Equilibria’s Post

Crafting the Perfect Saturday: A Guide to Elevating Happiness En route to the city for a coffee rendezvous with a friend, I'm reflecting on a profound insight by Martin Seligman, a professor beloved for his groundbreaking work in positive psychology. Seligman embarked on an ambitious endeavor to identify and test 500 global happiness practices, distilling them down to the top three most effective ones. Among these, the concept of "Perfect Saturday" stood out for its simplicity and transformative power. The premise is straightforward yet powerful: meticulously plan your entire weekend a week in advance, filling every hour with activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could range from leisurely pastimes to complete idleness, all tailored to your preferences. The key is to discuss these plans with loved ones, prepare for them throughout the week, and then fully immerse yourself in experiencing your perfectly curated Saturday. Scientifically validated, this practice significantly boosts happiness levels. Here's why: Escaping the 'Cheap Thrills' Trap: Just as there are simple and complex carbohydrates, pleasures too can be superficial or deeply fulfilling. Instead of indulging in fleeting joys like binge-watching under a blanket of ice cream, opt for more enriching experiences that leave a lasting impression. Savoring Anticipation: By planning and discussing your ideal day, you extend the joy of anticipation throughout the week, infusing even your workdays with a sense of upcoming celebration. Mastering the Art of Resting: In today's always-on culture, learning to truly disconnect and relax is an invaluable skill. Top athletes worldwide excel not just in their sport but in their ability to recover and rejuvenate swiftly. So, what does this all mean for us today? Although it might be Saturday already, and perhaps you haven't spent the week preparing, there's still ample opportunity to make today memorable and fulfilling. I'd love to hear from you in the comments: What's on your agenda for a day of world-class relaxation and leisure? Let's inspire each other with ideas for making the most of our Perfect Saturday. #Happiness #PerfectSaturday #Wellbeing #SelfCare

🌟 Day 21 of my wellness advent calendar 💚💜 A Heartfelt Pause - Navigating the Holidays with Empathy As we step into Day 21 of our wellness advent, I want to begin with a moment of empathy, acknowledging that not everyone experiences a joyous Christmas. In the midst of the festive cheer, let's hold a compassionate thought for anyone facing challenges, whatever they may be. 💜 For the midlife women in our community and beyond, I extend a special embrace, knowing that this season can evoke a spectrum of emotions. 🎄 Prioritize Your Peace: 'Tis the season for joy, not stress and overwhelm. Make a conscious decision to prioritize your peace of mind. Identify what truly matters to you during the holidays and focus on those aspects. 💆 Plan with Purpose: Planning can be your stress-busting ally. Outline a realistic schedule, set achievable goals, and avoid overcommitting. Allow flexibility in your plans to adapt to unexpected joys and challenges. 🌿 Savor the Simple Pleasures: In the rush of the season, don't forget to savor the simple joys. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of tea, a brisk walk in nature, or sharing laughter with loved ones, these moments can be powerful stress antidotes. 🎁 Mindful Gift-Giving: Reimagine gift-giving as a thoughtful, joyful act rather than a source of stress. Consider experiences, homemade gifts, or supporting local businesses. The essence of a gift is in the sentiment, not the price tag. 🧘 Embrace Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether it's meditation, deep breathing, or a mindful walk, these practices can center you amidst the holiday whirlwind. 🚫 Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline invitations or skip events that may add unnecessary stress. Recognise your limits and don't hesitate to graciously decline commitments that don't align with your well-being. 💬 Share Your Stress-Busting Tips: How do you navigate stress during the holidays? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below. Let's create a pool of wisdom to help each other embrace the festive season with calmness and joy! 💬🌟 Here's to a Christmas filled with serenity, cherished moments, and compassionate thoughts for all. 🌲✨ #wellnessadventcalendar #empathy #christmascalmness #MindfulLiving #midlifewellness

