Hi Reader, Stop. Right now. Drifting to your inbox. Flicking between tabs. Tired for no obvious reason. Suddenly very interested in making a coffee. Classic signs your brain is asking for a break. And you should listen, because we are naturally programmed to want a break every 90-120 minutes. Why? Ultradian rhythms are natural cycles your body runs through every 90 minutes or so, governing your energy, alertness, and ability to concentrate. It's the same biological system that drives your...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, You’ve been there. The announcement lands in your inbox: a restructure, a new manager, a change in process that’s supposed to “make life easier.” And suddenly… your stomach tightens, your mind races, and you feel on edge. Why do some changes feel like a small bump in the road, while others feel like the ground has been pulled from under you? It’s not just about the change, it’s about how our brains respond to it. Even when the change isn’t personal, it can feel deeply personal....
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever rearranged the furniture at home and felt a bit uneasy afterwards? Or had a terrible day at work, but as soon as you get home and do “your thing,” all that stress melts away? That thing might be a favourite chair, a good book, a call to a friend, or even preparing a meal. These moments of comfort are explained by the concept of Stability Zones, first described by Alvin Toffler in 1971. Stability Zones help us manage stress by providing familiarity, certainty, and...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Whether it’s at work or at home, it’s easy to get frustrated by the habits and behaviours of the people around us, especially when those behaviours seem to work against them, their team, or the environment they’re in. We naturally lean towards the negative, and this affects how we behave and communicate. It might not be helpful, though. Telling them rarely helps. People don’t often change just because someone points out what they’re doing wrong. So how can we help people see things...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, The thought of a difficult conversation can be daunting. We worry about saying the wrong thing, damaging the relationship, or not expressing ourselves clearly. It's easy to walk away, uncertain of whether the conversation went well or what was even said. How to manage it for a win-win outcome Whether it’s updating a client on a missed deadline, giving difficult feedback, bringing something to your boss's attention, or bringing up a sensitive topic with a partner at home, one thing...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Ever feel your heart racing, your mind spiralling, or your patience wearing thin? Here’s the good news: you can interrupt your stress response in under a minute. No apps, no equipment, just your breath. This is called the Tactical Breath. It’s a simple yet powerful technique used in the military, yoga, and therapy to calm the body and reset the mind quickly. When we’re stressed, angry, anxious or overwhelmed, our body’s fight-or-flight system kicks in. Breathing gets faster....
11 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Change is one of those things we can count on, whether it be in work or life, and here’s how you can embrace it and make it work for you. Recognise and address emotional triggers We all have emotional triggers, especially when things around us change. Think of them as needs that, if unmet, can stir up strong reactions. Let’s take a look at most common triggers and how to manage them: Fairness: We all have different views on what’s fair. Try to step back and see the situation from...
12 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, “I’m just not sure if I’m the same person at work as I am at home” is a statement I often hear when working with individuals behind closed doors. My response is always the same: “So, if you’re not you at work, then who are you?” Most of the time, this question is met with a shrug or an eye roll. And I don’t blame them, it's a tricky question to reflect on. That’s why I follow up quickly by asking, “What does it feel like to be you at work?” This question often sparks a revealing...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, What’s your purpose? It’s a question that many of us wrestle with, especially when our daily work doesn’t seem to align with our bigger aspirations. But what if your current role doesn’t feel meaningful? What if you’re facing tough circumstances, monotonous tasks, or challenges that make your job feel more like a grind than a calling? The good news is that purpose isn’t confined to a specific job title or industry. It’s something you can cultivate in any role. It may not be...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read