Month: October 2023

  • 5 Ways of Well-Being

    From https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidmcleanatgetkeepgrow_learningagility-leadership-resiliency-activity-6889014561186361345-QN31/?trk=public_profile_like_view

    Introduction

    In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: our well-being. While we often associate well-being with physical health, it encompasses much more, including our mental, emotional, and even social health. This blog post aims to explore the 5 ways of well-being: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.

    Connect

    The Importance of Social Bonds

    Human beings are social creatures. Our connections with others form the bedrock of our well-being. Whether it’s family, friends, or even pets, these relationships offer emotional support, enrich our lives, and even improve our physical health.

    Technology as a Facilitator

    In the age of the internet, connecting with people has never been easier. Social media platforms, video calls, and even online gaming have become avenues for social interaction. These technologies have been particularly crucial during times of social distancing, where they offer the closest alternative to physical interaction.

    The Flip Side

    However, it’s essential to remember that online connections should not entirely replace face-to-face interactions. Over-reliance on digital platforms can lead to feelings of isolation and other mental health issues.

    Be Active

    Physical Health Equals Mental Health

    Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of well-being. It not only keeps you fit but also releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

    The Role of Technology

    Fitness trackers and smartwatches can monitor your physical activity, provide insights into your health, and even remind you to move. Virtual reality games can make exercise fun, and online platforms offer various workouts that you can do from the comfort of your home.

    A Word of Caution

    While technology offers many conveniences, it also promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Make it a point to balance screen time with physical activity.

    Take Notice

    The Art of Mindfulness

    Taking notice is all about being present. It’s about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and the world around us. This mindfulness can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

    Digital Aids

    Apps like Headspace offer guided meditation sessions that help you practice mindfulness. Environmental sensors can help you create a living space that positively impacts your well-being.

    The Need for Digital Detox

    While technology can aid mindfulness, it can also be a significant distraction. Designate tech-free times to practice mindfulness without interruptions.

    Keep Learning

    Lifelong Learning

    The process of learning doesn’t stop when we leave school or university; it’s a lifelong journey. Continuous learning challenges our brain, keeps us engaged, and improves our self-esteem.

    E-Learning Platforms

    Online courses, webinars, and educational apps make learning more accessible than ever. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby, learn a new language, or even pursue a new career, the resources are at your fingertips.

    The Balance

    While it’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, remember to balance learning with other aspects of well-being.

    Give

    The Joy of Giving

    Giving doesn’t necessarily mean material gifts. Time, attention, and emotional support are just as valuable. Acts of kindness not only benefit the receiver but also improve the well-being of the giver.

    Technology for Good

    Crowdfunding platforms and social media campaigns can amplify acts of giving. Virtual volunteering opportunities also allow you to give back to the community from your home.

    The Takeaway

    While giving is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of your well-being. It’s essential to know your limits.

  • 3 Daily Habits

    3 Daily Habits Ideas largely taken from

    The Habits are:

    1. Organize tomorrow today – Don’t let other people determine your priorities. a Good idea is Just before lunch, start planning for tomorrow. Split it into:
      • nice to have done,
      • the top 3 priorities
      • 1 must do.
    2. Say no – focus on whats important to you.
    3. Focus on 1 thing at a time. Focus on the next step us the strength of technology rather than get swallowed by it (getting swamped by new applications or lots of email)

    Also See

    The One thing

  • Brain Hack: 6 secrets to learning faster, backed by neuroscience

    Taken from

    The Challenge of Learning as You Age and How to Overcome It

    As we get older, the ability to learn new things can become increasingly challenging. However, there are several strategies to enhance your learning capabilities. Here are six essential tips to boost your learning effectiveness:

    1. Prioritize Attention

    Concentrating on a single task can significantly improve memory retention. Constantly switching between tasks can dilute your focus. To enhance your attention, consider stepping away from your mobile phone, practicing meditation, or even exercising, which has been shown to improve memory and focus for up to two hours afterward.

    2. Maintain Alertness

    Being alert can significantly improve your focus on tasks. Techniques such as controlled breathing, taking cold showers, and physical exercise can help. While caffeine can provide a temporary boost, remember that it’s impossible to maintain 100% alertness all the time.

    3. The Importance of Sleep

    Sleep not only affects your alertness but also plays a crucial role in immune function, metabolism, emotional well-being, and the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term ones.

    4. The Power of Repetition

    As the old adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” Repeating information over time is more effective than cramming all at once. Opt for shorter learning sessions spread over multiple days rather than trying to absorb everything in one go.

    5. Take Breaks

    Allow your brain some downtime to process and internalize new information. A 10-20 minute break post-learning can be beneficial. Wait at least an hour before diving into a new topic to give your brain ample time to assimilate what you’ve just learned.

    6. Embrace Mistakes

    Learning is an iterative process, and mistakes are an integral part of it. Understanding how to cope with failure can make you more resilient and enhance your learning experience.

    Sample Timetable for Learning a New Task: “Introduction to Python Programming”

    Day 1: Introduction to Python Syntax

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Breathing exercises to enhance alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study Python syntax (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and light exercise (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review Python syntax (Repetition)

    Day 2: Variables and Data Types

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Cold shower to boost alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study variables and data types (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and meditation (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review variables and data types (Repetition)

    Day 3: Control Structures

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Light exercise and a cup of coffee (Maintain Alertness)
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study control structures like loops and conditionals (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and a healthy snack (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review control structures (Repetition)

    Day 4: Functions and Modules

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Breathing exercises to enhance alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Study functions and modules (Prioritize Attention)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and light stretching (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Review functions and modules (Repetition)

    Day 5: Review and Practice

    • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Cold shower to boost alertness
    • 9:10 AM – 10:10 AM: Review all topics covered (Repetition)
    • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Short break and meditation (Take Breaks)
    • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Attempt a small project and note down any mistakes (Embrace Mistakes)

    Nightly Routine (All Days)

    • 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Wind-down routine to prepare for quality sleep (Importance of Sleep)

  • Time management

    largely taken from

    and https://www.udemy.com/course/productivity-and-time-management/learn/lecture/3958682#overview

    My takeaways:

    • We have 168 hours in a week which is a lot of time.
    • There is Time, Build the life you want from the time you have.
    • Let presume you are in a full time job =40 hours
      • sleeping 8 hours a night = 56 hours.
    • That Leaves 72 hours for other things.
    • Think about turning of Tech i.e phones and Tv
    • Could you find 8 hours in your week if your car broke down while driving your child to school? So time is there if it’s a high enough priority.
    • Time is highly elastic you cannot make more time, it can though stretch to accommodate what we choose to put in it. (Parkinson’s law)
    • So the key is prioritize those really important items and treat it with the importance of a broken car.
    • For the average person, I don’t have time really means it’s not important enough.
    • Tops tips use Top priorities for the day and week.
    • Plan your day, block out time, turn off phone and close slack and emails
    • Don’t try and multitask, stay focused on 1 core task at a time. You will get stuff done quicker overall as with a distraction on average it takes 15 mins to get back in the flow
    • Don’t let email and Slack interrupt and overly dictate your day.
    • Try and find solutions to save your time through things like automation
    • use Parkisons law to your benefit (think about working hard to a deadline )
    • the Jack Dorsey approach – think about having a theme for each day & batch activities i.e emails , training etc
    • Make use of “Dead” time (for example while you are travelling to work, 10 mins between meetings)
    • Think of your day as being like a Formula One race, you need to build in pit-stops (breaks) to get the most out of the race (day). You cannot run at 100% the whole day and race.