Learning new information or points of view is not only useful for our personal development, but research shows it can also improve our mental and emotional wellbeing too. Learning can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose, and help us connect with others.
In the following section the POINT3 founders share their favourite sources of wellbeing content from “other media”… we hope you find these interesting and look forward to your thoughts.
Nicky recommends…
#1 Guided meditations by Jason Stephenson.
Synopsis:
Guided Meditations to help you find the inner calm within.
Why I like it:
Sometimes I like to be transported out of my own head and I find listening to Jason’s guided meditations a great way to do this. A quick search on YouTube and you’ll find a treasure trove of guided meditations varying in lengths and subjects to help relax, guide into sleep, find inner wisdom and peace. This recommend comes with a caveat that he can get a little bit “out there” but if you’re open minded when it comes to meditations and like the thought of being taken on a spoken journey – these are definitely worth a try!
#2 The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown.
Synopsis:
Brené Brown studies human connection – our ability to empathise, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.
Why I like it:
This Tedx Talk catapulted Brené Brown into the spotlight and her work on vulnerability, shame and courage is now a global sensation. Brené is a scientist at heart, so her work is grounded in science and studies and shares universal truths on the science + art of what it takes to live “wholeheartedly” with much emphasis on leadership at home and in the workplace.This talk provides a great 20 minute entry point to Brené’s work. And if you’re anything like me you’ll get hooked!
#3 The Body Coach aka Joe Wicks.
Synopsis:
Joe Wicks otherwise known as “The Body Coach” is a British fitness coach, TV presenter and author, specialising in cooking and fitness books.
Why I like it:
He will no doubt be on your radar already but he’s made it onto my recommends for the simple reason that after a hectic day, I’m a reluctant and repetitive cook and yet Joe’s instagram posts have on more than one occasion inspired me to create a quick, healthy meal from scratch when I would have otherwise reached for a convenience meal. And that’s worth the shout out!
Siôn recommends…
#1 The 10 Percent Happier Meditation App.
Synopsis:
Get better at feeling good. Learn to meditate with the world’s top mindfulness experts.
Why I like it:
This app is absolutely brilliant. It not only provides you with a huge library of meditations, categorised into teachers, subjects and duration, but it also provides lovely upfront videos which give you with a greater understanding behind the ‘why am I doing this’. I also love the small gamification elements – number of minutes and days meditated, current streak of days meditated which really play into my slightly competitive mindset.
#2 Urban Kitchen by Toral Shah.
Synopsis:
Toral focuses on the role of diet and nutrition in the prevention of disease, particularly cancer. Her mission is to help people enjoy delicious food every day – whilst ensuring they receive the appropriate health benefits from her personalised approach.
Why I like it:
I know Toral personally. Her energy and vibrancy are absolutely electric and she is so passionate about the importance of nutrition to help support you to be the happiest and healthiest version of yourself. She is not only a highly respected doctor and author (download her free e-book with cancer beating recipes) but she, and her mother, are both cancer survivors. She puts on workshops, writes for numerous papers and has a visually stunning and inspiring instagram account. Check her out.
#3 Moment. Less Phone, More Real Life. App by Kevin Holesh.
Synopsis:
Moment gives you time. Through short, daily exercises provided through Moment Coach, they help you use your phone in a healthy way so that you can be present for the parts of life that matter most.
Why I like it:
If you really want to make some changes to the way you use that powerful device in your pocket then a great place to start is the Moment App. This tracks your daily phone usage and through coaching that you pay a small monthly subscription fee for, you start to get time, that most valuable of all commodities, back. Personally, I’ve gained greater focus in my work, when with friends and also by myself by utilising this app, reducing my phone usage and adding distraction free hours into my day.
Sarah recommends…
#1 The BBC Documentary on Mental Health with David Harewood.
Synopsis:
Actor David Harewood had a psychotic breakdown and was sectioned in his 20s. On World Mental Health Awareness Day 2017, David took to Twitter and spoke publicly about his experiences for the first time. He was overwhelmed by the response. Now David wants to tell the full story – to piece together what happened to him and help other people understand what it is like to experience psychosis. David traces his steps, meeting young people living with psychosis and the NHS professionals who treat them.
Why I like it:
This was one of three documentaries that the BBC aired during Mental Health Awareness Week in May and it’s a tear-jerking and inspiring insight into psychosis through the experience and lens of actor David Harewood. With one in 100 of us suffering from psychosis I thoroughly recommend watching this. It’s available on iPlayer for another week (until 15 June).
#2 Fitbit wearable + app.
Synopsis:
When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, steps are just the beginning. Fitbit tracks every part of your day—including activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep—to help you find your fit, stay motivated, and see how small steps make a big impact.
Why I like it:
Buying a Fitbit actually transformed the way that I approach my day, and my life. I always thought I was an “active” person but it took me buying a Fitbit to realise that actually, yes I was active when I went to the gym or on a run, but either side of that I was really sedentary. I’m a competitive person, so the Fitbit plays into my competitive spirit, and it has made me reframe my day and how I get from A to B. I am now a much more active person, not because I’m doing more sport, but because I choose to walk wherever I go, as much as possible. And I feel so much better mentally and emotionally, as well as physically as a result. I also love the sleep functionality. I’m now much more aware of what my optimum sleep window is, so it makes me more accountable to myself and means I prioritise sleep more as one of my wellbeing non-negotiables.
#3 Clarissa Lenherr Nutrition.
Synopsis:
Clarissa Lenherr, is a registered and qualified Nutritional Therapist who I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing (for one of our blogs). She is passionate about educating people to discover and celebrate nutritious food, enabling her clients to utilise and benefit from food and lifestyle choices in order to reach their optimum state of wellbeing.
Why I like it:
Well firstly Clarissa is a lovely, friendly and engaging person who you can’t help but be charmed by. Her Instagram account is packed full of really inspiring content, and she shares advice as well as great recipes regularly. One of my favourite recipes of hers is for healthy brownies made with avocado and black beans… they are delicious! She has a YouTube channel too, so check her out.