Next week, I am presenting to 80ish amazing teachers.

The topic is Sleep and Exercise.

They all have a copy of my book Do Happy, which has detailed chapters on sleep and exercise.

I have given heaps of presentations on Doing Happy over the years.

This time it’s different because the stuff I usually cover, is already in the book.

So, what do I cover?

My default approach is to help solve real-life problems for people.
 

Why?


Because problems are painful.

As my old business coach Francesco used to say, “We run away from pain but walk towards pleasure”.
 

With the help of the assistant principal (a legend by the way!), we went for the jugular and polled the staff,

“What prevents you from having a good night’s sleep and a consistent exercise routine?

A few responses later, a familiar pattern emerged.

—> Too busy (both a busy schedule and a busy mind)

—> Too tired

—> Not enough time

This pattern is familiar because I see it all the time in my patients, friends, family, and often, myself.

Rewind to a month ago when I was in Phillip Island taking a much needed rest. 


I found this book at our AirBnB and couldn’t put it down. 





A book about the art of simple living. 

Here’s the thing about simplicity, it’s about less not more.

“When things are not going well we tend to think we are lacking something but if we want to change our current situation we should first part with something before we look to acquire something else.”

We should first part with something before we look to acquire.

Simplicity starts with elimination, stripping away, letting go.

Let’s see how this applies to sleep and exercise.

You already know what to do, right?

—> Get some morning sunlight

—> Reduce your caffeine

—> No screens at night

—> Get plenty of exercise on a regular basis, ideally at the start of the day

—> Don’t have meals before bed.

When you live a complex, busy, tiring and time poor life, adding any of the above things seems like more work. So you don’t do it. 

When I coach people around this puzzle, it’s less about what they can add and more about what they can let go of.

So, if the complexity of your life is taking you away from the important stuff, here’s my question to you.

What will you let go?

Here are my answers (at the time of writing):

• Checking and replying to WhatsApp messages
• Attending most social commitments
• The perceived obligation to be everything to everyone, at any given time
• Heaps of meetings and ‘we should catch up for coffee’ requests
• Legitimately great opportunities that distract me from my primary vision

It’s not easy.

I love to please people, so it’s uncomfortable.


It feels rude.
 

I can say 2 things for sure though: 

–> Almost everyone doesn’t care i.e. it’s all in my head

–> My life is simpler

Again, if you are busy, tired, and “don’t have time”, what will you let go of?

SHARE this with someone you care about.

CONTACT ME below with what YOU will let go of so I can steal your wisdom.

Much love to you and of course, myself.

Dr G

****

Thanks Dr Lucy Burns for having me on your podcast!

Part 1 here –> How to Do Happy (Part 1)
Part 2 here –> How to Do Happy (Part 2)

Do Happy book

If you want a copy of the book, buy it here. 

Praise for Do Happy:

“Your book is so good! It’s easy to read and I have already recommended it to so many of my friends and family. I am taking your advice and focusing on actually putting the things into practice.” – Happy reader 🙂
 

Menopause and Perimenopause webinar

A Lifestyle Medicine GP friend of mine, Dr Kafa Lee, is running a FREE webinar to help women with menopause and perimenopause. 


Wednesday May 14th, 7:30pm. Register using the QR code below. 


I see so many women with menopause and perimenopause. It can be a very hard period (pun intended) in a woman’s life. Thankfully, it also doesn’t have to be 🙂


Go Kafa!