Hi friends,

Here is this week’s list of what I’m exploring and thinking about. Feel free to forward this along to friends.

How I remember what I read

With every non-fiction book I read, I have a pen and highlighter in hand to take notes in the margins and underline concepts. If you don’t take immediate action from the books you read, you’ll likely forget most of the information within a few days or weeks. But if you take notes from each book you read and then copy them into your preferred capture method, you’ll likely retain more information and have that information in a way that is quickly accessible. You can view some of my book notes here.

Candle I’m obsessed with

Bath & Body Works “Leaves.” These candles are on the more expensive end, but worth the price. I also enjoy the “Fresh Balsam” scent around Christmas.

What I’m listening to

Khachaturian: Spartacus Suite No.2: I. Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia.

Tool I’m using to reduce stress

The physiological sigh. This is done by taking 2 consecutive, deep inhales through the nose and one long exhale through the mouth. It has been shown that just 5 minutes a day of practicing the physiological sigh can reduce anxiety and improve your mood. This is a real-time tool to decrease your stress levels with immediate benefits of reduced heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, and increased heart rate variability.

Quote of the week

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next week,

Kevin