Thinking About Going Primal/Paleo for the New Year: What Does That Entail?
I explained in my two previous posts that going primal/paleo entails adopting an ancestral health approach to better food choices and to a movement regimen based on our daily energy levels (the opposite of chronic cardio).
Today, I am going to go over what adopting an overall primal/paleo lifestyle is about. So along with better-quality food and exercise, this includes (as explained in The New Primal Blueprint, by Mark Sisson) the importance of adequate sleep and sunlight, play, avoiding “stupid mistakes,” and stimulating your brain according to your likings to keep it sharp.
Get Adequate Sleep
- Minimize artificial light and digital stimulation after dark.
- Create a simple, quiet, dark sleeping environment.
- Consistent bed and wake times.
- Calm transitions into and out of sleep.
- Awaken naturally without an alarm, if possible.
- Expose to sunlight upon awakening.
- Nap when necessary and possible.
Get Adequate Sunlight
Stay in the sun for short increments of time in order to not burn and make sure you expose large skin surface areas enough when you can.
Play
It is also good to include play, which refers to any spontaneous outdoor physical activity such as running around with your kids or dog outside. It can be short work breaks or even nice long hikes! Carving out some downtime every day is an important stress management tool and it enhances productivity.
Avoid Stupid Mistakes
- Avoid “modern dangers” like texting and driving, for example.
- Drift away as much as possible from stressful routines/habits. Steer clear of multitasking.
Use Your Brain
Choose fun, creative intellectual activities/hobbies to keep your mind sharp such as: reading, writing, problem solving, and/or musical training. I also like to play brain training games on BrainHQ and Lumosity. And the Duolingo app is a lot of fun to practice a language with!
In Summary
So there you have it! This is what adopting a primal/paleo lifestyle entails – and it doesn’t have to be perfect. We’ve all been doing our best in these challenging times. The main priority is to keep at it. See when it is okay to push yourself a little bit to attain the given goal you set for yourself – but also acknowledge the fact that a day may not be the day. And that’s okay.
Until next time!
References
Primal Blueprint at-a-Glance Reference Guide. http://www.PrimalBlueprint.com
Sisson, Mark. The New Primal Blueprint : Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy. Oxnard, Ca, Primal Blueprint Publishing, 2017, p. 483.
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