Project quote: 

“Studies show that people who exercise before and during work are happier, experience less stress, and are more productive.” (http://ergonomyx.com/)

My thoughts: 

I would have loved to have an under-the-desk bike or one of those adjustable desks that would allow me to stand at any of the administrative jobs I’ve worked at in the past. They would have reduced the boredom I’m sure, and likely my coffee intake as well.

The bike I currently use under my desk when I’m working at home is great for increasing circulation and prevents some of the daily stiffness in my hips and knees from arthritis. Another recommendation I need to follow more consistently is getting up from the chair every hour or so to do stretches or walk outside.

Companies in Japan have a great system for daily exercise at the workplace. Employees and companies alike here in the U.S. could really learn a lot by following their example. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exercise-workplace-what-japanese-companies-can-teach-us-scott-lister/

Using some kind of exercise equipment while working can improve how we deal with stress, whether it’s related to deadlines, clients, personal conflicts, whatever.

I also play a couple word game apps daily for mental exercise that directly relates to the work I do. This week I made it to the library again to check out a pile of books to read while housesitting. Reading at night before bed not only helps me fall asleep and sleep better, it’s so much better for slowing down the mind and racing thoughts. Watching a show or scrolling through my feed on my phone definitely does NOT slow down the mind in preparation for sleep.

Next, I’d like to find methods for improving my ability to focus on a task for longer periods of time. I’m fairly certain that frequent use of social media and the internet has shortened my attention span and contributed to my reduced ability to focus. I have no interest in using medication to addres this issue.

As I sit here typing, looking out the window at the beautiful view by the lake where I’m housesitting, I realize that I keep staring off in the distance for quite a while. Nature allows me to focus and experience the moment in a way that media and city life never can. Zoom in — can you spot the hummingbird in the photo above? I tried for several minutes, unsuccessfully, to get a clear photo of the little guy flitting around but settled for a beautiful shot of the flowers and scenery. I thought this was a fitting image to display the balance between movement and stillness.

Our minds and bodies require both movement and stillness at the appropriate times to be healthy.

Editing projects for weeks ending August 19, 2018:
Academic research article, Nonfiction book Author Bio, Workspace Fitness Devices website, Nonfiction book, Promotional sales email 
Client countries:  China, US, Canada, UK