The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

This is all about gene activity. This is all about what we can do today to uplevel our lives and our longevity. We know that our genes take cues from our lifestyle habits. Today I'm going to remind you of ten practices that will bring forth your best self. Our genes are not static entities but are influenced by our lifestyle habits in a phenomenon known as epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and stress management can all play a significant role in shaping our epigenetic profile.

Self-talk is a powerful tool that can either support or hinder your journey toward becoming the person you want to be. By cultivating positive and constructive self-talk habits, you can influence your beliefs, behaviors, and self-perception in ways that align with your aspirations and values.

Looking at research on resilience and mental health - finding things that we love and putting them in our day and following through and celebrating our good - this is key for predictable peace. 

Self-mastery is an ongoing process that requires dedication, practice, and self-reflection. It is about becoming the best version of yourself and consistently striving for personal growth and excellence, regardless of the external circumstances that may arise. It allows individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and purpose, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

The number one virtue that actually may be the most powerful. And that is ZEST. A divine energy that allow us to navigate the world under our predictable joy. Self-care goes right along with that. Physiology drives psychology. All virtues are driven by zest.

It's the harmony of striving and thriving, of becoming the best versions of ourselves. As students of life, this pursuit becomes our noblest endeavor, painting our existence with purpose and fulfillment.

Dr. Lisa Miller's concept of the "spiritual brain" explores the neural and psychological foundations of spirituality. Spirituality can positively impact mental health and well-being by promoting psychological resilience and a sense of purpose.

The most recent research on the benefits of vulnerability highlights its transformative power in fostering deeper connections and personal growth. Studies suggest that embracing vulnerability in interpersonal relationships can lead to increased trust and intimacy, as it allows individuals to authentically share their thoughts, feelings, and fears. Vulnerability is also associated with enhanced resilience and mental well-being, as it encourages individuals to confront their insecurities and face life's challenges with courage. Furthermore, organizations that cultivate a culture of vulnerability among their employees tend to foster innovation and creativity, as people feel more comfortable taking risks and sharing unconventional ideas.

I spend a lot of time looking at the research on Optimism. Today I'm talking about three things we can do every day to help our brain and heart feel more optimistic and why this is awesome for our overall emotional and physical health and longevity.

We aspire to model ourselves after those who inspire us and instill hope within us. We yearn to observe the qualities and values in others that resonate deeply with us and then make a conscious effort to incorporate those virtues into our own lives. One of the most powerful virtues to begin with is kindness, as it serves as an excellent starting point for this journey. It's about granting ourselves the permission to actively practice and embody the virtues we hold dear, allowing them to guide our actions throughout each day.

Individuals who regularly engage in acts of kindness and selflessness towards others experience significant improvements in their overall well-being. Altruistic behaviors, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or helping someone in need, were shown to reduce stress levels, increase feelings of happiness, and even enhance physical health.  Altruism fosters a sense of social connection and belonging, strengthening interpersonal relationships and promoting a more compassionate and empathetic society.

Doing this one thing can make you the best in the world and help you create a life that you love. 

Stepping out of our comfort zone by engaging in activities like meditation, cold showers or morning walks can benefit the anterior cingulate cortex by promoting emotional regulation, enhancing cognitive control, improving focus and attention, increasing stress tolerance, and boosting mood.

We can do all the practices, workshops, events ... but unless we know our "why" we don't get the full benefit of really living up to what our heart and soul are yearning to experience. Family, friends, community, higher purpose - these are our whys. When we focus on our why we are more likely to maintain our motivation and our inspiration. Set an intention to remember your way. Maybe let others know your why. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Shine on, shine bright.

In our journey through life, the cultivation of self-discipline and the pursuit of joy stand as twin pillars, each crucial to our overall well-being. The ability to balance these two seemingly contrasting aspects of life can be transformative, leading to enhanced personal and professional performance.

The science of gratitude is a burgeoning field within psychology and neuroscience that explores the profound impact of expressing and experiencing gratitude on human well-being. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to a multitude of positive outcomes, including improved mental health, increased life satisfaction, and enhanced relationships. This phenomenon is believed to be rooted in the brain's reward system, where expressing thanks triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Additionally, cultivating gratitude is associated with reduced stress and greater resilience, making it a valuable tool for promoting overall emotional and psychological health. As scientists delve deeper into the mechanisms and benefits of gratitude, its role in promoting a happier and more fulfilling life becomes increasingly evident.

This will take courage, conviction and compassion dear spiritual being and you may need to break your own heart ❤️ in order to heal your soul.

Spending time in nature offers a multitude of benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. The natural world provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to recharge and reduce stress. Breathing in fresh air and basking in natural sunlight can boost our mood and energy levels while promoting better sleep patterns. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or simply strolling through a park encourage physical fitness and can enhance our overall health. Nature's beauty inspires creativity and mindfulness, fostering a sense of awe and connection to the world around us. Ultimately, immersing oneself in nature provides a holistic approach to wellness, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.

Something I'm working on more and more - phone-based snubbing, commonly known as "phubbing," is a modern social phenomenon where individuals prioritize their smartphones over face-to-face interactions with those around them. This behavior often involves ignoring or neglecting real-world conversations, gestures, or experiences in favor of digital distractions, such as texting, scrolling through social media, or checking notifications. Phubbing can lead to feelings of disconnection and frustration among friends and loved ones, highlighting the need for mindful technology usage to maintain meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Self-recognition, often associated with self-awareness, brings numerous advantages to individuals. It enables them to gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses, fostering personal growth and development. Much like how mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of cells, providing energy for various cellular processes, self-recognition can be seen as the powerhouse of personal growth. It energizes individuals to explore their potential and overcome challenges, much as mitochondria fuel the body's activities. Moreover, self-recognition plays a vital role in building emotional resilience. Understanding one's emotions, triggers, and responses is akin to strengthening the body's immune system. Just as a robust immune system helps the body withstand external threats, emotional resilience equips individuals to cope effectively with life's ups and downs. This resilience allows people to bounce back from adversity, adapt to change, and maintain psychological well-being. Self-recognition fosters this resilience by hel