It’s Time for a New Adventure

Greetings from Lima, Peru!

This trip was supposed to happen last fall, but didn’t for obvious reasons. The first reschedule was for spring of this year, but was postponed again to allow the vaccination process to play out.

Now, everyone in the group is vaccinated and tested. And in a few days we’ll be off in the Amazon rain forest away from the crowds.

I’m just happy to being going on an adventure at this point. It seems I crave new experiences to a high degree, and I get depressed when I’m stuck in one place following the same routine for too long. Sure, it’s great for getting work done, but I start to feel like life is passing me by in an intensifying blur of identical days.

Everyone feels that way from time to time. But a strong urge to experience something new is not a problem … it’s good for you. For example, when the days blur together and you feel like you’re hurtling non-stop toward the end of life, it’s time to do something different:

Research on perception reveals that novel experiences make your experience of time go more slowly. This can make your life feel longer and less fleeting as you age. When we were young, everything was new. Now, we have to work at it to experience novelty and slow time down.

And it’s not just our experience of time that expands. Embracing new experiences can add literal years to your lifespan and healthspan:

Novelty is so important to well-being that researchers have identified “neophilia” — the desire to have novel experiences — as a predictor of longevity. People who actively seek out new experiences throughout life live happier, healthier lives.

You don’t have to jet off to South America for a couple weeks to get a dose of novelty (although I highly recommend it if that sounds cool to you). You can find new and different experiences all around you if you take the time to look. Choose your own adventure!

Keep going-

Brian Clark

P.S. New to Further? Join us here.

Adventure Assistance

If South America is not on your short list for adventure, try one of the places on this list instead. Choose from destinations ranging from Mauritius, Anguilla, Nepal, Egypt, Norway and more.

Lonely Planet names the best destinations for 2022

I Gotta Have More Kettlebell Baby!

Whether you’re a gym newb or a seasoned CrossFitter, you can benefit from adding kettlebell swings to your strength training routine. This ultimate all-in-one workout helps with everything from spine strength and hip flexibility to cardio and calorie burn.

More Kettlebell: 15 Killer Benefits of Kettlebell Swings

The Taxman Cometh

Although no one can predict the future, there’s substantial evidence suggesting that taxes will rise. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire at the end of 2025, but we could see major changes before then.

Don’t Assume You’ll Pay Less in Taxes in Retirement

My So-Called Digital Life

Our lives are more digital than ever, and that will only increase going forward. This guide (in two parts) is pretty hefty, but it’ll help you cover yourself in the most important ways when it comes to digital security.

• Securing Your Digital Life, Part One: The Basics
• Securing Your Digital Life, Part Two: The Bigger Picture and Special Circumstances

Easy Everyday Mindfulness Without Meditation

By Trudi Roth

Here’s something to know about “mindfulness”: it’s not the same thing as meditation.

So, if you dread the idea of sitting still, the good news is there’s plenty you can do on the go and still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a meditative practice. This includes reduced stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and depression, improved mood, sleep, relationships, sex, and overall well-being.

Notice that list includes all the things that help make life a delight — well worth prioritizing. All it takes is bringing awareness to your daily activities.

Mindfulness vs. Meditation

First, a simple definition of mindfulness:

“Mindfulness is paying non-judgmental attention to your experiences, sensations, and thoughts in the present moment while fully accepting them for what they are. In a way, mindfulness is turbocharged observation.”

The big difference between meditation and mindfulness is how attention is directed. In meditation, it’s focusing on one thing, like the breath or a mantra, for a period of time. Mindfulness is the conscious awareness of just the present moment.

Becoming present is especially helpful when you’re overthinking, distracted, stressed out, experiencing anxiety, anger, panic, or generally feeling out of control. It helps you get out of the mindless drift through your thoughts and into a connected interaction with current reality.

Think of mindfulness as insta-self-care you can do whenever you want, wherever you are.

Where is My Mind?

There are loads of opportunities to inject mindfulness into your daily routine.

• Bathing: When you’re in the bath, shower, or even just washing your hands, pay attention to the sensations and the texture and shape of your body.
• Cleaning: If there were ever a time to be in a mindful flow, it’s while you’re tidying up. Pull a Mr. Miyagi and place attention on hand motions, dust patterns, and wipe marks. And be sure to breathe while you’re cleaning.
• Eating: Conscious consumption, like the Japanese practice of hara hachi bun me, is as simple as noticing how food smells, tastes, and feels. Also, pay attention to portion size and when your body feels full.
• Working Out: Mindful exercise comes naturally, as often you’re focusing on inhaling and exhaling as you observe your movements (i.e., lifting weights). Extend that practice of noticing to whatever physical activity you’re doing.
• Conversing: Make a conscious effort to listen to what you’re saying and hearing, paying close attention to body language, facial expressions, pitch, and tone. That way, you’ll be engaging with the other person versus with your thoughts about the conversation.

Think of mindfulness as the ultimate way to treat yourself. After all, the present is a gift, and the only time to enjoy it is in the moment.

How to Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Life (Cognition Today)