The Weekly Word

​Health Tip of the Week
Mood-related disorders pose an enormous public health burden. There is ample evidence that things like exercise and meditation can help mitigate some of those symptoms that we all may be experiencing. The NIH published a study (research link here) that concluded that in a young population, a 10-minute bout of brisk walking and/or meditation can improve mood state. They went on to cite another study that "found five 20-minute sessions of integrative meditation to significantly reduce anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue while increasing vigor." Better mood and more energy. Sounds like a win-win! 

As you can see, the best part about these two ideas are that they are both things that we can literally do right now. We can close up the laptop, put on some shoes, and go for a 10 minute walk around the block. If that doesn't sound too appealing, we can put on some headphones, listen to a meditation, and find some peace or gratitude.

What I've Been Thinking About...
I was having a conversation with a guy who I deem to be a friend and mentor and as we were discussing the sport of wrestling, the conversation went to the idea of words and actions meeting up. For example, as a coach, if we act like a maniac on the sidelines but tell our athletes not to do the same, the verbal message may not stick because our physical action ran counter to it. Same thing as a parent where if we ask our kids to get good rest and show up to things on time but we stay up late and are always running behind schedule then they are more likely to learn from the lateness then the verbal instruction. Lastly, when it comes to goal setting, if we say we want to accomplish XYZ but barely put in the work to accomplish X, then we have no one else to blame then ourselves for not striving to do what is necessary. 

This was only a small glimpse of things we discussed and if you want the full episode, check out my latest podcast episode with Grit Mat Club Owner Ben Chunko!

What I've Been Reading
Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West is a 1970 non-fiction book by American writer Dee Brown that covers the history of Native Americans in the American West in the late nineteenth century." As previously written, the 1800's were a wild time in this country and this book takes a unique approach to the history of our country as it views the conflict through the eyes of the American Indian. Through his amazing research and reading first hand accounts from the Natives themselves, Brown did an awesome job telling this sad but true story about this country of ours. 

What I've Been Watching...
Bumping Mics on Netflix with Jeff Ross & Dave Attell from 2018

When Ross and Attell take the stage, no one in the building is safe. They roast each other, they work the crowd, and they even poke fun at their celebrity friends (Gilbert Gottfried, Paul Rudd, Michael Che, Bob Saget, and more) who come out to see two great comics take the stage. My favorite part of it all is that through all the jokes, you can tell these two guys have a wonderful friendship and really love the time spent together.

One disclaimer: if comedy offends you, then this one may not be for you!

Quote of the Week
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. ” ― Seneca