Balance June 2018 - 15

YO U R E S S E N T I A L H A N D B O O K

The
user guide

rebalance
SIX STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

A study
by the American
Psychological Association
revealed writing a very
specific to-do list for
five minutes at bedtime
allows you to fall
asleep more
rapidly*

Be Kind

TAKE A BREAK
NATURE'S
PATH BARS

SEED OF LIFE
PATCH PLANTS

COMPILED BY: JAMES GILL, ILLUSTRATION: RAMI NIEMI. *SOURCE: PSYCNET.APA.ORG

Having plants in the office
can increase productivity
by up to 15%, boost
cognition, improve sleep
quality and make things
look nicer. London-based
Patch provides plants
based on your office
design, allowing you to,
er, grow. patch.garden

Even Harvard Business
Review has written about
the importance of spiking
blood sugar to increase
productivity. If this sounds
like an excuse for gluttony,
it's not. If you experience
a lull, try following Nature's
Path. naturespath.com

AND
VOLUNTEER

by BERNADETTE RUSSELL

HIT THE HIGH NOTE
KIKKI.K JOURNAL
Doing what is technically
work last thing at night might
not scream 'balance'.
However, studies show
creating a to-do list last
thing not only boosts
productivity the following
day, but also lowers stress
and improves memory. This
journal makes the process
even more pleasant.
kikki-k.com

SMART MOVE
SAMSUNG
GALAXY S9

SUNNY OUTLOOK
OWN THE DAY,
OWN YOUR LIFE

SpaceX supremo Elon
Musk champions prioritising
emails, so that thread about
Gary's BBQ might have to
wait. The amazing S9 makes
blitzing missives on the
commute to work a doddle,
connecting to a DeX Pad or
screen for the full office feel.
samsung.com

Optimism boosts
productivity (thank you,
University of Warwick), and
few things will boost your
overall wellbeing quite like
Aubrey Marcus' bruising
opus; the audiobook
equivalent of a loving
slap across the chops.
aubreymarcus.com

BEST FOOT FORWARD
ADIDAS
SOLARBOOST
A Stockholm University
study says physical activity
optimises productivity - so
use a couple of lunch breaks
per week to fit in some
exercise. These SolarBOOST
runners offer lightweight
cushioning, NASA-inspired
design and superior energy
return. adidas.co.uk/boost

June 2018 BA LA N CE

V

olunteering makes you
a kindness superhero.
If you've just moved
to a new area it's a great way to
meet neighbours or, if you're
single, people you have things in
common with. Whether you're
out of work, bored at work or
retired, you can learn new skills
and gain confidence, and you'll be
contributing your time and energy
to the rich experience of London.
The trick is to pick something
you like to do and fits in with your
plans. A few weekends ago, I 
skipped the gym to plant trees in
our local park with charity Trees
For Cities (a better workout and
more fun than the treadmill). We
learned a practical skill and ate pizza.
If trees aren't your thing, there
are all sorts you can do; immersive
theatre or art installations, help
out at a museum, care for rescue
animals, work in a community
garden or city farm. Check out
volunteerteam.london.gov.uk,
a great resource to discover
opportunities in London.
Begin your new adventure now!
The Little Book of Kindness
by Bernadette Russell (£7.99,
Orion Spring) is out now

15
http://www.naturespath.com http://www.kikki-k.com http://www.aubreymarcus.com http://www.samsung.com http://volunteerteam.london.gov.uk http://adidas.co.uk/boost
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance June 2018
