The Cue-Routine-Reward Loop
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 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.
A sweet thought I am sharing is the one from a philosopher from my city who in a movie said:
Time is an emotion and it is a two-dimensional entity, in the sense that you can experience it in two different dimensions, in length and in width. If you live it in length, in a monotonous way, always the same, after 60 years you will be 60 years old. If instead you live it in width, with ups and downs, falling in love, maybe even doing something a bit foolish, after 60 years you will only be 30 years old. The trouble is that men study how to extend their lives when instead it should be extended.
Sasy