How To Embrace the Messy Truth
Welcome back to The Mindset by Super Age.
The holidays can sometimes feel like a three-fold challenge: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s—a whirlwind of tasks, expectations, and end-of-year hustle. There’s the desire to get it all just right, the pressure to tie up loose ends at work, and maybe even travel sprinkled into the mix. Add in not enough time, money, or energy, and it’s no wonder the season can feel less “joy to the world” and more like a sprint to the finish line.
But here’s my holiday wish for you: give yourself a break. The truth is, nothing is perfect—not the holidays, not us, not life. And that’s okay.
What matters is showing up as you are. Let’s set aside the impossible standard of “perfect” and lean into the messy, beautiful reality of being here—of being fabulously, astonishingly alive. We may not understand all the mysteries of this life, but we’re here for them. And right now, we’re here for the holidays—imperfect, human, and wondrously alive.
So, let’s revel in the magic of being here together. Happy Holidays!
Onwards and upward!
David Stewart
Founder
Body Wisdom
Your Body Knows Before Your Brain
Here’s something new: Emotions are your brain’s way of making sense of physical signals from your body—not reactions triggered by external events. This process happens in milliseconds, preparing you to respond, which is why knowing how (and where) your body feels emotions is so important. A groundbreaking study published in PNAS attempted to map out where we physically feel emotions, and the results are fascinating. For instance, anger can be felt in the upper chest and limbs; love can create warmth across the chest, face, and arms; and sadness? It tends to weigh down the chest and limbs. Where do you hold your emotions?
Try this body map practice to see where you feel your emotions: Start by thinking of an emotion, like love. Picture someone you love, then pause and notice your body: Where do you feel sensations? Is it warmth, tingling, tightening, or openness? Observe the quality of your thoughts—what story or narrative arises? Repeat for emotions like frustration, joy, or fear to create your personal body map of emotions.
Eat Well
Are You Magnesium Deficient?
The answer is probably yes. Over 50% of people in the U.S. don’t get enough of this essential mineral, according to research. Not only does magnesium play a starring role in over 300 bodily functions, from calming your nervous system to supporting heart health, muscles, sleep, and immunity, but it also helps make another star player, vitamin D, more bioavailable (more absorbable by your body). Together, these nutrients form a dynamic duo that helps regulate inflammation, strengthen bones, and support overall vitality.
If you’re confused about how to get more magnesium in your diet, you’re not alone. Here’s what you should know: Magnesium is magnesium when you get it from foods. It’s the supplement world that breaks it into magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, etc. You can get magnesium from an Epsom salt bath (magnesium sulfate). But your holiday table may be full of magnesium-rich foods—dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, and whole grains. Make them part of your meals to feel more energized, calm, and resilient.
Did You Know?
Ladies: It’s Time to Cold Water Plunge
Cold water swimming isn’t just a bold test of resilience—it might be a new secret weapon for menopause relief. A new study published in Post Reproductive Health suggests that cold water swimming might offer natural relief for menopause symptoms, both physically and mentally. Women who make a regular habit of cold water swimming report significant improvements in mood, energy levels, sleep quality, and a reduction in hot flashes and anxiety. Researchers credit the combo of invigorating cold exposure, the endorphin boost of exercise, and the camaraderie of swim groups. Ready to dive in? It might just be the refresh your body and mind need!
Stay Amazed
Here’s How to Unlock Your Brilliance
Stuck in a rut? Want to spark more creativity in your life? Make a habit of moving your body when you want inspiration to strike. Science says so. A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that physical activity is a catalyst for creativity. Researchers found that movement helps people experience more creative breakthroughs. Successful writers who take long walks, entrepreneurs who brainstorm mid-workout, musicians who find melodies on a run—it’s not coincidence; it’s biology.
Here’s how it works: Physical activity increases blood flow to brain regions associated with creative thinking, including the prefrontal cortex (the conductor and the editor of creative thought), while enhancing neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to adapt, rewire, and grow) and supercharging divergent thinking (your brain’s ability to connect ideas in new ways). It also quiets mental noise, creating space for your brilliance to emerge.
Stuff We Love
Destination Inspiration
Bürgenstock Resort, Lake Lucerne: Calling your inner James Bond! Sitting 500 meters above Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock Resort is a melding of altitude, brutalist design, and luxury. Take a cliff-edge hike with jaw-dropping views, test your limits at a parkour rope park on top of Mount Pilatus, or work alongside chefs in their culinary masterclass. Then, unwind in the Alpine Spa with breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Recipe of the Week
Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Few things feel as timeless and indulgent as the holiday pairing of chocolate and peppermint. Melt premium chocolate with coconut oil, spread it on a baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top. Let it set in the fridge, break into pieces, and enjoy a festive, antioxidant-rich treat that supports a healthy metabolism. Try it!
A Must-Read
The Spirit of Hope, by author Byung-Chul Han, is a call to action, reminding us that hope isn’t passive—it’s transformative. Han explores how hope unites communities, fuels imagination, and restores purpose to life. Brief yet profound, it’s an essential reminder: our best years are still ahead.
