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Short Video I’m Re-Visiting:
The Art of Living with Less Stress
Something we could all probably benefit from at this point, eh?
Many years ago, I stumbled upon this short video clipped from a Tim Ferriss podcast with author and entrepreneur, Derek Sivers. Although I wasn’t particularly stressed when I first watched it, it transformed my outlook on time and our struggles to “manage it”.
I highly recommend viewing the ~4-minute clip to get the full effect but briefly, Derek tells a story about how he altered his morning bike ride from a ride full of huffing and puffing so he could get it done ASAP to one of dialing back the cadence, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the beautiful California sunrise.
And when he checked his watch at the end of it, he discovered it took him roughly 2 minutes longer with the latter approach.
It reminded me of how much we do on the daily with speed as our ultimate goal – whether that be to check a box or just get on with the next thing our day has in store for us.
Why not take a few minutes longer to enjoy the experience of doing whatever the thing is rather than skyrocketing our stress levels by rushing through and losing sight of the present moment?
Even a matter as simple as driving home from work can illustrate this lesson nicely.
As Chicago drivers will concur, one can dominate the left lane, honk at those who dare get in their way, and blow through red lights.
Or there’s the option to sit back, throw on some relaxing music, put the windows down, and embrace the car ride home which may take a few minutes longer.
In the scheme of things, it’s the driver that welcomes the ride home who’s likely much more relaxed and enjoys a calmer, stress-managed life.
There’s a lesson in that and I’m re-visiting it so it sinks in.
Post-it Note Strategy:
I’ve noticed that whenever I get to the end of a long day, my monkey mind defaults to its preprogrammed setting.
That is, to ask the question “What could have gone better today?”
And as human beings, this is a normal question to ask.
We are wired to gather experiences and interpret their success or lack thereof to improve future ones.
That’s an A-OK mindset and one that allows for growth and maturation.
However, it can also be a short-sided viewpoint.
When we got bogged down by what could have been, we lose sight of what actually was.
This can quickly transform into a self-improvement spiral where we get obsessed with analyzing and criticizing every little “mishap”.
No matter how small.
To push back against this, I took Chris Williamson’s advice and posted a simple message on my bathroom mirror – one that I’m obliged to see each night as I wind down for bed.
It reads “What went well today?”
Instead of considering the hundreds of things I could’ve said differently, done more of, or not put off, I shift my mindset to thinking of the things that went well.
It could be something as simple as listening to an insightful podcast on the morning commute, a good cup of joe at home on the patio, squeezing in a 15-minute walk at lunch, meeting a deadline, fill in the blank.
It doesn’t matter how big or small, focus literally on anything that made you feel good about your day.
Even just considering one thing can shift our often negative-focused outlook to one that’s more positive and optimistic.
Simple Meal Enhancement:
As you all know by now, I’m a scavenger for ways to spice up meals so I don’t risk burnout while keeping life simple on the nutrition front.
And I’ve recently picked up on a new method to my madness.
First, if you haven’t invested in a rice cooker yet… do it.
Quite literally the best cost-benefit item I’ve purchased.
Anyway, after countless weeks of making good ol’ white rice, I attempted a subtle change to the complex recipe.
Rather than water, I used chicken broth for the base and although it didn’t transform into a Michelin star side dish – it made just enough change to keep me satisfied for a few more months.
Sometimes it’s the little things.
Extra points for using bone broth to squeeze in some additional collagen!
What else?
I’m competing in a 5k race tomorrow which reminds me that it’s nearing Turkey Trot sign-up season. Not many better ways to start a day full of eating than logging a 3.1-mile run/walk!
Stop and smell the roses; life is better that way.
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DISCLAIMER
This is NOT Medical advice. Consult your medical professional before starting any supplement, diet regimen, or workout program.