SI 013: Three things you can do TODAY

It's February, which means it's spring, right? RIGHT?!!

As I write this message to you, the sun is streaming in through my office window and I feel hopeful that warmer weather is on its way...

But the weather, like many things, is outside my control.

What is within my control?

My actions.

Look, I know your current state of health and wellness is not all down to you.

You have been affected by external stuff... chance, environment, other people's decisions and actions... and this has had an impact on your wellbeing.

But the thing is, you can't control that stuff so there isn't much use in dwelling on it (other than to learn from it)

So what can you do?

Here are three things you can do right now to start making a positive difference to your wellbeing:

 

1. MOVE

Get up from wherever you are, and have a stroll, or stretch, or do some press ups, or dance around - whatever is accessible to (and enjoyable for) you.

It really doesn't matter what it is, just move your body for five minutes and your brain will release serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, BDNF as well as a bunch of endorphins... all of these things will help balance you out and relieve some stress.

 

2. DRINK SOME WATER

Let's be honest, you probably don't drink enough. Most people don't 🤷🏼‍♂️

Grab a glass or a bottle, fill it up and get it down you.

Even just 2% dehydration impairs mental and physical performance, so stay hydrated and you'll feel (and operate) way better.

 

3. GET SOME FRESH AIR

Unless you're one of the minority who are lucky enough to have an outdoor job, you probably spend too much time in a stuffy office.

Get some fresh air and natural light, and not only will you feel more alert NOW, but you'll also sleep better tonight and feel more alert tomorrow.

Why not combine this with the first two points? Fill up your water bottle, and take it with you for a walk outside, if you can.

 

4. CONNECT WITH SOMEONE

I tell you what, why not take someone with you on that walk? Get them to grab a water bottle and join you.

That way someone else is getting all the same benefits, and you've had a positive impact on their wellbeing, but you get another bonus effect of connecting with someone.

We humans are social creatures, and this kind of connection is vital for wellbeing, quality of life and longevity.

In fact, social isolation increases all-cause mortality regardless of other factors - so make sure you nurture your relationships with others.

 

Oh wait, that's four things... you got a bonus one! 😅

This isn't ground-breaking stuff, and I could have included way more ideas and tips... but the key is making this stuff simple and accessible.

You may well want/need more than this, but this is a starting point which is probably going to benefit you.

It may even lead to you making other positive decisions for your wellbeing - this stuff has a knock-on effect.

So, are you going to take my advice today?

Let me know in a comment 😊

(and subscribe to get the newest edition of the Slight Improvement newsletter straight to your inbox every week)

Until next week…

Big love,

Jay x