I was on a Teams call earlier today and one of my peers asked the very thoughtful question of the group – How are we prioritizing our own personal well-being during the busiest time of the year? I reflected on this all-important question, as too often self-care gets pushed to the side when leaders are supporting their teams through the Holiday season. As we are heading into the home stretch for the Holidays, let’s remember to take the time to make sure we are looking after ourselves so that we can better take care of others and enjoy all this festive time of year brings. Here’s a few of the ways I am working on my self-care this Holiday season: 1. 🏋♂️ Stay Active and Energized: I am lucky to be out-and-about with our teams daily at this point of the year, but I do make the time to incorporate physical activity into my routine – My go-to exercise is running, which not only enhances my overall well-being, but also boosts my mood. 2.  🍽 Eating and Drinking Mindfully: This time of the year is full of festive treats, but I try to indulge with mindfulness. Yes, the occasional Holiday cookie is fine, but I’ll also try to opt for more nourishing choices and staying hydrated during the busy days. 3.  😴 Prioritizing Quality Sleep: This one is an easier one for me after all the hustle and bustle of a day in retail, but the greatest gift I can give myself is the gift of sleep. I try to have a consistent routine at night and going to bed at a decent hour. I am working to limit my screen time in the evenings, turning instead to a couple of chapters of my latest read before bed. 4.  🤗 Connections with Loved Ones: This one can be tricky with family get-togethers over the Holidays (you know what I mean!) but spend the time with family and friends, sharing laughs, connecting, and making memories. Although it’s a busy time of the year, take as much time as you need with others to celebrate the time of year. As we get into the final seven days until the big day, remember that self-care is not selfish – It’s the best gift you can give yourself to help you to be at your best this Holiday season! 🎁 💖 #holidaywellness #SelfCare #QualityTime #Wellbeing #HappyHolidays   

The spiritual leader Ram Dass once said, 'If you think you're enlightened, spend a week with your family. ' This is the theme of my next in-person Breathwork session: how to deal with emotional triggers at Christmas. Most of us immediately know what Ram Dass means. Holiday season typically is seen as a time of year for family. The TV and radio are full of shiny adverts showing happy families and groups of friends gathered round a table, or tearing open presents under a lush glittering tree… 🎄 But what if your family isn’t like this? 🫤 What if, for various reasons, you somewhat dread this time of year?🫣 As we enter the holiday season, it can be filled with emotional triggers. Not just around family dynamics either! Maybe it’s the dark winter that gets you down! Or the social pressure connected to this time of year. With the right tools and support, we can transform these triggers and uncover the gifts within.🎁 ✨🌬️"This Moment Matters: Triggers During the Holiday Season - A Breathwork Special" on December 8th! 🌬️✨ Understanding how to cultivate internal safety and navigate emotional triggers is what I’m covering at this breathwork workshop! 🫁 This nourishing session is for you if you want to reclaim this season or deepen your presence amidst the festivities. 💫 I am so looking forward to holding this space again at The Active Wellness Centre in Manchester City Centre and with the support of my fellow awesome Breathworker Rebecca Ryder. There’s limited spaces, so grab your ticket whilst there’s still spaces here: https://lnkd.in/gwXxMfwQ Here's what's in store: 🎁 Date: Friday December 8th 2023 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 🏡 Location: Active Wellness Centre - Manchester Discover how to: 🌟 Cultivate internal safety - through learning to be present and listening to the body 🤝 Navigate emotional triggers - our triggers contain important knowledge for us to learn about our wounds and needs 🌬️ Engage in conscious connected breathwork - be supported in gently meeting challenging emotions that are holding you back from experiencing inner peace. There's just a few spaces left - tickets are here: https://lnkd.in/gwXxMfwQ #Breathwork #EmotionalIntelligence #Triggers #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealth

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝟳 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 The holidays are filled with joy, festivities, and...sometimes, exhaustion. As we return to routines, the post-holiday blues can hit hard. But before diving straight back into the grind, consider this: true rejuvenation requires diverse forms of rest. 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽, there are 7 types of rest crucial for well-being: 1. Physical Rest: Prioritize quality sleep, the movement you enjoy, and activities that nourish your body (think healthy meals, and fresh air). 2. Mental Rest: Disconnect from digital devices, practice mindfulness (meditation, journaling), and engage in hobbies that stimulate your mind without stress. 3. Social Rest: Balance socializing with solitude. Spend time with loved ones who energize you, but also carve out quiet moments for self-reflection. 4. Sensory Rest: Minimize sensory overload. Reduce screen time, dim lights in the evening, and seek calming environments like nature. 5. Emotional Rest: Address emotional burdens. Acknowledge your feelings, practice self-compassion, and engage in activities that bring emotional comfort. 6. Spiritual Rest: Connect with your values and purpose. Explore spiritual practices, spend time in nature, or engage in activities that uplift your spirit. 7. Creative Rest: Step away from work projects and creative demands. Engage in activities that spark joy and allow your mind to wander freely. By incorporating these forms of rest into your post-holiday routine, you can recharge, de-stress, and return to work feeling revitalized and ready to shine. Remember, rest is not a luxury, it's a necessity for thriving. Btw if you're currently hiring, give our tools a try to speed up your sourcing process https://lnkd.in/gHm3bjRN Or, those who are still looking for a job, check this website out: https://lnkd.in/gUESJUfV #productivity #wellbeingatwork

