Research published this month in Cell Metabolism done by The Ohio State University suggest that stimulating environments turn stubborn, sticky white fat cells into readily available, easily burnable brown fat in mice.
If this is true for humans, basically they are saying, when you’re environment is full of options and quality social connections, chances are you’ll end up doing (or even playing) more and sitting less. We kind of knew this intuitively but the study (plus a few others like it) proves that cumulative interacting all day long translates to a greater capacity to burn fuel.
Again, duh, right?
In my head I know I should not sit alone on my couch all isolated and blue. But my heart, my chocolate craving and my buttocks all often disagree. Besides, aren’t there all kinds of studies telling me I should “take time for myself?” I should meditate, be one with the silence, get away from the rat race and so on.
Wellness: ever the world of mixed messages. Or IS it?
“In every moment of our existence, we are in that field of all possibilities where we have access to an infinity of choices.” – Deepak Chopra, endocrinologist and world thought leader on spirituality.
Because each person is unique, as is each moment in time, the world is full of unlimited possibilities – unlimited ways we might be well. Hence the billions of strategies wellness people tout to try to help people change.
It’s all good and of course there’s the age old adage, “balance is key.”
There is only one option for applying balance and other strategies, however. The choice we must make above all others, regardless of a wealth of information or strategic tips, is to decide to reach for that which makes us feel fully alive.
Taking time for yourself and meditation are important, quite simply, when you are flat out worn down. Honestly, neither should take very long nor be at the expense of your sense of belonging, your connection to others.
Isolation and boredom are not part of our human nature. Science has now shown us the ugly truth that our fat cells linger and congeal when we close ourselves off. It’s like an old building whose doors have been shuttered – dust settles, air festers and decay ensues.
Being engaged in that which you truly enjoy while being around the excitement of others could be the best new diet plan yet! Incidentally, similar research shows that good social environments also shrink tumors in mice.
Being fully alive, as a result of a good work and a good environment, opens the doors and windows of our creaky old house, lets the breeze flow through and invites the laughter of company, the joy of infinite possibilities into our world. Isn’t that a form of taking care of yourself after all?
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it! Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman (posted on the Project Happiness website)