Have you ever heard about the cue-routine-reward loop?
First, there is a trigger that activates your basal ganglia (a group of clusters of neurons in the brain located deep beneath the cerebral cortex) pushing you into an automatic mode. It is called the “cue”.
Second there is the “routine”, which can be physical,mental or emotional. It is a repetitive action performed unconsciously.
Third there is a “reward”, which helps your brain to label this particular loop cue-routine-reward as “worth-remembering”. Over time, this loop is enhanced by a sense of craving; you do your routine knowing that it will give you a reward.
So if you want to be healthy, nourish your mind with healthy thoughts, be strong in your body and mind then choose a positive “cue”, such eating well, meditating, doing yoga or doing breath-work as a first thing in the morning. Then after reward yourself with some healthy and tasty food (F.R.Y. The APP has dedicated sections for mindset and recipes by the way).
Allow yourself to anticipate the reward by thinking about the physical rush and mind benefits you will receive from it. Crave that positive reward as it will make it easier to push through your practice and your new healthy routine.
