Benny Button

24/09/2024

We love this! 👇

This is a public service announcement for all office workers. Spending hours at your desk can be a danger to your mental health. The good news is that just 1...

19/09/2024

What if going vegan could help you turn back the clock, even just a little? A recent study shows that a plant-based diet for just eight weeks can reduce your biological age—think of it as a small Benny Button moment for your body!

By lowering cholesterol and inflammation, you could give your body a fresh start and feel younger from the inside out. Who wouldn’t want a natural, healthy boost to stay vibrant?

Read more: [ScienceFocus](https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/going-vegan-for-eight-weeks-reduces-your-biological-age)

A new study has revealed that subscribing to a vegan diet for just eight weeks can significantly decrease your biological age.

17/09/2024

Ready to turn up the heat in more ways than one? Turns out, garlic isn't just for keeping vampires away—it might just spice up your love life too!

According to experts, this potent little plant can boost blood flow where it matters most.

So, maybe it's time to embrace the garlic breath and reap the benefits. Who knew a clove of garlic could be the secret ingredient to romance?

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/offbeat/garlic-is-the-ideal-food-for-improving-a-mans-s*x-life-c-16077301?_gl=1*jp89i*_ga*d3I4MHNJdnJDSnNJWnF3YjhqeXZXczY0Y2tTMmxCRjc2Z3ZPRmI1b2dZUXdKRVRSSGdBRnJjblpGQWx5cG5VRA..

Eating garlic can improve a man's s*x life as it widens blood vessels in intimate areas.

15/09/2024

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'

In workplaces where people feel safe to voice their thoughts, innovation thrives, trust grows, and decisions improve. 🌱 But fostering this environment requires a commitment to building both a safe space and empowering individuals with the confidence to speak up.

Check out our latest blog post to explore how we can transform workplaces through the power of open dialogue and psychological safety.

When we summon the courage to speak up, particularly about the things that truly matter, we take a stand—not just for ourselves, but for others as well. In doing so, we help build a culture where openness, transparency, and courage can flourish, creating an environment where growth and trust are n...

08/08/2024

Two more sleeps and it’s 14km in a dog suit for the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home! Please donate if you can.

https://city2surf24.grassrootz.com/sydney-dogs-cats-home/troy-mansell?utm_source=gr-email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=control&utm_campaign=City2Surf%202024%20%7C%20Run%20With%20Heart%20Month%20-%20week%202&utm_term=Newsletter&vero_id=fundraiser-440262&vero_conv=RPXTW_rFPukmw3Xjk2CV0dLISW5oWzK3FJgObNqWAGhs-XrhbAWd9Oqc84x2ZMp03hKeEgVRqxRYTf0sgt4-DLDtAVAZK4UQo4o%3D

08/08/2024

Educating leaders about sustainable wellbeing and performance in work and life.

23/12/2023

Day 22: Be present ✨

Reflecting on these wellbeing tips, may you enter the holiday season with heightened energy and self-awareness. While the festive season and bringing in a new year can often promise joy and a new start, for many it can also bring challenges when it comes to connecting with others, reflecting on what has changed or been lost, or navigating financial pressures (to name a few). So, amid the distraction of busyness and diversions into social media, strive to be present and appreciate the many simple everyday moments that are real and help you to get back on the ground in your present - whatever that looks like.

Resist the allure of comparisons and embrace mindfulness by practicing a few key steps: breathe fully and slowly, engage your senses as a pathway to the present, and resist the urge to be tethered to your phone. Foster genuine connections through mindful listening, truly savour exchanges and appreciate the simple privilege of living and taking steps forward. As we sign off for Christmas, we wish you a fulfilling and restful festive season, and look forward to welcoming 2024 refreshed and energised.

22/12/2023

Day 21: Choose your rest 😴

Fatigue can manifest for various reasons, and it's helpful to gauge the specific types of exhaustion you're experiencing. This way you can tailor your rest and rejuvenation to address the particular types of rest you need which can more precisely refresh and reset your wellbeing. Consider the following insights:

1. Cognitive Fatigue: If you've been experiencing high cognitive load because you’ve been immersed in tasks requiring intense attention and detail, high levels of problem-solving or decision making, then your brain needs a break. Engage in activities that allow your mind to unwind, such as reading a light book, taking a leisurely walk, or practicing mindfulness.

2. Physical Exhaustion: For those who have exerted themselves physically, providing your body with adequate rest and recovery is paramount. Ensure you get sufficient sleep, consider gentle exercises like yoga, or indulge in a soothing bath to relax your muscles.

3. Sensory Overload: Exposure to constant stimuli from technology, sound, and light can be draining. Give yourself sensory rest by spending time in a quiet, dimly lit space. Consider activities like meditation or simply disconnecting from electronic devices. Better yet, get out in nature to counteract artificial stimulus overload.

4. Social Fatigue: If social engagements have left you feeling drained rather than energised, it's important to carve out time for yourself. Recharge by engaging in solo activities that bring you joy and allow you to reconnect with your own thoughts.

