Top Five Big Little Things:
1. Stand outside
That may sound like a very simple thing to do and that’s because… well, it is! But simple or not, there are some amazing, very real benefits to spending time outdoors. For one thing, if you’re lucky enough to be greeted by sunshine you’re immediately getting a dose of Vitamin D, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Vitamin D protects the body against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure and improves brain function. But wait… there’s more. Experts say a short stint of 10-15 minutes of sunshine a day (wearing sunscreen, of course) can also trigger weight loss, because you are far more likely to be active outdoors. Besides – rain, hail or shine – being in the elements is a natural state, which promotes a sense of wellbeing and comfort that is instinctive. Nature really can feel like a mother and helps your body to produce natural, happy chemicals that can lower depression and promote serenity. So, yeah… stand outside!
2. Value your cuppa
The act of making a cup of tea or coffee has hidden benefits, aside from the energy boost of the beverages themselves. Firstly, you are actually performing a ritual and rituals are, in themselves, soothing. But you can make that ritual even more impactful by valuing it more: by making this little act, a big deal. You only have to look at the ancient art of performing tea ceremonies in many Asian cultures to know that this idea has been in practice for a long time, and for good reason. It is considered to be an adoration of the beautiful and you can make it so just by adding a few, little touches such as:
- using a teapot or favourite cup and saucer
- humming your favourite song while you make it
- stretching out all the sitting-down-aches as you wait for the kettle to boil, and
- choosing somewhere special to really enjoy every sip
Our biggest tip? Take it outside and get a nature hit while you’re at it. Slam dunk points 1 and 2.
3. BBQ that thing
BBQs aren’t only for the blokes, in fact we’ve long held the sneaky suspicion in our office that the reason most of our male partners volunteer to BBQ at home is because, quite simply, it can be fun. Firstly, there’s that whole outdoors thing at play again, secondly, it’s a mental time-out when all you’re really doing is something very primal and routine. (There’s that whole ritual thing again too!) Thirdly, it’s an excuse to have a quiet beverage and relax as you stare and occasionally turn stuff, and finally, everything tends to taste better when you BBQ it. Big bonus: it’s healthier to eat grilled meat and veggies and there’s a squillion ways to mix it up. Hawaiian chicken kebabs anyone? Aloha.
4. Go out
We know that sometimes it’s tempting to fake a head cold and stay in to watch re-runs of Friends instead but going out is one of the biggest little things we recommend, for several reasons. Socialising is incredibly good for your mental health and wellbeing, not only because you decrease your chances of feeling depressed or lonely, but also because you increase your chemical levels of happiness and sense of belonging. Why? It releases oxytocin – a natural ‘love drug’ also known as the bonding chemical – one of the body’s awesome feel-good neurotransmitters. Not only are you feeling the love, you’re also highly likely to have some good belly laughs, and that’s always time well spent. So next time you think, ‘nah, can’t be bothered’… be bothered! Some of the best nights out you’ll ever have will be the ones that you almost didn’t go to.
5. Have the bubbles
We’re not promoting heavy drinking here, but we are saying it’s okay to enjoy some bubbles on your non-fast days. It’s part of the program! (Don’t you just love part-time dieting?) Have the bubbles, eat the chocolate mud cake, savour the Brie and smash that mashed potato, in fact ENJOY EVERY MOUTHFUL! Life is made up of moments and some of the best are when we indulge in sensory pleasure: taste being one of the greatest of all. And don’t be shy about doing it in style with the good china and crystal because you deserve to enjoy yourself. (Repeat those last five words! Okay, read on.) Your fast days will even it all out later on, so, in the meantime, have some me-time and get down and decadent with your taste buds. Oh, the delicious pleasure of it all.
What are some of your favourite little big things to savour, Super Squad? Leave a comment and let us know or jump into the Members Facebook Page to share your tips! Have a delicious week!