This month, I continue the theme for the year of each month bringing you some items or ideas that can help improve your life and make you feel superhuman!
These are a set of bluetooth speakers in the design of a nunchuck (martial arts weapon). I like them because I can hang them off things like door handles, and attach them to metal surfaces (as they are magnetic too). They also can take calls and I can wrap around my neck to do so. When I bought them they were £100, but now they are far cheaper. A worthwhile investment, loud, clear, highly portable and versatile.
I use magnesium each night before I go to bed. This mineral is essential for human health and helping you feel superhuman. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 bio-chemical reactions in the body and 99% of the population are lacking in it. It’s important to nearly every function and tissue in the body, supports a healthy immune system, prevents inflammation associated with certain cancers, boosts heart health, and could even cut your risk for a heart attack. A Harvard University study found that high daily magnesium intake reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 33 percent; still other studies found that the mineral helps ward off depression and migraines.
Whilst you can get some from diet (e.g. pumpkin seeds, leafy greens and other places), and even take an oral supplement, taking it topically (via the skin) is best. It’s less of a load on your system and can be absorbed more effectively through the skin. Because Magnesium is also great to ease muscles, you can target the areas needed. It’s also best to take before bed, as it will help induce a great night’s sleep.
In today’s world, we’re sitting more and more. Many people are suffering from aches and pains, or perhaps they are workout warriors and need a bit of self massage. Whether you need to create a bit more space in the body, or work out some aches and pains, I recommend a foam roller.
There are many types and I have two. The traditional foam roller and a more ‘harsh’ pressure point one which can hardly be called “foam”. Both are good as depending on the tightness you have, the pain you experience might be too much for the firmer variety. Either way, getting a foam roller can help create a bit more space for you in your body. Work the back, the thighs, the calves and anywhere else you can balance on it. Worth the small investment.
I have a fitbit that I use to help measure my steps. I like to aim for a minimum of 12,000 per day – why? See this article I wrote about why 10,000 steps isn’t enough. I also like to get that number spread out throughout the day. Rather than spending all day at a desk and then running for 40 minutes and still hitting the target. We are designed to move throughout the day. Not just 1hr!
I am not convinced that wearing any bluetooth (or other EMF – electromagnetic frequency device) is good for you long terms. Just doesn’t make sense to me (sorry all you Apple Watch wearers) and the science one day will catch up, I believe. So because of that, I’ve decided to wear my fitbit for 2 weeks and then give it a rest for a month or two. The two weeks allows me to get an idea of my daily habits and whether I’m hitting the targets I’ve set or not for walking and sleep. It gives me enough time to understand what’s the factors that affect whether or not I hit my sleep and movement targets.
Worth an investment so you know where you are and they are reasonably priced too.
F.lux is a cool free application that you can install on your laptop. It automatically adjusts your screen brightness at night to remove the blue light component. Blue light at night greatly reduces the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone), which affects your ability to sleep. People using laptops and other screen devices in the last few hours before bed will suffer greatly.
This app (which you can get from justgetflux.com) helps immensely. On my Android phone I use a similar app called Twilight. On iPhone, I don’t know if there is an equivalent as it’s so locked down although I believe manufacturers are going to build this ability into the phones in future models.
Ideally be off your laptop, and other devices 60-120 minutes before bed, but when that’s not practical f.lux will help you out!
So that’s my February Favourites. Hope you found it useful.
Let me know what you experience is with any of these things. Comment below.
