Five Simple Tools for Well Being

It's a rainy day here in the Wild West so I'm writing this quick post about tools to make us feel better, feel alive. Maybe it’s because I use them all that I'm biased, but If this very quick post reaches even one person who doesn’t already make the most of any one of these, or a single person ready to make a positive change in their lives then that's just fine. The possession of these few tools require no prescription, no drugs and no side effects, well maybe addiction, but a healthy addiction. Each one of these tools has helped me way beyond physical and mental wellness, they have led me to lifestyle changes over the years, relocation, creativity, experiences, achievements  and memories not to be forgotten. 

​The cost of these is almost irrelevant compared to the benefits you’ll gain from an initial investment. Each item is a topic of conversation on its own, but I would argue that each compliments the other, and by making a simple choice, just one of these tools will create change. 

The Tools Needed

1. A Pen and Paper
2. Walking Boots
3. Swimsuit or shorts
4. Surfboards and wetsuit
5.  A Bicycle

Putting Pen to Paper

I write because I like to write, Since I started writing blog posts back in 2005 under various names, I have little idea if people read these posts apart from the rare time I look at the page views, or the occassional comment from a friend, and thats so cool, so thank you.  Writing is probably the cheapest of any pursuit because you only require a pencil and a piece of paper, the back of a cereal packet or a scrap of paper.  Before I tap these words into a machine, i have notebooks and I always write in blue pen, just because I can. So I think the first tool should be the pen and paper. Both fit in your pocket, and where ever you find yourself, you can simply jot down your thoughts and take your mind off anything else and everything, or write about your feelings.

The Benefits:

Creative pursuits allow our brains to just switch to flow mode
Cheap
Mindful Pursuit
You can write what ever you like,  screw it up and throw it in the bin, or start journal
Writing for yourself helps to clarify why you write and who for, a good place to start is for yourself. 

Disadvanatges:
​None. 

Just start Walking.  

Get a pair of shoes, then a good pair of boots and the possibilities are endless, just start putting one foot in fron of the other. For let's say £20, this will get you started, and for that price the only additional cost is time. How much time can you afford and let walking into your life and get out into the freshair? £20 and some time, it’s already an attractive tool. If you’re living in the inner city then add a train ride out to the nearest green space, or just walk in different directions, take a walk around your city, invent your own tour, and just walk. If you're lucky enough to already live in rural space, the fresh air and green spaces are totally free and already yours to enjoy.  Oh, and get a thumb stick… just because!

The benefits:  

Fresh Air
Low Impact Exercise
Lower Blood Pressure
Calorie and Fat Burning
Mindfulness and Present 

Disadvantages:
None

A Swimsuit or a pair of Shorts

Sea Swimming or Wild Water Swimming seems to be the biggest craze at the moment. Everyone seems to own a dryrobe (other brands available) and want to experience cold water therapy. Predominantly and statistically, women are the main protagonists in this pursuit, but there are more men joining  the ranks. Wild or Cold water swimming is changing the way people behave, perform, progress and improve their personal wellbeing. Some of these swimmers are fair weather swimmers, some are hard core 365 days a year, cold water fanatics.  In the cities you may have lakes like Hampstead Heath Ponds, or Open water spaces, by the coast you’ll have harbours and beaches,  but wherever you swim, please remember that safety is key, please ask experienced swimmers before you go.  

Benefits:

Breath Work
MIndfulness
Blood Circulation
Calming
Community
Cheap as Chips
Sense of achievement

Disadvantages:

It can be bloody cold!

A Surfboard and a Wetsuit

For a financial outlay of lets say £300 for a reasonable secondhand board, and £150 for a half decent wetsuit, Surfing is accessible but be warned it will take real effort. This is a real investment of time and all the energy you have. Millions have joined the ranks of trying to be a surfer since the Covid pandemic, but of those, many will give up, but few will make it a lifetime commitment. 
If you live near Bristol and you have £50 per hour to spare, you can go and learn or surf at the Wave, a freshwater mechanical wave that will allow you to hone your skills, but not really give you the beating of a lifetime in the ocean.  If you want  to spend that cash on fuel instead and get to the coast; as an Island,  we’re surrounded by the Sea and Ocean. To surf you will require the following attributes - Commitment, Perseverance and determination to succeed. Surfing is the hardest thing you will ever have to learn, but with the right board, and the right mindset, surfing will change your life completely. 

Benefits

Connection with the Ocean
The joy of riding a wave
Mindfulness beyond anything you’ll ever imagine
Fitness and Core Strength
Continuous sense of progression and achievement

Disadvantages:

It's a selfish pursuit
Crowded Beaches
Hard Bloody Work
You’ll never master the act of surfing

The Simple Bicycle

During lockdown, bike sales rocketed, the roads and trails were filled with new bike owners and like those that joined the surfing masses, many of these bikes are gathering dust in the garage or garden shed. As bike industry sales slow down, bike shops are suffering and need your support, but there are second hand bikes for sale in abundance now, add a decent helmet and you’re good to go. If you live in the city you’ll have the traffic to contend with but you might be lucky enough to have cycle lanes or city parks. Even riding to work is a great way to get out of our cars and save some fuel, I did it this summer, once a week I commited to riding to work and loved it. If you don’t fancy riding during the day, then ride at night. Get some lights and enjoy the quietness of your urban or rural surroundings. If you fancy taking your riding offroad then the UK has some of the best bike parks in Europe. Bicycles can literally pedal you around the world, commit to cycling and the hard work and you’ll be wanting to ride further or longer. If you find that too hard then there are always E-bikes but good luck getting one of those for £300.  

Benefits

Low Impact exercise
Community and clubs to join
Super fun on or off road
Health and Wellness
Mindfulness and being in the Present

Disadvantages:

Bikes get expensive the more you get addicted! 


I hope this very simple and basic guide helps someone, and any queries about your new life, please drop me a line.