New Habit
Manifesto
When we set out to create study controls, we quickly realized introducing new behaviors into people's lives would be tricky... how does a person not only select a new habit, but also stick to it for the designated time frame?
How would we researchers know if they stuck to their habits?
​
we created a manifesto to help us establish study controls that we call "new habits."
-
It's natural - that means the new habit does not involve prescription drugs, surgery, chemicals and so on. This also means The General Study does not support reducing or eliminating prescriptions, recreational drugs, or alcohol consumption.
-
The Participant is in control - you choose your new habit. You choose to log the information. You choose to share your logs.
-
It's possible - the new habit is not a crazy impossible act. It may be challenging, but it is doable.
-
It's traceable - the new habit can be logged on a daily basis - either on the honor system, or you may choose to track it with an application. But it can be tracked.
making it real
Below are actual "new habits" we currently use in our study design.
Unless you are with a specific Private or Partner study, you choose your new habit.
​
Make sure your doctor gives you a thumbs up! before you start.
Your Nutrition
#1 New Habit -
remove processed sugar from your diet.
​
Duration: 14 - 30 days (you select)
​
Logging: use a food logging application, like fitbit, weight watchers, or nutisystem. Submit your log the day before your second QEEG.
​
Specifics: It's straight-forward...
No cane or beet sugar, no maple syrup, no corn syrup, no honey, no artificial sweeteners.
​
Basically, if you are thinking... can I have that? The answer is probably, "No. :-)
​
Reality: very few people make it 100% because it is really hard to get away from processed sweeteners. So, log the times you included sweeteners in your day and move on.
Your Body
#2 New Habit -
get sweaty 30-minutes a day.
​
Duration: 14 - 30 days (you select)
​
Logging: use an exercise logging application, like Fitbit, Class Pass, Workout Trainer, Asana Rebel. Submit your log the day before your second QEEG.
​
Specifics: It's straight-forward too...
Carve out 30-minutes each day to get sweaty. Take a brisk walk, climb the office stairs, go to yoga, calisthenics. Do what you enjoy. Do it. Track it. Log it.
​
Reality: most people can do this one - but they may need to stay motivated, use alarms, calendar reminders, etc. You'll quickly discover what works for you.
Your Spirit
#3 New Habit -
spend 7-minutes a day in a mindful way.
​
Duration: 14 - 30 days (you select)
​
Logging: use a meditation logging application, like headspace. Submit your log the day before your second QEEG.
​
Specifics: It's also straight-forward...
Dedicate 7-minutes of your day to your inner self. Guided meditation, prayer, or focused breathing.
​
This does not include blissing out in your car. Your brain is very active while driving.
​
Reality: quieting your mind and establishing a moment for reflection takes discipline - but you can do this! And the benefits are a-ma-zing.