I did a variation of the journal thing that you mentioned last month. I might write an article about it because I found it really helped me become more aware of my emotional states. It enabled me to modify my behavior. I'm now spending much less time on Substack. I'm finding the time I spend is more intentional. I sometimes, I'll scroll, but it’s of a much lesser duration. I've lost some interest in Substack as I've found others things I enjoy doing more.
I found a mood chart on line with four color coded quandrants each section with words. Every couple hours I would systematically write down the adjective that best described my emotional state.
February 18th entry:
8 a.m. — TIRED, didn't sleep well last night, adrenal formula
9 a.m. — Peleton Bike Ride
10 a.m. — Post Bike Ride — SATISFIED
11:30 — Cooking Quinoa Salad — RELAXED
12:30 — Lunch - Edamame Quinoa Salad — PLEASED
130 - 3 pm — Hike — TIRED, RELAXED
5 pm — TIRED/MELLOW
7 pm — Substack — UNEASY
One example where I felt better exercising than on Substack. The cold, dark, wet months got me feeling depressed and lethargic. While I’ve found it great for connecting with others and learning new things, it hasn't helped my mood. That's the conclusion I made from first experiment with mood tracking. I’ll need to go back and revise my method. Maybe include breathing or meditation. I find it difficult to maintain vigilance around tracking — but if helps with diet too — tracking what I eat as it encourages healthy habits and healthy living.
Beautiful, Anna! I'm so glad that journaling and tracking are aligning with you. There seems to be a "brightness" in your words, and may that continue! Although your absence around here has been felt.
Excellent suggestions. I see people being addicted to technology. And, as with other addictions, when you ask yourself what your emotional/physical need is prior to the behavior, then you cn choose a healthier way to meet yhour need.
Yes, I've become a woodsman over the last 10 years, pushing to learn as much as I can. In this process, it gives me the opportunity to do my reflections as I immerse myself in my missions in the woods whether I'm learning to hunt turkeys, deer or mushrooms and the like. It's become my religion
Great and timely post Derek, gave me a much needed mnudge to stay off the phone.
I'm glad it helped! Thanks so much, Jerry.
I did a variation of the journal thing that you mentioned last month. I might write an article about it because I found it really helped me become more aware of my emotional states. It enabled me to modify my behavior. I'm now spending much less time on Substack. I'm finding the time I spend is more intentional. I sometimes, I'll scroll, but it’s of a much lesser duration. I've lost some interest in Substack as I've found others things I enjoy doing more.
I found a mood chart on line with four color coded quandrants each section with words. Every couple hours I would systematically write down the adjective that best described my emotional state.
February 18th entry:
8 a.m. — TIRED, didn't sleep well last night, adrenal formula
9 a.m. — Peleton Bike Ride
10 a.m. — Post Bike Ride — SATISFIED
11:30 — Cooking Quinoa Salad — RELAXED
12:30 — Lunch - Edamame Quinoa Salad — PLEASED
130 - 3 pm — Hike — TIRED, RELAXED
5 pm — TIRED/MELLOW
7 pm — Substack — UNEASY
One example where I felt better exercising than on Substack. The cold, dark, wet months got me feeling depressed and lethargic. While I’ve found it great for connecting with others and learning new things, it hasn't helped my mood. That's the conclusion I made from first experiment with mood tracking. I’ll need to go back and revise my method. Maybe include breathing or meditation. I find it difficult to maintain vigilance around tracking — but if helps with diet too — tracking what I eat as it encourages healthy habits and healthy living.
Thanks for reminder: time for more tracking.
Beautiful, Anna! I'm so glad that journaling and tracking are aligning with you. There seems to be a "brightness" in your words, and may that continue! Although your absence around here has been felt.
Excellent suggestions. I see people being addicted to technology. And, as with other addictions, when you ask yourself what your emotional/physical need is prior to the behavior, then you cn choose a healthier way to meet yhour need.
Thanks so much, Larry! Yes, we just need to check in with ourselves.
Achieve awareness with intention
Reflections is my practice as is learning something new by whatever media, podcasts, books, or electronics
The outside, and more focused to grab my attention are the wild woods
Have you spent time reflecting in the woods?
Yes, I've become a woodsman over the last 10 years, pushing to learn as much as I can. In this process, it gives me the opportunity to do my reflections as I immerse myself in my missions in the woods whether I'm learning to hunt turkeys, deer or mushrooms and the like. It's become my religion