In January I'm going to participate in a colossal challenge of my own making that includes a range of activities which I will hope raise awareness on how to improve and maintain physical well-being. 

Every day for 30 days I will be doing:

1.    100 minutes meditation 

Nothing too fancy or transcendent just 100 minutes of focusing on my breath. I may listen to music too but the aim is to stay present with my breath and simply observe thoughts and feelings passing in and out of my mind. I find it strange that we shower our bodies at least once a day, but rarely our minds. Sometimes we find it hard to let thoughts, feelings and beliefs go and this is a great way of doing this.

2.    10 Min Swim in 30 bays 

It’s going to be cold, but that’s the point. The freezing cold water will stimulate the heart rate and fresh blood flow around the body including the brain releasing adrenaline and flushing out cortisol which is so highly present with sufferers of anxiety and depression. I know it’s now being prescribed as treatment for mental health conditions in the U.K.

3.    100kg squat x10 reps x10 sets 

This is physical. It’s getting out the mind and into the body. It’s a great activity for putting your weight into the ground via your feet sending your energy in the opposite direction to where we live most of our lives; with our thoughts. It’s extremely challenging on the lower body muscles but a strong body enhances a strong mind.

4.    1x 10km run 

I’m going to be honest, I’ve taken inspiration from Forrest Gump. Getting out in the natural environment and just keep running off your problems and if you’re stressed, adrenaline. There’s nothing else to think about when you’re out of breathe but the lactic acid in your legs and the oxygen trying to get back into the lungs. Physically it strengthens the cardiovascular system too including heart rate, lung capacity and unclog the veins and arteries.

Yes this is a bit extreme, but any time you can put aside for these activities will improve your wellbeing. The goal I feel is to build this into a routine and ultimately a habit, or ritual such as brushing your teeth every day.

Please join in for the odd swim or run but if not, please donate to this valuable cause.

Thanks for your support!