Every week, my newsletter subscribers get links to some of the goodies that I’ve come across on the internets.
Here were the goodies that my peeps got their learn on in May.
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Be Present and No Expectations – Biggest Lesson of the Month
I incessantly think about the future, and all possible outcomes. I think about what would happen if “x” occurs in my life, and I plot out response “y” and “z.”
While my thought process has helped me reach many goals, I think it hindered me enjoying the moments. I focused so much on the outcome, and neglected enjoying the process.
I had a few things in life this month that helped me shift my focus. I finally hit the goal of paying off my student loans, and I decided for the first time in a long time to enjoy that moment. Savor the feeling of what it was like to be present in how I felt. It was a mix of emotions, but it was the first time in awhile that I felt present.
I’ve been trying to create as many moments as possible since, while minimizing expectation and outcome-focusing. This has involved setting up personal and professional systems that I know will take me somewhere good, and being in the moment with people old and new in my life.
This shift has brought me so much more joy and reduced my stress to levels I never thought possible. I wished I had taken to heart those great words my old track coach used to say:
“The journey is the goal” ~ Paul Olsen
What do you do to stay present in the moment? Comment below and let the fam know!
Health and Wellness
How to lower blood pressure naturally
High blood pressure is a risk factor for many nasty health things, but what can you do to lower it that doesn’t involve medication?
Chris Kresser might have some answers in this well-researched post. He not only looks at supplements, but different lifestyle choices and activities that can positively influence your blood pressure.
Want a better life? Prepare to get uncomfortable
My man Lance has been back to crushing the blogosphere, this time with this awesome post outlining how to change those habits you do not desire. I really like this post because while Lance combines some traditional and unconventional methods to elicit change. Be ready to ask yourself some hard questions.
Health requires a holistic approach
What I’ve learned more over the last couple years is the importance of a comprehensive approach when seeking to improve one’s health. Much of me appreciating that is due to Lucy Hendricks, who discusses this, breathing, and so much more in a great podcast.
Is human contact the new luxury?
I came across this incredibly sad article on how cheap screens are becoming, and how human engagement is becoming something only afforded by the rich. But what’s really cool about this article is how one company is using screens to try and build social connection for those who do not have it.
How to start a healthy habit
Struggle keeping to your healthy habits? Maybe you need to plan more effectively, and that’s what Lance Goyke teaches you in this simple, yet effective post.
My favorite key: not doing it all at once.
Turn your phone off…your life depends on it!
Is your smartphone killing you? This article may support that sentiment.
Incessant phone use has several ill effects, but the accompanying stress response of hearing notifications may be negatively impacting our health much worse than we think. This is a must-read!
A new way to look at addiction
I’ve had a friend recommend listening to Johann Hari’s thoughts on addiction before, and who would’ve thought, the way we handle it in the US is not fixing the problem. Check out this TED talk to learn what may be the solution to helping those with addictions.
Personal Development
A first impression means everything
Did you know people make up their minds about you in the blink of an eye, but do you know what things you can do to make a first impression? What makes you seem more trustworthy? Charismatic?
After you read this post, you’ll understand what goes into a great first impression. Somethings will be out of your control, some will totally be things you can change, others will downright scare you.
How to avoid burnout
Are you getting fed up with your job? Tired of what seems like all work and no play? Then this post is for you, which offers a helpful guide on how to get out of a burnout cycle.
Having been in a similar position a few times in my career, including recently, the tips found here were immensely helpful.
Outsource your life to make more money?
One thing I’ve been working on doing is saving time, and as a consequence, I’ve made more money for doing so. Why is this?
That’s where I’d look at this post, which goes into the importance of outsourcing, how it could save you money in the long run, and why you should do it…one service at a time.
How to get people to do what you want
I really liked this article’s simple, 5-step method to getting people to do what you want. Just make sure you pick the right person 😉
Learn all about relationships from one of the best in the biz
I really enjoyed this podcast with author Esther Perel, a relationship expert who talks about all the wild and crazy things we look for in relationships. In this podcast, she talks about the demands we place on relationships (perhaps too much), cheating, and keys to relating better with your partner.
Rehabilitation
Quit being a baby when your back hurts, unless you want to be worse
It’s nice to see Harvard championing early movement after low back pain with such style. In this article, they illustrate why back pain and injury aren’t always related, the role of genetics, why bed rest is no bueno, and so many other great pearls.
Get moving, it’s imperative for your recovery.
How to use evidence-based practice without becoming an asshole
Don’t those peeps on Facebook bug the hell out of you when they drop 10 Pubmed citations as an argument? Or say that clinical experience doesn’t matter? Enter this article, which provides prudent utilization of evidence, and is incredibly comprehensive in how you should approach applying evidence and more to your clients.
Should you have surgery on your meniscus tear?
Lenny Macrina had a great guest post on Mike Reinold’s site discussing all things meniscus tear. He goes in deep on the research, who should and should not get surgery, and so much more. I found the recommendations very satisfying, but was slightly disappointed that he did not mention placebo surgeries for these.
Change your relationship with science
Do you struggle with maintaining evidence-based practice? Are you overwhelmed with all of the research that comes out on a daily basis?
That’s where Bryan Chung’s new book comes in, which helps you build a filter for looking at the right stuff by asking the right questions. It was absolutely the book I needed.
Training
Incorporate bloodflow restriction training today
I’m a big fan of using BFR to introduce early loading in non-weight bearing cases and for those who are deconditioned, but are you unsure how to implement? This infographic gives you all the key pieces to incorporating BFR into your practice.
In need of some good cuffs? I currently use the Occlusion Cuff (not affiliated, I just like them), but if you got the big paper to spend, I’d definitely go for the Delfi cuff (not affiliated with either brand, this is just who I like. But yo, if you work for the company and want to throw Big Z some money I wouldn’t be hatin’).
Music
Yasss…..New Blackbear
One of my favorite artists the last couple years has been Blackbear. Imagine r&b, hip hop, and emo all pulled into one, and you have Blackbear.
His new album, Anonymous, might be his best effort yet. By far his most personal (and really sad, I’m concerned), best produced, and incredible vocals that I’ve heard yet. And if you don’t give him a listen, you are missing out.
Give HATE MY GUTS, 1 SIDED LOVE, and DEAD BALLOONS a listen.
The greatest chopper of all
Anytime Tech N9ne speak, I listen, and his new album is one of my new favorites to train to. He has the perfect wordplay, rapid-fire rhymes, and detailed storytelling that makes him one of the best.
Give a listen to “Like I Ain’t,” “You Line,” “HOB,” and “I’m Sorry.”
They can rap in Virginia
Brian, one of the fam, passed along this rap session from Nickelus F, and it’s damn nasty. Has a real big east coast vibe to it, with some excellent wordplay and flow. You definitely want to listen to this ish all the way through.
More amazing R&B coming at ya!
I’ve been on an r&b kick lately, and I came across this new guy Khalid and his album, Free Spirit. He has a super chill voice and vibe, and I really like the tone of his songs.
You’ll want to give My Bad and Outta My Head a listen.