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🔋⚡ The Power Up #74: Shared Self-care, Quadrobics & Grumpy AI Companions 🤖

Navigate modern life with more energy, connection & purpose

Author

Adam Reed
June 20, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, and welcome to issue #74 of The Power Up.

In this edition I’m experimenting with a shorter introduction, and more emphasis on content within the newsletter sections. Hopefully that means even more valuable resources & inspiration to help you live with more energy, connection & purpose.

To help me better tailor future editions to your preferences,please take 5 seconds to share your thoughts in the following poll…

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In issue #73 we asked for your opinion on AI and creativity:

  • 60% of you think that Generative AI complements rather than replaces human creativity.

  • Compared to 40% who believe that what Generative AI does cannot be considered creative.

  • Reassuringly, 0% of you think that AI can be more creative than humans.

The Shared Self-Care Trend

The concept of self-care is shifting from individualistic practices to a more collective approach, recognising the essential role of community and social support in holistic well-being.

Activities once seen as solitary, such as meditation or fitness routines, are being reimagined as collective experiences. Group meditation sessions, fitness classes and the rising popularity of running groups exemplify how self-care practices are evolving to foster a sense of community and safe support, particularly among women. 

This transition highlights the importance of social connections in achieving well-being, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and opportunities for meaningful interactions.

Quadrobics: Why you should embrace walking like a panther

Quadrobics is all the rage on social media right now. A physical activity that involves moving on all four limbs, it imitates the ground locomotion of animals such as panthers, gorillas and bears, with walking, running, jumping, and other movements. 

I used to practice a form of quadrobics as part of Budokon Yoga, and can vouch for its benefits in increasing all-over body strength and mobility, so I’m glad that the Internet is catching on too.

If you’re curious to find out more, this article provides a comprehensive overview as well as links to useful resources.

What if your AI companion hated you?

A new twist on the AI companion chatbots we covered in #72, AngryGF offers a perpetually enraged chatbot intended to teach men better communication skills.

Find out what happened when WIRED took it for a spin.

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Where joy hides and how to find it

Cherry blossoms and rainbows, bubbles and googly eyes: Why do some things seem to create such universal joy?

In this captivating talk, Ingrid Fetell Lee reveals the surprisingly tangible roots of joy and shows how we all can find - and create - more of it in the world around us.

Fixing work culture starts with calendars, not offices

Many of us familiar with corporate life have witnessed the amount of time we spend in meetings increasing sharply in recent years.

And with remote and hybrid working now commonplace, insecure employees often believe that attending every meeting is important to show others that they are online and engaged. Meanwhile, some bosses see broken work cultures and demand a return to more office time.

In this ‘Presence’ deck, workplace culture expert Bruce Daisley lays out his case to tackle the big challenge of modern work - designing better use of calendar time.

Neuroscience tells us how to make smarter decisions and be more productive

Research shows how to leverage our circadian rhythms to better manage the energy level of our decision-making muscles.

Plant-based cheesy garlic pav bhaji sliders

I came across this recipe and thought they looked too delicious to not share with you all.

If any of you try the recipe, please send me a photo and a brief report on if they taste as good as they look. (Or just send me one in the post) Cheers!

How Minimalism could change your life

In his book Things that Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life, Joshua Becker says, “I define minimalism as ‘the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from them.’”

This article outlines five compelling reasons why you might consider converting to a minimalist lifestyle.

Things That Matter, by Joshua Becker  

Things That Matter is a book about living well. It's about overcoming the chatter of a world focused on all the wrong things.

It's about rethinking the common assumptions of today to find satisfaction and fulfilment tomorrow.

Lost Connections, by Johann Hari

I’ve just finished re-reading Lost Connections as I’m currently exploring the importance of community & connections to our wellbeing.

This was one of the first books that widely publicised the evidence that the environment we live in plays an enormous role in the quality of our mental health, and lays out 7 ways we can reconnect with others in our modern world.

Expert bartenders share how to turn 16 classic cocktails into mocktails – from a negroni to a mojito

Going low/no with alcohol doesn’t have to mean missing out - especially if you get creative with fruit, herbs and infusions.

Here’s how to enjoy all your favourite drinks without the crushing hangover.

“For seven years, I have been caffeine-free. If I lapse, the anxiety spiral is immediate and horrendous.”

A surprisingly large number of my friends are currently experimenting with quitting caffeine - with varying degrees of positive outcomes.

In this article, journalist Nell Frizzell shares her experiences.

❝

You aren't a machine with broken parts. You are an animal whose needs are not being met.

Johann Hari

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See you next time,

Adam