Methods to improve mindfulness, productivity, and fitness
Lord of the Lists — part I
The ideas that I am presenting in this three-part series are that I have been using for several months. Most of these methods are focused on improving one particular aspect of our working day. The new break period between meetings. I am not a fan of making lists but this is the most effective form of sharing what’s on my mind. The story I want to share with you today has many roots. They stem from my own life.
While most of us are working from home, we have also witnessed a dramatic increase in the bane of corporate existence — meetings. No one loves them but somehow we cannot get enough of them. A lot of companies have started to implement ending meetings ten minutes early to allow people to recharge. Microsoft even conducted a fair amount of research on this topic (which I really appreciate that they did).
Here are some of the things that I have started to play within those ten minutes with commentary on the background, and my notes. Enjoy!
Take a break with Adriene
Disclaimer — always check with your GP before you take up any new physical activity. This post is educational only and not instructional.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my wife and I were lounging. But, we also wanted to prepare for the upcoming week. For some reason, I felt no energy and my feet were sore. I decided to toss a quick ten-minute stretch using a downward-facing dog, and a heel-sit position that helped my fascia. The results were amazing. My feet did not feel sore anymore but I suddenly felt a surge of energy that I was not expecting.
The story of Adriene’s rise in the Yoga field is an amazing one. One can argue that the field of yoga is so saturated that it would be hard for someone to get any traction. But, her love for yoga, and desire to help others, simplicity, and a no-fuss approach to teaching yoga are exemplary. This reflects in every single moment of every video that I have practiced from her. Countless people will bear testimony of how much Adriene has helped them. If you let me, I will gush for another hour or two, but you get the idea. So, I will stop. Below is my favorite one that I have done several times — it is an amazing stretch.
What you can do with Trala?
I know that most of the joy in my life has come to me from my violin — Albert Einstein
I have always wanted to learn a musical instrument. For years, I have tried my hand at the Carnatic flute. I am still at beginner level — partly, I blame the lack of a good app to teach me. But, this is an excuse. I had a highly devoted teacher who was willing to teach me but I was not disciplined enough to follow rigorously.
However, with violin, it was different — Trala to the rescue. Trala is a fantastic app that allows me to learn violin with very good feedback using the app itself. I leave the violin in my office room ready to be played at a moment’s notice. As soon as a meeting ends, I can pick up my violin, launch the app and play for a solid ten minutes. Getting in a few of these sessions throughout the week has been a pretty amazing gift of the work from home — a pandemic situation.
One quick note — Trala does offer an option to shop for violins inside of their app but I found a cheaper one at Amazon that works really well at a beginner level. You can always pass your violin to someone else in your friends or family as you graduate to deeper levels.
Do nothing
Well, not nothing. Just very little. I have spent many hours on headspace. More than 10, 000 minutes. I will be lying if I did not add that many times, I just fall asleep while ‘meditating’ but it still counts, right?
After a heavy morning with meetings, it’s a good break to just open up the headspace app and meditate. I have experienced interesting flow during my meditation sessions but that’s not the point. Sitting down to meditate without any expectation of achieving a clear mind at the end of it is something you should, well, not expect. No preconceived notions, no expectations. Just sit and observe your mind. Feel the noise of the words that you heard and spoke during your meetings slowly fade. Experience the magic of silence. But, again, no expectations.
Closure
There you have it. This marks the conclusion of the first part of my trilogy on including elements that will engage your senses through your workday. I know it is not a trilogy if each piece is only a 5 min read. But, still, it’s the thought that counts.
For most days, I am like a kid in a candy store that keeps trying different things. But, you can be different. Pick one method that gives you joy and keep at it. It will pay dividends over time (that I am sure of). Or if you are like me, come join the team — there’s room for one more.
Watch for part II in the coming days where I will discuss another set of techniques. Thanks for reading.
Disclaimer — I am not affiliated with any of these companies or individuals. There are no affiliate links — I am only sharing what I have personally used for a long time and enjoyed.
Our pandemic lives are full of stories — weary and cheery. I wanted to share a recent story by Maia Sham that is a mix of both. Read her beautifully written piece here — also, don’t miss the piece she recommends at the end of her article by Sujona Chatterjee. Sujona dwells on the never-ending battles of everyday life — the link to her article is further below.
