OK, may should is a little strong, but I’ve got to grab your attention, right? I do think that you will be best served by including these things in your life though.
In 2016, I plan to share each month a blog/vlog on my favourite things. This month is all about new beginnings and (for many) getting back into shape. So there’s a slant on that.
The truth is, that if you want to perform your best – at work, home and in relationships, then you must be “on point” – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Everything I teach is with this in mind. So you can have self-leadership through self-mastery. Then, you can start to lead and help others. Whether or not that’s at work, in the community or elsewhere.
So let’s get cracking!
A rebounder is effectively a mini trampoline. It’s great for so many reasons (see my YouTube video here for my TOP TEN REASONS TO REBOUND). I like it especially to wake up in the morning and get the body and mind moving. I think about my goals, my day or just jump about behaving like a little kid again. It’s weather independent and a great way to warm up and wake up before heading out to work or even the gym.
I recommend a bellicon rebounder over others I’ve tried because of their use of bungee cords (as opposed to springs) on their products. This will ensure it’s silent, soft (to land on and the joints) and not like jumping onto concrete (which other brands will feel after trying a bellicon!).
Yes, it’s pretty expensive. But I’ve learnt in all my product purchases that you really do get what you pay for a lot of the time. And this is one of those times that it’s worth going without that dinner (or 3!) out, or TV subscription for a while, to cover the added investment needed for one. Get one and you will thank me for it.
I love these little things. They are essentially a built in mp3 player headphone set. I don’t mean bluetooth connectivity to anything else either. I’m not so keen on having bluetooth (or phones even) right by my head. It also means nothing to carry, no wires to tangle or anything like that. And best of all (in my opinion) is that you can charge it to have 2hrs of battery life in about 2 minutes. Which is perfect for when you realise that it’s not charged as you are about to leave the house! It’s also rain proof so you can exercise with it outdoors in the rain. You simply drag and drop the music files on that you want. You can play back in order, or shuffle and skip tracks and entire folders should you wish. It stays on really well. I use mine every day while on the rebounder as then I can listen to what I want and not disturb anyone! Really recommend getting yourself a set.
I recommend that you have a dedicated water bottle. So that it reminds you to drink and you don’t re-use the disposable ones which are laden with nasty chemicals that can leach through to your water. Grab a non-BPA plastic (or glass bottle) and keep it with you. If you can get through 3-5 litres a day you’ll notice your energy increase and your focus and clear headedness. A water bottle like an aladdin can really help.
I use several different water bottles and containers – each have their purpose, and I’ll be sharing with you all of them in the coming months. The aladdin is my go-to for being out and about in general. It’s well designed and compact and holds about 600ml of water. I like the spout the best as I can gulp down water without spilling anything and should I choose to put something like a smoothie in it, it can still be drunk easily. It also has a wider opening to put in ice and make it easy to clean. The cap tightens well, so no spillages and the cap hasn’t broken (like some other ones I’ve tried)
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to water bottles (and like I said, I use a few) and this is one that I really like. So if you don’t have one, I’d recommend the aladdin.
This little beauty is created by a friend of mine (Alex Ikonn – entrepreneur and co-founder with his wife Mimi Ikonn of Luxyhair) and his friend UJ Ramdas.
When I researched high performers, one thing many had in common was a journalling practise. I’ve on & off written things in a journal since I was 10, but usually these are occasional ramblings separated by years of inactivity! This takes about 3 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night to do. It helps keep you in a state of gratitude, focus and productivity while allowing you to reflect on successes and iron out the areas for improvement.
Give it a month of doing this and you will notice positive changes to your life, I guarantee it. Even Tim Ferriss (NY Times #1 Best-seller of The Four Hour Work Week, The Four Hour Body & The Four Hour Chef) raves about it:
“The Five Minute Journal is one of the simplest ways that I have found to consistently ensure improving my well being and happiness. Both in terms of achievement and actual measurable, quantifiable results.” – Tim Ferriss
This is one of my go-to podcasts when it comes to health and general self-improvement. I’ll share other great podcasts in the coming months. The host – Shawn Stephenson – is a wealth of information but more importantly he delivers it with science backing it up, and in an accessible and real way. His producer/co-host Jade Harrell contributes immensely and the energy between these two is fantastic. She often asks the questions that the average listener might be asking themselves and Shawn helps clarify the answers beautifully.
I’ve learnt a lot from this podcast – and not just about health. Like me, Shawn focusses on a holistic approach incorporating elements to elevate the mind, body and spirit.
Download/stream straight to your phone via Stitcher (android app) or on the iPhone podcast app/iTunes. Or listen at your desk via the website, or on YouTube. Really worth it.
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OK, so those are five of my cool favourite things for January. I know that wherever you are in life and your career, you will benefit from adopting some or all of the products I mention above.
I’ll be sharing more in the coming months so look out for that. Be first to hear about them by subscribing to my YouTube channel and blog.
What do you think? Do you have any cool things you’d like to share with people? If so, comment below (or comment if you just want to say “Hi” too!)
