Since the third lockdown began, I have spoken to many individuals who have found this one hardest. I have shared with them individually some of the things I am doing to help me stay mentally and physically well.
I hope some of the following may be of interest or be helpful to you.
Using Wim Hof method
I have tried meditation in the past, which worked for a week and then didn’t. A friend, who runs a large tofu manufacturing business, mentioned he was taking cold showers to help clear his mind.
I told him he was nuts, but he pointed me towards the Wim Hof method.
The Wim Hof method combines cold exposure and breathing methods to connect mind and body and strengthen the body in so many ways.
I have to say I am completely hooked.
I do the breathing method as soon as I get up, and have a daily cold shower. The showers still take will power every time, but I know I will feel great afterwards!
I haven’t had a cough or runny nose in over 18 months (I used to get one every time my children did) and am far more easily able to live in the present moment. I have more focus and peace of mind. If you start, please stick with it.
Here is a guided Wim Hof guided breathing video:
This is his website: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
Here is an interview/documentary on Wim Hof:
Foam rolling
Now I am over 40 and starting to creak far more than I used to, sitting down all day in back to back Zoom calls takes its toll. I have found foam rolling every morning has made a huge difference to how stiff I feel at the end of the day.
Books read – December and January
If you now have more time to read, these are the books I read over Christmas and in January. I will provide a list of the books I read each month, clicking the title will take you to the Amazon page if you’re interested in the book itself!
The learnings I took from this book have been profound. Wim combines breathing and cold exposure to clear your mind, connect mind and body, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, change mood and many other benefits.
Undisputed truth: My autobiography – Mike Tyson
The story of Mike Tyson from birth to date. Tyson is very open in telling his story, exposing his demons (of which there are many!) and him trying to get to grip with those demons.
The Tao of Mohammed Ali – Davis Miller
The journey of how one mans life changed through an appreciation and later an association and friendship with the great man himself.
At the mercy of the winds – David Hemplean-adams
An inspiring book of two adventurers looking to complete a journey to the north pole in a hot air balloon at different times – one in 1897 and the other in 2000. The book tells both stories and the courage of the men who took part.
The first 40 million – Chris Lord
An amazing book, not yet published. Chris has had an incredible journey building from nothing, and selling two businesses within a decade with a combined value of £140m. This book details that story. Lots of lessons and an real insight into what it can be like being an entrepreneur.
One of my favourite books, with lots of great learnings to take away regarding how crazy big ideas can change industries, win wars and cure diseases. This was on Bill Gates reading list.
Thank you for investing your time reading this, I hope you have found it helpful, should you have any further questions, please let me know!
Kind regards,
Mark Parello
