February’s Wellbeing Recommendations

We know that when we feel well, we work well. This month we’ve collated the best wellbeing recommendations into one tidy package, for a more prosperous approach to purpose. With love in the air, February’s focus is on a love of learning, with some of the best sources for maintaining the growth mindset of being a lifelong student.

{{divider}}

Recommended Read

{{divider}}

Our recommended read is all about learning how to learn - which is a skill like any other! We’re frequently told that life is all about balance. Where all truths are often a paradox, there is an art to finding the middle way through two seemingly opposing polarities. Nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to balancing our logical reasoning with our emotional intuition - our left and right hemispheres so to speak.

{{divider}}

In his worldwide bestseller - Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Khaneman, world famous psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. Thinking Fast And Slow reminds us that we can often be ‘in two minds’ about something. The first acts instinctively and requires little effort, the second is more deliberate and requires more of our attention. Our thoughts and actions vary depending on which of the two systems is in control of our brain at the time.

{{divider}}

The main take homes to remember when navigating this are:

{{divider}}

• Repetition: messages are more persuasive when we’re repeatedly exposed to them. This is probably because we evolved in a way that made repeated exposure to things that seemingly had no bad consequences seem inherently good.
• Damn Lies And Statistics: don’t believe in rare statistical events that are over-reported in newspapers. Disasters and other events are an important part of our history but we often overestimate their probability, because of repetition and vivid mental associations.
• You’re more creative and intuitive when you’re in a better mood. But some element of cognitive stress can help us to think more deeply about the task at hand.
• {{divider}}

Purposeful Podcasting

{{divider}}

‘Never Stop Learning’ featuring Pip and Murray, the founder of natural nut butter brand Pip & Nut, explores the ways you can discover new skills that will help you to continue you move business forwards more meaningfully.

{{divider}}

Hosted by Ninetwentynine - a nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds long podcast for anyone wanting to grow their business, fulfil their ambitions or just improve their side hustle in easy to digest daily bite sizes. Each episode has a different guest imparting advice on something they’ve learned, and shares their one main key to success based on years of experience.

{{divider}}

Pip’s key lesson is about why it’s important to stay in school, where life itself is the classroom. An innovative brand that are on a mission to deliver better health in a more sustainable way, this certified B Corp knows what it means to take people, planet and profit seriously. Pip & Nut also donate a jar of peanut butter to their local food-bank for every single order placed on their website!

{{divider}}

Positively-Impactful Product

{{divider}}

Bloody Good Period are a women’s wellbeing brand with a difference. With International Women’s Day around the corner, they’re on a greater mission to fight for menstrual equality and bring period supplies to asylum seekers, refugees and others who can’t afford them. As we continue to learn more about the plight affecting such groups on a constant basis around the world, some of the smaller yet impactful details such as the ‘need to bleed’ can fall by the wayside.

{{divider}}

BGP provide menstrual education to those that otherwise wouldn’t be able to access it, replacing the taboo and stigma with empowerment and the right to better health. Bloody Good Period are a group that strike at the intersection of feminism, migration, race and injustice, and are already making huge strides across the board.

{{divider}}

Virtuous Visits

{{divider}}

The Wellcome Collection and Library in Euston is a unique gem in this sprawling city. Bibliophiles will take pleasure in the free exhibitions and access to notes on health and the human experience. This month’s theme is on ‘joy’. In what can often be a puritan culture that loves to focus on the hustle and grind, this is a wellcome escape into art, awe and the abstract - manifesting meaning and purpose through a focus on positivity and emotion.

{{divider}}

Through exhibitions, collections, live programming, digital, broadcast and publishing, the WC create opportunities for people to think deeply about the connections between science, medicine, life and art. Housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the area, you’ll step into an oasis of discovery and adventure, while supporting the latest research into three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate change.

{{divider}}

Rewarding Recipes

{{divider}}

This recipe is all about supporting brain health - vital for learning and focus! Our western diet is increasingly heavy in Omega-6 oils, which are especially high in refined and processed foods. This needs to be balanced with Omega-3’s which can be found in nutritious nuts, fish and vegetables. One of the best cultures for access to these healthy fats is in mediterranean cuisine. One of our favourite easy-finds is this versatile sardine and chickpea toast, which could make for a healthier breakfast, lunch or snack.

{{divider}}

Ingredients

{{divider}}

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 mixed peppers, sliced
• Splash of olive oil
• 400g tinned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf parsley
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 4 slices of bread, toasted
• 4-8 tbsp aioli (garlic mayonnaise)
• 140g tinned sardines in oil, drained
• {{divider}}

Method

{{divider}}

1. Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Toss the onion and peppers with a splash of oil in a roasting tray and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Add the chickpeas and smoked paprika, toss again, then return to the oven for 12-15 minutes to crisp the chickpeas. Remove from the oven and mix in the parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice.
3. Spread each hot piece of toast with 1-2 tbsp of aioli, then spoon the roast veg and chickpeas mixture over. Top with the sardines, to serve.
4. {{divider}}

‍