Get more done, and feel better? In a fast pace society — it is possible.
Apparently April is stress awareness month, like mental health I think we should be talking about this every month, and yet, here we are.
For those who want the tips without the reasons or learnings:
𝐁𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞:
1. Take some calls as voice only, and walk or sit in a quiet place. Theres a space between ‘meeting should be an email’, and video calls that is perfect for this.
2. Prioritise 2 or 3 messages/emails, and walk around your block with your phone. Staring at a screen outside is better than inside, even if you are only drafting a response.
3. Scattered, procrastinating or stuck on a problem. Take pen and paper and sit nearby: doorstep, park bench, bus stop. Gather your thoughts/priorities and jot them down, then get back to getting it done.
Working as a founder of a company, we are constantly working to solve mental health problems for others. Unsurprisingly, we have learnt not to neglect our own well-being in the process. Countless hours of feedback calls with therapists and advisors, Sydney, Singapore, San Francisco.
We know it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes — we get that too.
I was laptop bound all of Monday, inside. But yesterday, I made sure to get out for a run and soak up some sunshine. Reflecting on this, yesterday was more productive, fulfilling and focused
It’s amazing how taking a few moments to enjoy the great outdoors can make all the difference in your day.
I don’t have time for a run today.
But I’m going to taking a short walk for meeting, instead of sitting inside.
While getting things done, going outside is also hugely beneficial to your mental health.
1. More time in nature = less stress, improved mood and more resilient to conflict,
2. More time in nature = better cognitive processing and decision making,
3. By using the outdoors to manage your stress you are less likely to turn to other crutches or unhealthy behaviour to cope.
These are some of my learnings. I have come to love the outdoors, both as a hobby, way to cope with stress and process present challenges.
While we can all benefit hugely from using green spaces, for many disadvantaged people or those living with disabilities, finding outdoors spaces to enjoy can be difficult or impossible.
If you are in a position to advocate for others rights to access, security and safety when in the outdoors please do.
We can all make changes in our local communities that can improve the access of others to the outdoors and nature, and benefit from the societal changes that come with it.
