It has been more than two months since the last post, with my blog suffering the same fate as the shoemaker’s children. Indeed, business has been brisk, so while I look after my clients’ marketing and communications, my own have been spotty!
Nonetheless, I took a few notes early summer, in particular from a July “Bulletproof Radio” podcast. I’m a coffee junkie like host Dave Asprey (creator of Bulletproof Coffee), and frequently make time to listen to his lineup of biohackers and other high-performance experts.
This particular guest, exercise physiologist Greg Wells, Ph.D., was remarking on how consumed with work and productivity we have been prior to COVID-19, and how this pandemic presents an opportunity for a reboot.
“Let’s reimagine how we want to feel in the future. Do we want to fill our lives back up with all of these activities and all this busyness? Or do we want to be intentional about health first, happiness first, joy first, connection first, and then pick and choose the things to drop into our lives to make them better with intention instead of compulsion.”
When I first heard those words, Ontario was just getting into Phase 3 of reopening, with retail ramping up, and indoor dining newly available, along with the coveted opportunity to get your hair cut, coloured and styled.
And no surprise, we soon began falling back into old habits. Busier stores and roadways (along with lineups and traffic), quickly eroded the patience and civility that were so refreshing early in this pandemic.
An even more stark example is happening south of the border, where a toxic brew of coronavirus, conspiracy theories, and civil unrest has made it difficult – if not nearly impossible – to recover stronger after COVID.
But here in Canada, I’m still optimistic we can do it. That is, if we can learn from our neighbours and drop all the silly (and grossly unproductive) partisanship. For the time being, let’s forget about political stripes, and engage in what matters. Like meaningful connection. For example, scheduling a few minutes each day to call (or Zoom) a family member or friend.
Self-care is another biggie.
If, like me, you’re feeling more stressed by the news than the actual possibility of catching COVID, starting a daily meditation practice may help ease your anxiety. And the benefits to mood and cognition are legion.
Slotting in some regular exercise, like a morning walk, followed up with a coffee and an online course provides another great start to the day, keeping in mind that exercise and education are cumulative – and an investment in your future.
I read a quote from French author Marc Levy that speaks about waking up each morning to $86,400 in your bank account – equal to the number of seconds in a day. The only catch is the bank will not carry over to tomorrow any remaining balance you didn’t either spend or invest.
“Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in happiness and health. The clock is running. Make the most of today.”
Wise words to live by, and inspiration for each of us to continually move forward – and build back better – while much of the world is standing still.
Let’s get started.
Neil Moore is a communications specialist, freelance journalist, masters athlete, and family man who believes that excellence has no expiry date. That being said, Neil is not a medical doctor. This blog is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice.
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