February 2026 letter - more about change

In last week's letter, I talked about how the new year means a new beginning for many of us. We make new plans and New Year's resolutions. These plans involve changing old habits and routines. We can make these changes much more easily if we can honestly look at our own lives, its challenges and achievements from our own perspective.

So we look specifically at what in our own habits or routines is something that supports us in our goals and then again what is something that is not beneficial to us. In this way, we take responsibility for our lives, what we ourselves can do for our own well-being. I have previously talked about how we all have certain learned, subconscious habits and beliefs. It would be important to learn to recognise these subconscious habits or routines so that they can then be changed if necessary. Subconscious habits are those that we do not do intentionally, but automatically, without noticing. For example, we may be used to blaming other people or some other external factor, such as the weather, or any circumstance for why we cannot carry out our plans. When we make changes in our lives, that is, move outside our usual ‘comfort zone’, we very often subconsciously begin to sabotage our attempts at change using these very means. We look for excuses.

Neuroplasticity, the plasticity of the brain, means the brain’s ability to change and shape itself throughout life, based on new experiences, learning and changes in the environment. The absorption of new information and the learning of new beliefs, habits and skills shape the brain’s neural networks, creating new neural connections. So you can unlearn old beliefs and habits, but it is often difficult, as they are subconscious, automatic patterns of action.

I thought I would create a short and easy healthy habits challenge to support the possible changes that we have thought about making this year. I will go through the new steps every week for the next few weeks. This is the first week and the topic is mindful presence and observation. Being present means consciously focusing on the present moment, without letting your thoughts wander to the past or future. Being present helps us to observe and accept our own feelings, thoughts and environment, without judging them in any way. The purpose of being present is to become aware of those subconscious habits, to observe them, without any self-judgment or criticism, this is just observing.

So this first step does not involve changing anything yet – it is just about observing, being present. Such awareness is the foundation of sustainable health. So many of us just rush through life without focusing on the present moment, and we do not notice our own repetitive habits or patterns.

Be mindful of what, when, and how you eat – put your devices away and pay attention to your food, your chewing, your meal timing. Pay attention to your movement, sleep, stress, and energy levels – keep a journal, audio notes, whatever works best for you. Don’t try to “fix” anything yet – that will happen after you’ve practiced observation and mindfulness.

As you observe, consider the following: What habits are supporting your health right now? What habits might be holding you back?