5. Emotional Drain: Dealing with the emotions of others or managing your own emotional responses in social or professional contexts can be taxing. Incorporate diverse mood-restoring and emotionally energising practices - from dancing, singing or humour to journaling and deep breathing exercises - engage in activities that bring you emotional comfort.

Recognising the specific nature of your fatigue type or profile enables you to apply targeted strategies for rejuvenation. Listening to your body and mind and responding with the appropriate restorative practices will contribute to a more balanced and energised state during this busy time.

21/12/2023

Day 20: Quality over quantity 🥂

Navigating social occasions, especially during the festive season, often involves the presence of alcoholic beverages. With numerous events on the horizon, it's essential to be mindful of alcohol consumption to ensure a healthier and more enjoyable experience. Here are some quick tips to help you avoid overindulging during these holidays:

1. Alcohol Swaps: Instead of automatically reaching for an alcoholic drink, consider keeping alternative cold options in the fridge. Opt for refreshing choices like mineral or soda water, kombucha, or coconut water as substitutes for soft drinks and variants high in refined sugars.

2. Water Breaks: Intersperse your alcoholic drinks with glasses of water. This not only slows down your drinking pace, it also keeps you aware of any actual level of thirst you’re quenching. Plus, staying hydrated is a valuable goal when it comes to overall wellbeing.

3. Quality Over Quantity: Choose to savour the experience by prioritising quality over quantity. If you have a special bottle you've been saving, now might be the perfect time to bring it out. Take the time to mindfully appreciate the complexity and thoughtfulness that went into crafting that particular beverage.

Remember, these tips are not about depriving yourself but rather finding a balance that aligns with your wellbeing goals and savouring the experiences you have. Enjoying social occasions can be highly fulfilling without overindulging in alcohol. By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable holiday season.

20/12/2023

Day 19: Self-compassion 💛

It's that time of year when our focus is so often turned towards giving to others, but it's equally important we extend generosity ourselves. Being caring, kind, and compassionate towards ourselves is not a luxury nor is it something to feel guilty about; it's a vital skill of our overall wellbeing.

Take a moment to prioritise self-care, addressing your mental and emotional wellbeing needs, not just physical health. Sure, ensure you're getting enough rest, nourishing your body with nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. These foundational elements play a crucial role in supporting your overall wellbeing. But also be kind to your mind and mood - swapping criticism for care.

Create space in your schedule for activities that bring you fulfilment, relaxation, and peace of mind. Whether it's losing yourself in a good book, getting out into nature, or experimenting with breath work or the challenge of an ice bath - these moments - though very different have shown amazing evidence when it comes to boosting mental and emotional health.

Remember to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would readily offer to a friend facing challenges. Self-compassion is a powerful tool in navigating the ups and downs of life. As Jack Kornfield said, “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”

18/12/2023

Day 18: Breathe more consciously 🪷

On average we take 23,060 breaths a day. We take most of them unconsciously.

Use your diaphragm muscles (think just under your ribs) to gently and slowly belly breathe. This both fuels us with energy, as well as, clearing and calming the mind and body. Breathing this way for a couple of minutes per day as a regular part of your routine is like a pre-season training exercise for coming back to work after the holidays fresh and focused.

Breathing this way will also help you to navigate stress more effectively over this busy period. In fact, research shows us that breathing in this way has a hugely beneficial impact on balancing the activation and relaxation cycles of our nervous system.

So let’s turn any end of year chaos into holiday cheer. If you are looking for a specific breathing technique, give box breathing a try. It seems fitting given many will be wrapping gift boxes at this time of year - perhaps with some stress involved. So, what better breath practice to undertake than ‘Box Breathing’. Simply repeat these 4 steps: 1) inhale to a four count, 2) hold to pause breathing for a four count, 3) exhale to a four count, and 4) hold to pause breathing for a four count. Also known as square breathing, it's a simple and effective breathwork practice to manage stress and promote calmness anywhere, anytime.

18/12/2023

Day 17: Monotasking 🧠

Amidst last-minute shopping, year-end tasks, and social plans, it's crucial to recognise that multitasking costs us about 40% of productive time, leading to inefficiency, errors, stress, and exhaustion. The brain's love for novelty often drives incessant task switching, releasing endogenous opioids. And just like that kid in the candy store, our brains are soaking up the empty calories of task switching, leading us to want more and more to release more dopamine.

So to enhance focus, achieve more, and boost overall wellbeing, adopt the power of - sustaining focused attention on one task at a time.

In our tech-driven world, combat distractions with low-tech lists (paper and pen), turn off notifications, schedule email time blocks, and set clear boundaries. Protect your time, attention, and energy by blocking out your calendar. Create distance when needed - take a walk or clear your mind. Lastly, practice self-compassion; Most importantly, have some compassion, notice your distractions, and focus on doing one thing well at a time.

You can read more on this subject here - https://bennybutton.com/blog/monotasking-the-key-to-boosting-productivity-and-wellbeing