Can you control yourself?
It is time for more deep thoughts... Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist and a professor at Stanford University. Needless to say he is a pretty sharp dude. He has also been getting some significant press for his amazing podcast, which is how I was introduced to him.
His podcast, The Huberman Lab, is one of my favorites. Some of the podcasts are interviews or simply conversations with other leaders in the field of science or health, and some are similar to a lecture that he might give in his one of his college classes. Like most experts, I tend to take much of what he says with a grain of salt, but Dr. Huberman certainly has a great deal of knowledge and credibility.
This week I want to share, and discuss, a quote that Dr. Huberman recently said:
"Most of the disorder and dysfunction in the world is caused by lack of impulse control."
It is important to remember that Huberman is a scientist in a health-based field, so this quote is likely talking specifically about our health. Impulse control is an interesting choice of words. We can assume that he is referring simply to self-control, our ability to make a decision and choose the healthier option when we do.
As an example, when you have some free time, will you choose to exercise or sit on the couch and watch TV? When you go out to eat, will you choose a salad and a glass of water or will you choose burger, french fries, and a soda? As it gets late in the night, will you choose to go to bed early or grab a snack because you are bored?
These seemingly little decisions can lead to a profound positive, or negative, impact on your health now. Consistently choosing the healthier option will lead to a cumulative increase in the potential for improved health as we age. Those healthy decisions, over time, can limit the potential for disease, disorder and dysfunction in your life!
As I often say to my kids as they are walking out the door...
"Make good decisions!"
Movement is my medicine,
