Lockdown 149

Lockdown Day 149 - 22 August 2020

This morning I set out on my normal Saturday "long walk". I contemplated what was in the past and what could possibly lie in wait for the future. After writing about bad addictions yesterday, I thought about how good 'addictions' should be part of our daily routine. Let's call it habits. Like having a block of dark chocolate with a cup of coffee. Or Lindor with a mocha. 

According to research Chocolate plays a part in the serotonin cycle: the carbohydrate in chocolate triggers an increase of tryptophan, which helps the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, key for humor and happiness. 

Furthermore, chocolate prevents fast elimination of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin=serenity. Therefore chocolate (of course in moderation) can bring balanced calm. Caffeine makes your brain more resilient and flexible, proving to be antioxidative, preventing certain forms of degeneration in the brain. 

The jury is out on how much of each we need. To my surprise I found most of the research done actually shows we get too little, because of the fact that we are constantly warned against these two 'beauties' all the time. 

It is said the less sugar in a chocolate and the closer the coffee to the bean, the better. This gives you the brain boost you need. Apparently 8 cups of espresso is allowed, and if you find that a tall order, replace 2 cups with chocolate! Suddenly something in me goes, "Mm hm, aha, YEAH💃!"  Chocoffee, here I come!

Later, while sitting in the green room enjoying the last of the sun, I sip my cup of Nespresso Venezia while savouring a block of Nova (local is lekker) dark with smooth peanut butter mini slab (thanks N!), I am in guilt-free heaven. Not only am I servicing my serotonin stash, but strengthening my brain too.

Such is the consuming of the Word too. Guilt free strength. In the words of Psalm 119:131, "I open my mouth and inhale the Word of God because I crave the revelation of Your commands." 

Ggt.