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On Wednesdays, we’ll reflect: See below for some some of what I’ve learned from the week to inspire reflection, a well-being soundbite, and a view of my wish list / recs / things I’m currently obsessing over. 🙂
1/3. W.I.L.T.W (What I Learned This Week)
Evolved for Endurance: Marathon Mindset in a Hustle Culture
“The economic and marketing forces of modern society have engineered an environment…that maximize[s] consumption at the long-term cost of well-being,” a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded in 2021. “In effect, humans have dragged a body with a long hominid history into an overfed, malnourished, sedentary, sunlight-deficient, sleep-deprived, competitive, inequitable, and socially-isolating environment with dire consequences”.
Sebastian Junger's quote from Tribe paints a stark picture of modern life, highlighting how our environments often prioritize consumption and productivity at the expense of our well-being. It’s easy to deeply ingrain ourselves to these patterns. We often find pride in our 'sprint' efforts or applauding team members for theirs —the late nights, the missed lunches, the relentless push to meet deadlines. While there are inevitably times when we need to 'sprint' to meet critical deadlines, we must be mindful of the long-term cost. We rarely pride ourselves or celebrate the equally vital components of a healthy life: sufficient sleep, balanced meals, or time spent recharging. Speaking for myself, at least.
As I reflect on my standards at work, I've realized that we, as individuals and team members, have the power to shift this dynamic within our immediate spheres of influence. We can be agents of positive change by consciously fostering a culture of grace and sustainability. This doesn't mean ignoring deadlines or lowering standards, but rather acknowledging that well-being is integral to long-term success. For instance, in team meetings, we can encourage sharing personal wellness goals or celebrate small victories like taking a midday walk or prioritizing sleep. By doing so, we normalize and validate the importance of self-care. It's about recognizing that work is a marathon, not a perpetual sprint. We need recovery runs, tempo runs, and yes, occasional sprints, but we can't sustain a constant, high-intensity pace without burning out.
Ultimately, this reflection has reinforced the importance of grace—for ourselves and others. We all have moments when we need to push harder, but we also need to recognize when we need to step back and recharge. By creating an environment where well-being is valued alongside productivity, we can build a more sustainable and fulfilling workplace for everyone.
2/3. Well-being Weapons
Taste of Bulgaria At Home in >10 Minutes
As a Bulgarian, my love for feta cheese runs deep. However, this also means my standard for feta is incredibly high. I'm often disappointed by feta options, regardless of the grocery store or brand. So much so that I exclusively buy my feta from Malincho, a Bulgarian marketplace. If it runs out, I don't replace it with another brand; I wait until I get another order delivered. It's just not the same otherwise.
Tied to my Bulgarian roots and love for feta is the Bulgarian staple, Shopska Salata (Shopska Salad). Bulgaria doesn't have a national dish, but Shopska Salata is a national culinary symbol. Ask any Bulgarian about the salad, and you're bound to get a response. A large Bulgarian friend or family gathering isn't complete without Shopska Salata as a starter. I crave it often when I'm far from my parents, and when my tin of feta in the fridge has run dry, I've found cottage cheese ideally meets my craving to make a Shopska Salata alternative at home. Plus, it's a nice dose of protein if you want to switch things up.
If you're cooking a Balkan or Mediterranean-inspired dinner for friends, I highly recommend adding this as an appetizer. Or, if you need a mid-day snack / are hungry before dinner, this is an easy dish to whip up for a change.
How I make it with cottage cheese:
Freshly cut tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers (farmers market is ideal)
1-2 servings of cottage cheese (12-24g of protein)
Seasonings to taste: garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and Bulgarian chubritsa (can substitute with oregano)
For reference, here is a photo of the ingredients in a traditional Shopska Salata! It's not rocket science, but it's a crowd-pleaser. 😊
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
I've been getting back into running and hiking outdoors, but the weather in the Bay Area can be a bit unpredictable at times. When I run, my body heats up quickly, and if I wear too many layers, I end up being too hot a mile in. My head, however, gets cold and stays cold.
I love wearing this Merino Wool headband on days I want to be outside but don't want to feel like my brain is starting to freeze (lol). If you have a friend's birthday coming up who loves to be outside and could benefit from some gear, I think this is an awesome gift. If you yourself want to get outside more for a run or walk but find your head suffers, invest in one! It's worth it. 😊 I have it in three colors and love it so much.
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