Hello beautiful Unstoppables Family,

Here is the latest dose of what I’m doing, what I’ve learnt and things to explore. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to share with family and friends.

I’ve also added a great new section to Unstoppables – called Events! Here you can find all the best health and wellbeing events from around the world – many of which you can do in the comfort of your own home. Happy learning!! 

Have a wonderful week ahead! Much love, stay strong and #beunstoppable

Sandy xxx

PS – And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forgot to check out my favourite tried and tested health and wellness products – you can find them under my Must Haves

1 THING I’M DOING

GROWING MY OWN FOOD
Mum has always had a bountiful year round garden at home. Growing up in Croatia in a small village that had to sustain itself, growing your own food wasn’t a hobby or weekend project, but rather a matter of survival. As a child growing up, eating freshly picked fruit and veggies not only nurtured my body, but fed my soul. Oh how I wish I could bottle her skills and innate knowledge for how to grow food.

Today, and with each passing season, I keep trying to learn and improve my own skills for growing food. Being self sufficient and sustainable are both calling me. And whilst I don’t have much room, or time for that matter, yesterday’s harvest pictured above filled my cup.

My Planting Tips 

 – Just plant something. Herbs, cherry tomatoes in a pot, lettuce, spinach are all easily achievable
– If something wild grows – leave it be. One of our best plants this year is only what I can describe as a cherry tomato bush that sprouted out of nowhere.
– If something goes to seed – try and save some and leave it be. Apart from noticing that bees love the seeding flowers, you may find some nice surprises popping up next year
 – Go wild! It doesn’t really matter if your garden looks a little unruly and not quite the manicured picture you’d find in a magazine. What matters is the joy it brings you and the gift you’re giving to yourself, your family and our precious planet.

If you’re a keen home gardener, please share your tips and pics. And if you’re looking from some good resources, here is a website I quite like.

2 THINGS I’VE LEARNT

MENTAL HEALTH
Another reason to keep moving. A new study by the University of South Australia has found that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling OR the leading medications.

An overview of 97 systematic reviews and meta-analyses found the benefits of exercise were seen in 12 weeks. The authors of the umbrella review called on mental health professionals and doctors to start prescribing exercise as a first line of treatment. Wouldn’t that be nice. And how about some Vitamin D and early morning sunshine to go with that?

NEW HABITS
James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, says that new habits need to be easy, attractive and rewarding. If you’re looking to exercise more, here’s how this could look…

Easy – get your clothes and walking shoes ready the night before
Attractive – pick a nice park or make it social and ask a friend to join you
Rewarding – have a delicious treat or coffee when you get back

Changing our perception may also help. Rather than thinking I “have to ” go for a walk, we could look at how lucky we are to “get to” go for a walk. We are so fortunate to be free and able to move our bodies so having gratitude for the things we can do may give you some fresh energy.

3 THINGS TO EXPLORE

PRIVACY
Over the years, sadly us humans have become bits of data being mined and harvested. From location services tracking our movements, to Google boxes listening to our every word, to phones asking us for our fingertips and eye scans, collecting our biometric data. How much personal data are you giving and happy to give away? I turn on location services only when I need help with directions. I wouldn’t have a Google Box or other in my home and I’m happy to use an old fashioned passcode to unlock my phone or computer. That’s just me. What about you?

REACH OUT
Is there one person you could reach out to this week that may need a hand, would like to hear from you and would benefit from you calling them, visiting them, texting them to just say “hello, I’ve been thinking of you”? Please do it.

JOYS OF WALKING
“Walking helps me feel at home. There’s a small pleasure in seeing how well I’ve come to know the city through my wanderings on foot, crossing through different neighborhoods of the city, some I used to know quite well, others I may not have seen in a while, like getting reacquainted with someone I once met at a party.”
Source: Why We Walk by Lauren Elkin