Lifestyle Archives

How to Improve Human Performance: 3 Steps to Take

What are ways to improve human performance? How can you convert growth into performance? While utilizing a consistent cycle of stress and rest sets the foundation for performance, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness acknowledge that growth alone doesn’t ensure elite performance. For this reason, they offer three additional steps for converting growth into performance. Read on to learn how to improve your performance using a routine, pursuing your goals, and finding your purpose.

Voluntary Poverty: Thoreau’s Simplicity in Action at Walden Pond

What’s voluntary poverty? What was Henry David Thoreau’s attitude toward poverty and charity? Henry David Thoreau’s simplicity is a major theme of Walden. During the time he lived in the modest cabin in the woods, he practiced voluntary poverty—stripping down his life to the bare necessities to fit the lifestyle he chose. Continue reading to learn about Thoreau’s practice of voluntary poverty and a bit about his attitude toward people who lived in poverty.

Pre-Performance Routine: Why You Need It & How to Apply It

What’s a pre-performance routine? How can you craft a routine that guarantees mental and physical benefits? According to Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, an essential part of optimal performance in any domain is a consistent pre-performance routine. To craft your own routine, they recommend cultivating a positive mood, incorporating your environment into your routine, and personalizing your routine. Continue reading to get a better understanding of why you need a pre-performance routine.

How to Simplify Your Life: 3 Tips From Thoreau’s Walden

A woman simplifying her life by watering plants.

Does your life feel cluttered and complicated? Do you sometimes feel like you should escape to a simpler time or place? One reason why Henry David Thoreau went to the woods was to live a simpler life. To accomplish this, he adopted a certain mindset and made specific choices. From his example, you can simplify your life by considering what you can do without, managing your resources wisely, and savoring what you have. Keep reading for three tips on how to simplify your life with insights from Thoreau.

How to Connect With Nature: Follow in Thoreau’s Footsteps

A young girl connecting with nature by looking up at a tree.

What rhythms does your life follow? When was the last time you bathed in a river? At Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau spent hours each day walking in the woods. He bathed in the pond. He got to know individual trees. Drawing from Thoreau’s experience, you can learn how to connect with nature and get into its rhythm. Continue reading to learn more about Thoreau’s connection with nature and two specific ways you can follow his example.

How to Enjoy Solitude: 3 Tips Inspired by Walden Pond

A man enjoying solitude by sitting next to a lake.

Are you lonely? How often do you spend time alone? Is that time enjoyable and valuable? One of the reasons why Henry David Thoreau went to live in the woods was to be alone—but not to feel alone. Appreciating this distinction and following Thoreau’s example can help you find meaning in time spent alone. Keep reading to learn how to enjoy solitude as Thoreau did at Walden Pond.

Choose Your Own Path: Advice From Henry David Thoreau

A woman choosing her own path at a crossroads sign during a sunset.

What choices are the right ones for you? Do you tend to follow your intuition and live by your convictions? Henry David Thoreau made an interesting choice when he went to live in the woods. Perhaps even more interesting was his decision to leave the woods two years later. By looking at his example, you can draw inspiration to make your own choices. Read more to learn how Thoreau carved out his own life and how you can choose your own path, as well.

Importance and Urgency: How to Tell the Difference

What’s the difference between importance and urgency? Is it better to prioritize important tasks over urgent ones? In Personal Kanban, Jim Benson and Tonianne DeMaria advise prioritizing important tasks that inspire continuous improvement. While these tasks may not be urgent, they’ll benefit you in the long run. Learn how to tell the difference between what’s important and what’s urgent.

The 5 Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting, Explained

What are the health benefits of intermittent fasting? Can intermittent fasting solve existing health problems? The five health benefits of intermittent fasting are promoting weight loss, improving body function, elevating cognitive function, enhancing workouts, and encouraging better sleep. Understanding these benefits in detail can help your confidence in trying an intermittent fasting program. Learn what the health benefits of fasting are and how to make the most of an intermittent fasting routine.

The Theory Behind Intermittent Fasting: Returning to Natural Eating

What is the theory behind intermittent fasting? Where does the idea come from? The theory behind intermittent fasting is that our early ancestors ate with fasting cycles, and that our shift into eating three meals a day goes against our natural instincts and needs. A look at this backstory gives insight into when intermittent fasting might be helpful. Learn more about where the idea of intermittent fasting came from in recent history.