Hey there! It's finally December, and you know what that means - holiday celebrations and year-end parties! While these festivities are often associated with joy and quality time with loved ones, they can also bring along a fair share of stressors that can make you go, "Whoa!" Feeling the holiday stress already? Don't worry, we've got your back! ▫ Time to Channel Your Inner Zen with Mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can work wonders in helping you manage stress, particularly during the holiday season. Take a deep breath in and exhale all that stress out! ▫ Say no and prevent burnout. Speaking of stress, don't hesitate to decline extra commitments or invitations if you're feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries is essential to prevent burnout. ▫ A breath of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for your mood. Soak up natural sunlight to boost your feel-good hormone, serotonin, which makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ▫ Don't Let Finances Stress You Out. Avoid that post-holiday financial stress. Make a list, prioritize your expenditures, and get creative! Look for budget-friendly alternatives and thoughtful gift options that won't break the bank. Remember, holiday stress is common, but with a little mindful planning and some self-care, you can breeze through the season with ease and enjoyment. Hang in there, you've got this! #WellnessSurge #HolidayStress #Holidays #Wellness #EmployeeWellness #Stress

How's everyone feeling about the Big C? Santa is less than a week away🎄✨ Here's your reminder to prioritise self-care, especially if you're disabled or chronically ill (I'm writing this as much as a reminder to myself as anyone else) Here are some gentle reminders to make this time truly rejuvenating: ✨Set realistic expectations: Embrace simplicity. It's okay to adjust traditions to suit your energy levels. Focus on what brings you joy without overwhelming yourself. ✨Communicate your needs: Let your loved ones know how they can support you during the holidays. Honest communication ensures everyone understands your boundaries, fostering a more relaxed environment. ✨Plan rest breaks: Incorporate rest breaks into your festivities. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of tea or a short nap, scheduling breaks helps maintain your energy levels and ensures a more enjoyable experience. ✨Embrace virtual celebrations: If attending in-person events is challenging, consider virtual gatherings. Technology allows us to connect with loved ones from the comfort of our homes, promoting inclusivity and reducing physical strain. ✨Create a comfortable space: Designate a cosy area where you can unwind. Personalise it with soothing elements, making it a retreat when you need a moment of respite. ✨Practice mindfulness: Take time for mindfulness activities that resonate with you. Whether it's gentle meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply enjoying the stillness, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for relaxation. ✨Celebrate your achievements: You've rocked this year, I can tell. Reflect on your accomplishments throughout the year, big or small. Recognise your resilience and strength. Rest this season, prioritise yourself this season, and do what you need to do. Oh, and if you see me not doing this (I'm taking two while weeks off) then do let me know!🌟 #HolidayWellness #SelfCare #ChristmasRest #NewYearRelaxation

I will share with you some surprising strategies and hacks that will help you stay healthy and happy throughout the holiday season. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the festivities to the fullest while also taking care of your well-being.

"Sometimes you have to slow down in order to speed up" Mike Vance Today, public holidays are being celebrated in the UK, USA, and Canada—a perfect opportunity to step off the treadmill of work and focus on wellbeing. For many of us, being productive means spending more time working. It seems logical that the more time we devote to job tasks, the more we can accomplish. However, taking breaks instead of pushing through might be more beneficial than you realize. Like batteries that need recharging, we have a limited amount of physical and psychological resources. When our batteries run low, we feel depleted, exhausted, and stressed. Pushing ourselves to do more work can actually make us less productive and more fatigued. A few recharging ideas: 💤 Prioritize sleep. 🥗 Fuel for energy; good nutrition and hydration. 🏃♀️ Exercise and play (hobbies and healthy leisure activities). 🧘♂️Practice mindfulness such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. 📲 Unplug from technology. 🌳 Spend time in nature. 😜 Seek support. Talk to someone or connect with a supportive friend or family member who uplifts you. 📩 Set an out-of-office auto-reply on your email and voicemail. Most of all enjoy your Monday Holiday!