The beginning of a New Year always brings with it some degree of transition as we embrace a new start. Unfortunately, 2021 begins with a continuation of Covid. While the first phase found us re-connecting with home and family, the timing of this second wave offers an opportunity to improve ourselves mentally, physically, and professionally. Businesspeople are meditating, taking (online) courses, and reading more than ever. They are looking for ways to connect and collaborate that will improve their health and expand their viewpoint as well as their mind.
Michelle Cederberg a Calgary based speaker, coach and entrepreneur recently posted this on her Facebook page – “Too much computer time today meant I REALLY needed to get outside. I was feeling tired, but rather than skip, I chose a flattish route, and stuck to pathways instead of single-track. I was rewarded with fresh air, sunshine and a boost of energy to finish off the day.” Michelle liberally shares not only her professional life but also how she bikes and walks her dog, Lilly. As a health and productivity specialist, she recognizes the importance of taking care of the ‘whole’ businessperson.
While you have probably tapped into the ever-expanding array of webinars, meetings and virtual conferences that pertain to your business, what about the avenues to take care of the rest of you? Call it self-care or even self-love; your mental and physical health need attention, too.
To begin, there are some amazing documentaries out there that, for an hour or so, speak to our imagination and restlessness.
My Octopus Teacher is a 2020 Netflix Original that documents a year spent by filmmaker Craig Foster forging a relationship with a wild common octopus in a South African kelp forest.
The Kindness’ Diaries about a man who travels the world with only a vintage motorbike and the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways.
If food is more your escapism, there is Anthony Bourdain’s final travel series, Parts Unknown. He gives the limelight to cuisines and cultures from post-Great Recession Detroit to the small island of Madagascar, located off the coast of Africa.
Don’t forget Ted Talks (ted.com), which has an array of the famous and not so famous speakers who cover everything from education, business, science, tech to creativity.
Meditation apps address many needs from sleeplessness to anxiety to literally how to take a deep, cleansing breathe in these trying times. Calm.com – has calming exercises and breathing techniques. There is even a Calm Kids section with meditations for kids between 3 and 17. The Sleep Stories section features some famous voices, but probably best not to check this out while you are working!
Simplehabit.com describes itself as ‘the best meditation app for busy people’. They offer a range of 5-minute exercises to help you get into consistent meditation designed for any time of day, personal situation, or goal.
Physically walking, biking are wonderful ways of getting a break and some fresh air. The internet also offers a lot of ideas on how to exercise without gym equipment.
For now, our physical world has grown smaller, but there are ways to expand oneself so when we finally do have that in person coffee with a friend or colleague you will be surprised at how many new ideas and fresh thoughts you have to share with them.
Finally, I want to finish this month’s column by wishing Newsy Neighbour a Happy 14th Birthday. Keep up the amazing work and we all appreciate your continued support of the business community.
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