1 Theme
Change in Routine
Bank holidays mean the usual gym I go to doesn't open until later. I'm fortunate to be able to go to another close by JD gym.
This break in the monotony of my usual morning routine served me better than I expected.
I chose to go again on Wednesday for my Hyrox conditioning workout (so I could jump on/off a treadmill with more ease) and then on Friday so I could use a specific chest press machine.
The truth is, I've been monotonous in terms of training recently. Going through each week with little variation. While this routine works, it isn't always the most exciting and I decided I needed some novelty with my training.
Changing up my usual environment means seeing new people, new stimuli and a chance to be more present to break the chain of sameness.
2 Positive Outcomes
The Benefits Of Journaling
Last week, I said I was going to journal every day.
I didn't quite make it every day (4/7) however on the days I did I noticed a lighter feeling in my mental clarity.
For me, the most impact comes from getting the thoughts out your head and on to paper. When I do this in the evening I sleep better at night. It allows me to get away from screens and relax my brain one sentence at a time.
Cold Dipping
Another sense of novelty I introduced was going for a dip after 10 km run.
I'd go as far as saying this is one of the best ways to start the morning:
Run - Cold Dip.
From a recovery standpoint, the joints feel great afterwards and it sets you up for the day knowing you've already made yourself uncomfortable.
If you can withstand 3-5 minutes in 13-15 degree water you can take what the day throws at you.
Serving yourself each morning is going to make you more resilient as the day goes on. It comes down to what you value with your first hour of the day:
- Spending time with family
- Going a walk, cycling to work
- Workout
- Mental training (meditation, journaling)
3 Learnings
Being & Doing
I read a post on Instagram from another coach describing the differences between "being" and "doing" and how easy it is to be caught up in the state of constantly doing.
To me, "doing" relates actions and activities whereas "being" is your existence and identity.
So often we're caught up in the "doing" mindset (working, pushing towards the goal) we often forget the "being" (who we are fundamentally as a person, our values and beliefs).
External societal pressures push us down the path of "doing". Running the hamster wheel of what you "should" be doing rather than what aligns with your "being".
The two concepts aren't separate but interlinked.
Your "being" is reflected in what you choose to do.
The question is to reflect on whether what you're currently doing is in line with who you truly are.
The Opposite of Gratitude
As we focus on the future and what we'll have in the future, we lose focus on what we have in the now.
The sad part is we forget how good we have it currently (despite what you might believe).
Ingratitude results from a sense of entitlement. When someone feels they are entitled, they don't see a reason to show gratitude for what they have. There could come a point where you're left wishing you could come back to the current state you have.
Wins
If you want to make each day end of a positive note, write down your biggest win for the day.
I had a call a,couple of weeks back, with a client who was being hard on themself and required more positivity.
One of the outcomes was to write down/share a win each day.
Simple, yet effective.
I put the Ben Lomond climb on hold. I've not decided on a new date yet however, I will be doing it before the end of the summer.
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