Peak Health Wellness Insights Issue 5

Mental Resilience

A new study reveals that people with a stronger sense of purpose are more receptive to recommendations on healthy behaviour changes. This research shows that decisions, especially ones regarding health, are easier to make by those who have stronger guiding purpose, which explains why some people may struggle to implement healthy habits more than others.

Sleep

This study (and here) demonstrates that chronic insomnia negatively impacts cognitive function, most specifically declarative memory. This emphasises the importance of proper sleep hygiene and sleep health for optimal brain functioning.

Nutrition

This recent study discussed in the Business Insider shows that eating more sugary, processed food (such as packaged pastries, chips, candy, sodas, frozen dinners, etc) is linked with an increased risk of developing all types of cancers. Surprisingly, this link persists even for those who exercise regularly, are nonsmokers and are young. 

While sugar is most likely to blame, preservatives are a close second, and the plastic food packaging can contain BPA, which disrupts the endocrine system.

Fitness

This new study investigates the link between exercise and sleep. The results show that a single day of increased or reduced exercise can impact sleep that evening. A link this strong and immediate is worth investigating further and emphasises the direct interrelation of many key areas of health.

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Productivity Tip

At the start of each day try creating a 1-3-5 list: Narrow down the things you need to accomplish into one big thing, three medium things, and five small things.

Forcing yourself to create a list will help you accomplish the items you choose to do rather than what happens to get done.

Habit Hack of the week

Focus on sitting up straight throughout the day. Try leaving a note in a visible spot to remind yourself until it becomes natural. Good posture puts less pressure on your joints and ligaments and will improve circulation.