
Really, life is loaded with speed bumps. Slumps of all types are bound to occur sooner or later. The ultimate key is just accepting that you’re always going to be taking two steps forward and one step back. Two steps forward and one step back - again and again. Don’t lose sight of your overall progress, and you’ll be far more likely to make it through those slumps.
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