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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)
Titles Aren’t Destiny: Redefining Influence
[Why do people tell the wrong person important things?] Even if they want to tell somebody, why are they not choosing the person who can do something about it, really?
This week, I started listening to an episode of "Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat," featuring Claudia Hammond – a broadcaster, author, and psychologist (linked at the bottom of this section). Full disclosure, I haven't had a chance to finish the entire episode just yet. However, within the first six minutes, as Mo asked Claudia about the spark that ignited her interest in psychology, her answer made me reflect on a broader lesson we can all apply to our lives: the way we present ourselves and the kindness we put forth can inadvertently lead us to inhabit positions of influence that aren't necessarily tied to our formal titles or how others initially perceive us.
When asked about her path to psychology, Claudia recounted a story from her teens, when she pursued her passion for radio by working for a hospital’s radio station (which then broadcasted to patients through radios in their respective rooms) from a porter cabin in the hospital’s parking lot.
Every Sunday evening, she broadcasted "Claudia's Sunday Requests." To make it more engaging for the patients, Claudia would connect with them, getting to know them and asking for their song requests. Even for those who didn't tune in, her visits and conversations were a welcome connection. Claudia visited these individuals so frequently that they associated comfort with her presence, confiding in her all sorts of personal matters, sometimes health-related, sometimes not – things you'd expect them to discuss with their nurses or doctors, the very people in charge of their care.
Claudia noticed a pattern: when she suggested they relay certain information to their doctor, the patients would often hesitate, saying they didn't want to bother them or that the nurses were too busy. Claudia would offer to pass on the messages herself. This experience became the catalyst for her interest in psychology, prompting the fundamental question: "Why are they telling the wrong person this?"
Now, while I'm not saying the nurses or doctors weren't doing their job (they probably were very busy), could the nuance of their behaviors when interacting with patients have made the patients feel less comfortable approaching them, leading them to confide in a teenager instead?
The lesson I gleaned from this is one I think we can all apply to our lives: titles, in all honesty, can hold as much or as little weight as we allow them to, based on how we interpret and embody them. In Claudia's case, her "radio host" title didn't include "connector" or "relationship builder," yet she naturally became one – she built and maintained relationships across diverse social circles of patients and acted as a bridge between different groups of people (patients and doctors/nurses). It begs the question: what's holding you back from shaping what you do to align more authentically with who you are?
2/3. Well-being Weapons
Double Click on Creatine
I take creatine daily, even on days when I don't strength train. For a long time, I associated creatine with something only bodybuilders used. I’ve done my own research on the supplement itself and have since incorporated 5g of Creatine Monohydrate into my daily routine. When it comes to supplementation, I enjoy podcasts that are a bit more technical. I personally love FoundMyFitness by Rhonda Patrick. Here’s an episode on creatine:
What is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in some foods (meat and fish) and naturally produced in the human body (liver, kidneys, and pancreas). Its primary role is to help regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main energy source, especially during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. Essentially, creatine helps your muscles produce more energy quickly.
Why Creatine Monohydrate?
Creatine monohydrate is the most well-researched, widely used, and generally more affordable form of creatine. Other forms of creatine often claim superior absorption or effectiveness (with marketing geared towards bodybuilders), but the scientific evidence supporting these claims is often limited or inconclusive.
High Level Benefits of Creatine
Enhances muscle strength and power: Fuels more powerful contractions during resistance training.
Improves exercise performance, particularly in high-intensity, short-duration activities: Allows for more work output in bursts of intense activity.
Supports muscle growth over time: Facilitates long-term muscle development through increased training capacity.
May improve cognitive function in some individuals: Potentially enhances memory and processing speed.
Common Misconceptions
Makes you bulky: While creatine can lead to some initial water retention in muscles, it doesn't directly cause excessive muscle growth. The increased muscle size is primarily due to water retention and improved training capacity, which can then lead to more muscle growth over time.
It's only for bodybuilders: Creatine benefits extend beyond bodybuilding. Athletes across sports use it to enhance performance. Even those who aren't athletes can benefit from its potential cognitive and overall health benefits.
Disclaimer: The information provided here reflects my own perspective and understanding. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including creatine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns. This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is also important to follow the recommended dosage and usage guidelines provided by the product manufacturer. Individual results may vary.
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
On Monday, I wrote about longer runs and the importance of being strategic with the strides you use on a particular run. To tie the above conversation on supplements to running, let’s talk SaltStick.
When I trained for my first half I loved gels (GU specifically) but they started to mess with my stomach and didn’t always help my fatigue. I am obsessed with SaltStick (I probably have been buying 12 pack of SaltStick’s every 4-6 months since 2022) and they are like a fun little treat I look forward to on long runs.
SaltStick, like LMNT, are tablets you eat before, during, or after prolonged exercise (you may have seen a trend in hot yoga studios recently of having salt and water available by the door). They help maintain electrolyte balance to prevent cramping, dehydration, and fatigue - letting you sustain effort for longer durations.
Give em a go 😊
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