“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

– Alexander Pope

Wellness Tip:

Eat Healthy – Even When You’re Busy

We all know we should “eat the rainbow” – and that Cheetos Orange doesn’t count. But how do you avoid unhealthy snacks and greasy takeaway when you’re too busy to cook?

It all comes down to preparation. Here are some things you can do:

• Keep a stash of frozen and canned vegetables. They’re just as nourishing as fresh produce, but much quicker to prepare.
• Buy pre-cut and pre-bagged foods (e.g. salad mix).
• Batch cook meals and freeze them (here are a bunch of examples!).
• Organize your kitchen. A tidy space makes cooking easier – and more appealing.
• If mornings are a rush, prepare a healthy breakfast the night before.

More tips here. Do you have any healthy food hacks of your own?

Productivity Tip:

Cut Yourself Some Slack

So, you messed up. 🤦And you’re beating yourself up about it. That’s normal – but not very helpful. “Self-criticism shifts the brain into a state of inhibition, which prevents you from taking action to reach your goals,” says HBR.

So, what can you do? Firstly, become aware of negative self-talk and turn it around. Compliment yourself on things you do well and count your wins (you can use Panda Planner for this). 

Another tactic is to personify your inner critic. Give it a name! This creates psychological distance. You can also self-distance by thinking in the third person (e.g. Why did Sam do that?). That way, you see the situation more as an observer, not a participant.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Imagine what advice you’d give to a friend in the same situation. There’s no greater solution than forgiveness.

Routine Breakdown

Sally Mueller, Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Womaness

Entrepreneur Sally Mueller says exercise and connecting with loved ones are the rituals that set her up for a successful day. She:

• Wakes around 5:30 am. 
• Goes to a pilates class or power walk on the treadmill. 
• Connects with her husband in the kitchen, then checks in with her elderly parents. “Hearing their voices every day instantly lifts my spirits.”
• Stays informed by skimming through media like Wall Street Journal & WWD. Sometimes listens to podcasts while walking.

Why it works:

• Early rising has been linked to reduced stress, greater productivity, and more.
• Exercise is definitely good – and pilates has a bunch of research-backed benefits.
• Cultivating strong relationships is key to our physical and mental health – social disconnection is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes per day!
• Some studies have linked consumption of quality media (e.g. newspapers and magazines) to a higher quality of life.

Mueller says the three traits you need to succeed in life are “confidence, empathy, and authenticity.” What three traits would you choose?