Mindful Monday - February 1st
Good morning all,
Can you believe it is February already? Congratulations, you have made it past the first month of the year and are doing well!
A big well done to the many of you who completed Dry January, too. How are you feeling?
Most people I’ve spoken to have said they are feeling more vibrant, sleeping better and not actually missing alcohol that much. Our other director, Craig, has been using a Whoop strap during his Dry January and has found it quite fascinating. During his first 10 dry days, his variable heart rate and recovery scores were disappointingly low, but then improved significantly after that (excluding last weekend, where I suspect he enjoyed a martini or two for his birthday on Saturday - happy birthday mate!). It’s always useful to have a tangible metric to know what you are doing is actually making positive changes.
I suppose the next question is – what to do now?
Do you order a pizza and jump back on the wagon? Why not! I buy all my wine from a wonderful client of ours at Sociovino (formerly Delivered by Astrum). Definitely worth a look for some more interesting tipples…
OR
Since you’re doing so well, can you continue for another month and/or maybe add in some new healthy habits?
How about a walk before work each morning?
Or perhaps a new online exercise class after work a few times a week – maybe there’s a class you’ve always wanted to try but never have?
Maybe it’s simply sticking to your work hours if working from home, and not falling into the time void?
An extra serving of plants with lunch or dinner?
Drinking one more glass of water a day?
Switching to decaf or herbal tea for the month?
Calling (actually calling, not messaging) a friend during your lunch break for a chat each week to see how they’re doing?
Or finally opening that deep and inspirational book you bought to better yourself, that's been gathering dust for the last three years on your dresser, instead of rewatching Friends again?
It doesn't have to be anything crazy but adding in new little habits and sticking to them consistently creates more new, positive patterns and habits. If you are unsure of what you could do and are coming in to see us, have a chat to your practitioner – I’m sure they would love to help you achieve anything you have in mind or offer some inspiration based on how your body is functioning.
Remember – spring is only four weeks away…
Age Positive
Here's a lovely story. A competition was recently run to redesign ageist road signs portraying older people as hunched-over, walking stick-wielding figures. The winning masterpiece has a couple dancing their way across the road with a dancing cane. Super fun!
Cycle for fresh air
This one may seem a little obvious but bear with me... Sure, cycling is often associated with fresh air, but not necessarily if you commute in a big busy city. Enter Rolloe. This crazy clever wheel tech filters air as it turns and creates a clean bubble of air for the cyclist. Nice one guys.
Rewatching... Chef's Table
This is an old favourite. Yep, it's basically a show about chefs cooking, but with such an artistic feel and a soundtrack to match each and every episode, it feels more like a travel documentary filled with all the tastes and smells of the world. Get ready to make a list of places to go and things to eat!
Enjoy your first week of February (and that glass of wine, if that’s the path you’ve chosen).
Big love,
Luke X