Tag: self control
A few weeks ago I posted about how even short bouts of exercise are good for your physical health.
And now there’s evidence that quickie bouts of exercise are good for increasing your self-control. An analysis of published studies found that there is a small to moderate impact to self-control with quick stints of exercise (which the researchers speculate may be due to the increased blood and oxygen flow to the prefrontal cortex).
So if you see me in Holt Renfrew doing sprints, it’s just me trying to exert some self-control, an attempt to hold back from buying a Celine handbag or Valentino heels…(I know that’s probably not how the findings likely work…just my personal takeaway from them!).
(Photo: Tumblr)
March 17, 2013
I added the song “Power” by Kanye West to my Nike+ PowerSongs this week. I don’t know the lyrics but its tune to me comes across as aggressive and angry, which I find works well for me when I need that extra push.
But now I’m thinking that forcing myself to regularly train (versus staying in to watch some bad reality TV, which to be honest I’d rather do anytime over running) makes me mighty angry, hence the choice of song.
Because I just read about this research published in the Journal of Consumer Research that shows how when we’re exerting self-control (choosing a healthy snack versus a chocolate bar, or a practical grocery gift card over a luscious spa treatment) we’re more drawn to angry movies and faces and become more irritated when told how we should be doing something.
(Word to the wise: perhaps best not to talk to me after a run–unless you’re angry, then we’ll be on the same page 🙂
March 17, 2011
Next time you’re positively stuffed after a fantastic meal, and yet still hear all of those scrumptious sweets on the dessert menu calling your name–even though you know you don’t need to have dessert–just clench your muscles.
A new study has found that tightening your muscles–any muscle in your body–seems to activate our willpower and enable us to exert greater self control.
(I”ll know I’ll be trying this the next time I’m tempted at the cash register by a candy bar).
October 20, 2010
