“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.”

– Hans Selye

Wellness Tip:

Avoid Synthetic Scents

Your favorite fragrance may smell great, but is it good for you? “The negative impact of fragrance chemicals on human health includes cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects,” says a 2023 research paper.

Certain synthetic chemicals used in fragrances can be toxic to our health. Styrene, phthalates, musk ketone, and benzyl acetate are some of the big offenders. 

Read more here, and go for natural scents whenever you can.

Productivity Tip:

Get The Right Kind of Stress

Did you know that stress can be detrimental (distress) or beneficial (eustress)? Eustress can help you perform better. It pushes you to be your best.

Eustress happens under the right amount of pressure. The stressor should be a challenge, not a threat. Maybe that means taking on a new work project or public speaking gig. Whatever it is, go for it: eustress is energizing and motivating. 

Learn more about it here and see if you can get more eustress in your life.

Routine Breakdown

Bear Grylls, Adventurer & TV Presenter

How wild is the morning routine of Man vs. Wild host Bear Grylls? Let’s find out. He: 

• Wakes and takes his dogs for a walk. “Barefoot if I can. I even try to take my shirt off.”
• Does prayers and gratitude. “I’ll say my prayers and say thank you for all the things I’m grateful for, and sorry for the less-than-good stuff I’ve done.”
• Does a 30-min weights workout “every other day.” He also uses the BeMilitaryFit app.
• Gets 3-mins of cold exposure. “If I’m near a river and it’s winter, I’ll get in.” Otherwise, he uses a chest freezer.
• Does a 14-hour fast whenever he can. “I find that helps with everything from my energy levels to how well I sleep at night.”

Why it works:

• Barefoot walking improves balance and builds muscle, plus puts you in contact with the earth (aka, grounding).
• Giving gratitude is definitely good. 
• Some studies (like this one) support cold exposure for mental and physical health.
• Fasting may indeed boost energy and improve sleep. Check whether it’s safe for you.

“If I’ve got a busy day ahead of me, I can get this done in 45 minutes. When I’ve got less going on, I take my time,” says Bear. Do you have a quick version of your routine for busy days?