❤️ Is complaining really that bad?

Author

Janie Kokakis
October 16, 2023

Happy High Noon (EST). The Open Journal series is LIVE in this newsletter. Keep the questions and stories coming by commenting on our satisfactory poll.

Today’s Topics:

  • Is complaining really that bad?: 5 steps to help you stop.

  • Open Journal: always hitting snooze.

  • Tidbits & Recipes: Instant Pot season.

  • Did You Know: Movement bites have benefits.

Is Complaining Really That Bad?

Complaining. We all do it. The Internet is too slow. Heavy traffic on the way home. Laundry is left on the floor (the hamper is right there). Slow-moving kids in the morning.

If you feel called out, you're not alone. Negative thoughts get our attention more than positive ones. It's called negativity bias. 

Our brains focus on the negative crap to keep us safe. And it's not helping you.

It wastes your time and is emotionally and physically draining. It can actually shrink your hippocampus which is responsible for memory, learning, and emotions.

So what can we do about it?

Here are 5 Actions to stop complaining:

  1. Practice gratitude: Take gratitude breaks right before you eat. 3 quick things you're grateful for.

  2. Self-reflection: Take note of when you complain the most and who you complain to. Identify any triggers you have.

  3. Take responsibility: Where do you have control and how can you take action?

  4. Practice empathy: Think about the challenges someone else is going through. Look at the issue from their perspective.

  5. Find solutions: What do you have control over? Focus on what you can do differently.

Don't forget, complaining is a habit. It takes time and effort to stop. The next time you're about to complain, take a deep breath and flip the script.

P.S. This article talks about the difference in how men and women register negative comments.

Open Journal

Q: How do I get myself up in the morning to work out? I just keep hitting snooze.

A: Great question. First off, is a morning workout your only option? If you have flexibility, play around with different times of the day and track your consistency. If morning is your only option, keep your alarm out of arm’s reach. Once you get out of bed, stay out of it! 😀 Don’t be afraid to break your workouts up into bite sizes throughout the day! Find out the best time for you to work out here. 

Learn to Scramble Well(ness):

While eating your lunch, waiting for your lunch, or letting go of your lunch, try our wellness-themed word scramble. It's one word a day, and you can find the answer at the bottom of this newsletter - good luck!

EATYMPH

Did You Know? Like Really Know…

Why do you usually skip your workout? Is it because you don’t have time?

Good news. Adding small BITES of physical activity, like taking the stairs or doing a 5-minute workout throughout the day can add up to big-time health benefits and improve overall fitness levels.

Instead of skipping your workout because you can’t get a longer workout in, try bite-sized movement throughout the day.

Tidbits & Recipes:

Instant Pot friends. Have you tried this creamy mushroom chicken? Perfect for this cool weather. It’s a dairy-free recipe but can easily be substituted for heavy cream.

Today’s Top Workout Song on Spotify

Don't Call Me Up

Mabel · Song · 2019

Scramble Answer:

EMPATHY

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