Tag Archive for: exercise

Up for the Chat

Yesterday, Cristi and I climbed Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
It was a small adventure, but one that left a big mark on both of us.
It was just fun to talk, share and climb up together.
The hill rises about 251 metres (823 feet) above the city, and as we walked up its winding paths, we found more than just a view.
It was a beautiful warm spring day.
The kind where the sky feels a little brighter and people seem just a bit lighter too.
Tourists galore dotted the path, stopping for photos or catching their breath, but for us, the climb was more than a walk – it was some special time together.
Life is full on for both of us right now.
Cristi is deep in her final year at university, juggling studies, dissertations, and all the pressure that comes with finishing strong.
I’m balancing new work opportunities, coaching sessions, and leadership programmes that challenge and excite me in equal measure.
Plus, I’m putting in the final few weeks training for my big walk along the West Highland Way for Marys Meals in May.
In a way, we’re each climbing our own hills.
But yesterday reminded me how good it feels to pause, move our bodies with some good exercise, talk without any agenda, and share space with each other.
No rush.
No screens.
Just the rhythm of our steps and a conversation that flowed as easily as the breeze.
These moments may be brief, but experiences like these breathe life into the everyday.
They remind us of what really matters most: connection, movement, nature, and presence.
I’m grateful we made time for our walk and a healthy lunch afterwards!
We both needed it and enjoyed it too, more than we probably realised.
So, when’s your next moment to pause, breathe, and climb a little higher?

5am; No Hype, Just Habit

Over the last few days, my social media feeds have been flooded with ads for something called The 5am Club – endorsed by a host of famous celebrities.
Curious, I explored further.
What’s the big deal?
The concept is a simple one: wake up at 5am, then spend 20 minutes exercising, 20 minutes in meditation, reflection or prayer, and 20 minutes learning something new in personal study.
Done and dusted by 6am, and you’re supposedly on the fast track to success, wisdom, and eternal youth (OK, maybe not the last one…).
But here’s the thing – I’ve basically been doing this for years.
In fact, I go for the deluxe version.
Two hours every morning.
No fanfare, no hashtags, no glossy book deal – just a quiet commitment to starting my day with purpose, movement, and meaning.
The benefits?
Increased productivity, improved health and well-being, enhanced self-awareness, and (perhaps best of all) a head start while the rest of the world hits snooze for the second or even third time.
So, to all those influencers and early risers out there just discovering the magic of a morning routine… welcome!
But as for me, I think I’ve been unknowingly running the 5am Club – Advanced Edition.
And guess what?
You don’t need celebrity endorsements when the results are clarity, discipline, and a morning filled with purpose.
See you at sunrise. 🙂

Zoom Fatigue…

Are you Zoomed-out?

It has been an extremely heavy week with virtual facilitation sessions galore for me. Zoom fatigue is now a real thing! Don’t believe me? Just google it and see. It certainly struck home this week, for sure.

One thing I have noticed as a virtual facilitator is that every session demands your FULL, undivided attention for 2, sometimes even 3 hours straight. And not only once, but perhaps 2 or 3 times a day. As I have come to recognise and experience this week, I am mentally and physically exhausted. Sleep has come easy.

My key personal learning takeaways this week….

Build in some downtime for a break, a walk, to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and constantly rehydrating with fresh water has become absolutely essential.

I am finding that downtime, some kind of digital detox away from computers, phones, tablets is now a critical part of my regular daily routine – escaping the noise of the Zoom world is now an everyday imperative.

What are your top tips to combat Zoom fatigue!?