MIND OVER MATTER, or WHAT MATTERS OVER MIND?
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
How quickly do we make decisions, and can we improve our odds of making better choices?
Waiting for more information, better information, or better reasons to avoid a decision is how a slow- moving, no-pressure person makes non-urgent choices. Most choices we make are not urgent, but we like point-click-speed our life along, so every decision we make is made more quickly than ever. I’m not so sure technology helps us make better decisions – just faster ones.
We don’t have to be a slave to the technology, trends, or the loudest crows on the wire, or the most active talking heads on TV.
I’m asking about everyday people, like me, and like you – what makes for better choices?
I wonder if there is a connection between ‘quality of choices made’ with blood-sugar and blood-pressure?
Should we measure these before significant decisions are made – not just in the interest of science, but for ensuring a balanced body and mind, but as one last check on reality before venturing forth with a decision?
Why is this on my mind?
For years now, probably ten, I’ve been on variations of blood-pressure medication. I changed doctors. My new doctor suggested I get my own machine and test myself when I’m relaxed, not fighting traffic, starting at staff in white coats with stethoscopes strung around their necks …
The idea is that we get a lower read-out when we are calm. I’ve been building a spreadsheet for my next doctor visit. I don’t have an illusion of getting off the meds immediately, but I want to need a lower dose. My work has been on two fronts over the last six months – diet and exercise. Guess what? As my weight declines, so does my blood pressure. Who knew?
We all know, of course, but when we hear that, do we listen?
I know I heard it for many years – but I didn’t pay enough attention.
I’ve eaten more vegetables in the last six months than I used to eat in five years – and less red meat than I’ve each since childhood. Still, when I walk into the grocery store, the bakery’s treats tempt me, the packaged and frozen sections less so, sauces and dressings temp too, as does the cheese section …