More evidence that low-calorie sweeteners are bad for your health
Studies show that artificial sweeteners can raise the risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, including stroke.
Those of you who have read Stephen Covey’s book “the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” will recognise this term.
And it’s a good one to ponder today, Blue Monday, sometimes even known as Divorce Monday. Researchers say that a combination of short days – thus lack of sunlight – lowered immunity, and the the after effects (financially and emotionally) of the holidays combine to make it the most depressing day of the year and one of the most stressful for relationships.
So here’s a thought on how to address at least some of that sadness.
Covey suggests that in our relationships we build up a strong and healthy ‘bank account’ with others by consistently ‘making deposits’ through acts of kindness, consideration, honesty, keeping commitments, thoughtfulness and so on.
Equally, by treating someone unkindly, criticising, breaking promises, betraying trust, your account diminishes and is in danger of becoming overdrawn.
One of the ways Covey suggests to build up your bank account with the special people in your life is through ‘Understanding the Individual’. Part of this is understanding that what might constitute a deposit for you, might not do so for them. It also means making what is important to the other person as important to you.
Covey writes: “I have a friend whose son developed an avid interest in baseball. My friend wasn’t interested in baseball at all. But one summer, he took his son to see every major league team play one game. The trip took over six weeks and cost a great deal of money.
My friend was asked on his return, ‘Do you like baseball that much…?’
‘No’, he replied, ‘But I like my son that much’… ”
This had a profound impact on me when I read it.
For years my partner and I have been engaged in a bit of a power struggle over cleaning the house! A spotless house is very important to him, and I had tended to rebel when he wanted me to make more of an effort in that direction. Reading Covey’s words stopped me in my tracks. His desire for a clean house suddenly became more important to me as well.
Is there some way that you can apply this to your life this week?
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