Have you ever counted how much time it takes for you to get “back on track” after the holiday season? One day, one week or a whole month? 

Some people adjust really quickly and are able to go right back to their everyday routines. For others, it takes what seems like forever. Everyone is very different.  Have you ever thought this could be related to your brain functionality? 

The cingulate system is the line between the two brains. This line is responsible for managing our ability to shift attention, makes us more adaptable, more flexible or more able to “go with the flow”.

When the cingulate system is too active, we have problems in shifting our activities or habits, and when it is calmer, it’s much easier for us to “go with the flow”.

The cingulate system is the one you want to nourish if you want the ability to adjust faster to new situations. This also applies to returning to our normal routines once the holidays are over.  After a month spend juggling meals, visiting with friends and family and setting the kids up for school again, I look forward to returning to our normal routine.

If you find that you have this problem at the beginning of the new and/or are not able to adapt to the new things coming on your way, it might be a sign of your cingulate system being too active. 

How do we calm down our cingulate system?

Here are a few suggestions of ways to do that:

• Meditation
• Do things you love to do and enjoy
• Think your answers before spitting a NO!

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the holiday season, but it’s important to keep your goals in sight. If you are trying to get back on track now that the holidays are over, think about your cingulate system first. Take some time for yourself to calm your brain so that you can achieve the health you desire. Happy New Year 2019!