Oct??ber Edition

This newsletter is a call for you to get curious with yourself, and offer five tips each month on Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep and Relationships.

The content is put out in the “Middle” of the month, to focus us on our “MidLife” journey.

5 inter-linking areas. Miss one, and it impacts on the others. ? All five need to be constantly worked on.? And, the more focus, the better all five become.

Mindfulness & Mindset

In the last month I came across a simple book by Pink Pritchett called "You Squared". Consisting of just 44 pages, it explores the concept of the "Quantum Leap". Something that is so distinctly different that it creates a massive change in outcomes.

The book is short, but succinct, and left a lasting impression on me. Challenging me to examine behaviours that I may have come to accept, but are not serving me. What are you doing that is just habit, but is not effective?

Energy Changes with the Seasons

You will have already noticed it... the shorter days, the nip in the air, the first frosts on the windscreen. And at the end of the month, the clocks change.

A lot of people can struggle with the darker nights and cooler temperatures. Here's a few tips:

1. Routine. It can be really tempting to stay under that duvet, and cuddle up to Instagram on your phone. Before you know it, 1/2 an hour has gone. Do that every day for 3 months, and that's the equivalent of a WHOLE WEEK (40 hours) of lost time. Set a habit to get out of bed, ditch the phone, and get some movement into your limbs.
2. Indulge in rest. Winter does actually encourage us to rest, so create some me time. Hot bath, cosy hot chocolate, warm fire, netflix series, a good book. Try to avoid snacks and alcohol whilst doing this, as it is counter-productive.
3. Get out there. Yes, it can be fierce in the biting wind, but deep down, we thrive on fresh air, and light. Build into your day time outdoors. Appreciate the crunch of the leaves, the ice breaking in the puddles, the cobwebs glistening on farm gates. This is all about circadian rhythms. As my mum used to say "It's not bad weather, it's bad clothes".

Nutrition and the 3 K's

Kombucha, Kimchi and Keffir.? These are full of natural pro-biotics that are great for the gut.? And, they are super simple to make at home.? The link between the gut and the brain is becoming more and more well proven to impact on mood, the immune system, and lifespan.

Have a look at this simple method for a bit of DIY Keffir. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-kefir (source BBC Good Food)

Sleep

Have you heard the "I'm just not a morning person". Well, there might be some truth in that. Do this test to see if you are more "morning" or "evening". https://qxmd.com/calculate/calculator_829/morningness-eveningness-questionnaire-meq

AND, if you ever in doubt about how important sleep is to your health, and life, dive in to this podcast: https://spotify.link/97iYu09EKDb

Relationships

Looking to have a really "good" conversation? Try asking this question at the right time in the next few days. “What have I done recently that has annoyed you”?? And then be prepared to listen without any defensiveness, and then repeat back with understanding.

Finally, a Thought for the Month:

Writer?Jeanette Winterson on forgiveness:?"The way you depict your own life is important. For some people, it's either revenge—they're always looking for someone else to blame and to get back at—or it's tragedy because the whole thing is such a bloody mess and they'll never get out of it. But the moment that you can forgive, you take back the power and the healing waters flow."

See you in November, around the 15th.

Please comment, or share, I welcome any perspectives, good, bad or different.? Feedback is a gift. And remember, ?? One Life, Love Life, Living Life.??