Drop 036: Discover Tai Chi, Habit Stacking & The Real Value of Experiences

Drop 036 is upon us! This week we’re continuing to share gems that will help you get 1% better each day, and make your journey toward holistic wellbeing a little less scary. Here’s what we’ve got for you today ⬇️

• The transformative power of habit stacking

• The serene world of Tai Chi as moving meditation

• The lasting value of investing in experiences

• The art of crafting genuine apologies

• An exclusive interview with author and mental health advocate Hannah Blum, highlighting her passion for destigmatizing mental illness

  Shall we? We shall. 😎

Harnessing Daily Routines: The Magic of Habit Stacking

Habits shape our lives, but building them can be a challenge. Enter habit stacking, a method that lets you cultivate multiple positive habits simultaneously, seamlessly integrating them into your daily routine.

• Start Small: Begin with habits that take less than five minutes. This could be as simple as drinking a glass of water after waking up.

• Link to Existing Habits: Attach your new habit to a current one. For instance, after brushing your teeth, do two minutes of deep breathing.

• Consistency is Key: Aim to perform your habit stack simultaneously in the same place daily to reinforce the routine.

• Track Your Progress: Use a habit tracker or journal to monitor your consistency and celebrate small wins. For example, our app will actually nudge you to take daily aligned action and pick the right habits that correspond with your chosen goals.

• Adjust and Adapt: If a habit isn't sticking, tweak it. Flexibility can make the process more enjoyable.

💊 How To Take Your Dose:

Habit stacking is about small, consistent actions that lead to significant change. This week, identify two short habits you'd like to adopt and stack them after an existing routine. For instance, after your morning coffee, spend five minutes reading and then stretch for another five. Celebrate your consistency at the end of the week!

The Gentle Dance of Mind and Body: Tai Chi’s Tranquility

Tai Chi, often described as meditation in motion, offers a harmonious blend of mindfulness and movement. Dive into its benefits and see how it can elevate your physical and mental well-being.

• Begin with Basics: Start with simple Tai Chi movements, focusing on your breath and posture.

• Practice Regularly: Even 10 minutes daily can make a difference.

• Join a Class: Learning with others can provide motivation and proper guidance.

• Embrace the Flow: Don't rush. Enjoy the fluidity and grace of each movement.

• Integrate Mindfulness: Use Tai Chi as a time to connect with your inner self, letting go of daily stresses.

💊 How To Take Your Dose:

Commit to a 10-minute daily practice for the next week. Whether it's morning or evening, find a quiet spot, and let your body and mind flow harmoniously. Journal about how you feel afterwards.

Beyond Possessions: The Lasting Joy of Experiential Investments

In the quest for happiness, should we buy things or experiences? Delve into the long-term value of investing in memories and moments over material possessions:

• Value Memories: Experiences, like trips or concerts, often provide lasting memories and stories to share.

• Budget for Experiences: Allocate a portion of your savings for new adventures or learning opportunities.

• Prioritize Quality: Instead of multiple purchases, invest in fewer, high-quality items that last.

• Reflect on Past Purchases: Think about the joy a past purchase brought. Was it an item or an experience?

💊 How To Take Your Dose:

The joy from experiences often outlasts the thrill of a new purchase. This month, set aside a budget for an experience, whether a local workshop, a day trip, or a new class. Cherish the memories you create.

Mending Bonds: The Art and Heart of Genuine Apologies

Apologizing is an art. A genuine apology can mend bridges and deepen connections. Learn how to express regret meaningfully and strengthen your relationships.

• Acknowledge the Hurt: Understand and validate the feelings of the person you've wronged.

• Be Specific: Clearly state what you're apologizing for.

• Avoid "But" Statements: This can sound like you're making excuses.

• Make Amends: Offer ways to rectify the situation or ensure it doesn't happen again.

• Commit to Change: Show through actions, not just words, that you're committed to doing better.

💊 How To Take Your Dose:

Apologies are about understanding, not just uttering words. This week, reflect on a time you might've hurt someone, even unintentionally. Reach out, offer a heartfelt apology, and take steps to ensure the same mistake isn't repeated. It's a step towards deeper, more meaningful connections.

This week in our exclusive interview series, author and mental health advocate Hannah Blum sat down with us to talk about bipolar II, how she wants to change the stigma around mental illness, and how she’s using her writing to create safe spaces for those struggling with their mental health. 🧠💬

Hannah talks about how chaos can be like a compass and explains part of the reason why she originally sought treatment was that she was clinging to an identity of being ‘messed up.’ She later learned she had to break that identity.

Check out this exclusive interview on our site by clicking below! ⬇️

That's a wrap for Drop 036! We'll see you on Friday for some "Extra Sauce" 😏🍝 Remember — 1 Step At A Time, 1 Day At A Time, 1% Better, Together. ☝️👆

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Building good habits is the key to life, and our app makes it easy with cutting-edge habit-tracking technology, personalized goal-setting, and expert-driven content. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of well-being, including emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, financial, physical, and environmental health. With 1AND1, you can commit to one habit at a time and be 1% better each day, propelling yourself forward toward success in your personal wellness journey. Download the app for free today, and join the 800+ satisfied users who are already transforming their mental health and wellness through the power of habit-building. If you love it, let us know, or leave a review in the App Store. We made this for you, and we'd love to hear from you.

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