GMF usually stands for Genetically Modified Foods. However in my life it stands for the three things that I need to do most days to stay okay through life’s ups and downs.
G stands for Gym. I try to get there most days and on the days I don’t, I go for a walk in the park. Most of you will be aware of the research showing that regular exercise is better than any antidepressant medication currently on the market. In addition, the side-effects are all positive!
M stands for meditation. I have spent a significant amount of time with most of you talking about the difficulties with the human brain and mind. The brain has evolved through millions of years and countless adaptations. However, each new adaptation has created new problems. The brain we have today is vulnerable to stress, has a significant negativity bias, makes things up and readily believes its’ own doom and gloom stories. Mindfulness and cognitive challenging of unhelpful thoughts are great tools to stop taking the mind so seriously. The mind is not always our friend. If I’m in the mood for a guided meditation I enjoy Tara Brach’s meditations that are available for free here: https://www.tarabrach.com but many people also enjoy this: https://www.headspace.com
F stands for family and friends and staying connected. It’s not just about being in the same room but about actually attuning to each other. If time is limited a phone call, email or text is better than nothing but – at least for me – nowhere near as good as a face-to-face meeting. One of the real dangers of the way we live in the modern world is that we’re getting more disconnected and connect more through social media – a from of pseudo-connection. We forget that our brains are made to attune to real people in real time and we express confusion and dismay about the epidemic proportions of depression and anxiety. However, if we understand a little about the brain, how it has evolved and its’ need to resonate with other brains, it is not surprising that many people struggle with depression and anxiety. It is the logical consequence of not having enough connection with others.
If I find myself getting too busy to do the GMF regularly, it is a sign that I need to pause and get my priorities straight again. Maybe you could spend a few minutes considering the core elements of your well-being and make sure that you do it more days than not.