New research by Yale University scientists adds to growing evidence that addictive and other repetitive behaviors involve patterned or ingrained brain activity, suggesting that the control of these behaviors may be as much about process as content. In the new study, the research team used fMRI scans to examine the brain activity of people with either drug or food addictions, and found essentially identical brain processing in both cases. The results are consistent with important new general findings revealing the natural tendency of our brains to automatically map frequent stimuli to our brain’s pleasure centers. In natural settings, this tendency may work to optimize happiness and reproduction in varying environmental circumstances. The implications of these general findings today include: 1) the need for new care with repetitive behaviors and thinking, since they may automatically remap our brains to favor their continuation, and 2) the likelihood that lasting personal change will require neurological re-mapping to encourage desired new behaviors. Together, these ideas explain both the difficulty of many forms of behavioral change and the relative effectiveness of rapid and complete elimination of undesired behaviors (accelerating brain mapping to new life patterns). Learn more about the new research at Addiction Similarities.

It is well-understood that people are more prone to anxiety and sadness on Sundays in the western world, mostly from the relative lack of structure and purposeful activity. Time in nature is one way to fill the void…

Twice-yearly visioning and planning is recommended as part of HumanaNatura’s Personal Health Program, but it is also important to consider what specific goals we want to complete each month. In this way, we more reliably make progress on our plans and gain valuable experience in translating our wishes into action. With April almost here, now is a great time to spend a few minutes listing what you want to be sure to complete this coming month. Access our planning templates at Natural Living Worksheets and our seven-step planning process at Natural Life Plans.

A new weight-loss study by Kaiser Permamente found a strong link between healthy sleep and healthy weight levels. These newest findings build on the growing science-based case that our sleep patterns are an important window on our waking life…and can be used to reveal or predict larger patterns of natural health and imbalance. Learn more about the new study at Weight Loss And Sleep.

Wishing you the natural peace and vitality of flowing water, today and each day…

Where will you travel this week and what will you experience? If you begin planning now, you may find nature near and waiting…