Wellbeing | The power of negative thinking

Worries and doubts have their up-sides. They could even help you feel happier…

Negative thoughts – worries, doubts and irritations – are like weeds. Despite our best efforts to think positive, look on the bright side, or be grateful for what we have, they still spring up. But what if the reason they are so persistent is that they serve a purpose and are even sometimes useful? According to an increasing number of experts, it’s time we stopped demonising negativity. It could help you feel happier.

Turn to page 78 of September’s The Simple Things for more on the power of negative thinking, including how to harness its power plus a fear-setting exercise.

The TED talk below explores the hard choices - what we most fear doing, asking, saying - and how they are very often exactly what we need to do. How can we overcome self-paralysis and take action? Tim Ferriss encourages us to fully envision and write down our fears in detail, in a simple but powerful exercise he calls "fear-setting." Learn more about how this practice can help you thrive in high-stress environments and separate what you can control from what you cannot.

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Think: Discover your dosha

In September's The Simple Things we meet Sebastian Pole, herbalist, tea-maker and co-founder of Pukka who turned his fascination with herbs into one of the biggest do-you-good cuppa brands, learning a few life lessons along the way. Read the interview on page 32. 

Try Pukka’s quiz to discover your dosha, designed to help you understand more about yourself, what’s good for you and what’s not. It's an amazing way to find out more about who you are and provides tips for your own personal health and happiness – including ways in which you can sleep better.

The theory behind the quiz comes from ancient wisdom that has passed down for centuries in India, through a system known as Ayurveda, which actually means ‘the art of living wisely’.

To start you have to find out what your ‘dosha’ or body-mind type is, you’ll then be able to know what helps you thrive the most; what foods to eat, what exercises are best for you and what relationship types of other body/mind types suit you best. It even gives an insight into how each different type typically responds to the need for sleep. In essence, it brings you special insight about your health, informing your choices and decisions that you make everyday.

Following the wisdom of Ayurveda there are said to be three constitutional types; “wind (vata), fire (pitta) and water (kapha). They destroy or maintain the body, according to whether they are sick or healthy.”

We all want to be healthy so that we have the best chance to enjoy and fulfil our potential in life. But excellent health seems to be such a complicated subject that it is not always easy to know how to achieve this holy grail. Although at first it might appear an alien concept, understanding your constitutional dosha goes a long way in helping you to realise your perfect health.

In Ayurveda your personal constitution is known as prakriti, which means ‘nature’, as in your inherent genetic type. Ayurveda teaches us how to find out what our constitution is by observing who we are and how we feel. And this lesson is a very simple and enriching one. As you learn what your real nature is you can live a truly authentic life – a life that suits you and allows your health to flourish.

This quiz will give you an example of your current state of health. The result you get after the test gives you an idea about how balanced your health is at the moment. You will probably be a mix of each of the dosha but it is likely that one will dominate. You have to be something. Each of the dosha have some advantages and some disadvantages. By following the recommendations appropriate for your constitution, Ayurveda can help you fulfill your potential and to be really comfortable in who you are.

So, if you feel inspired, run through the quiz questions to determine your Ayurvedic constitution...and Pukka will send you some life-changing insights every now and then that will add clarity and colour to your life.

To discover your dosha, head to the Pukka site to take the quiz...

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Think: Calm in a jiffy

Quick fixes and inner peace may seem unlikely bedfellows - but there are simple tools you can use to feel more serene

Wouldn’t it be great to be more patient, unruffled and at ease? To be able to hold onto that sense of contentment and serenity that comes over you when you experience a gorgeous sunset, a walk in the woods or a restful soak in a bath. Yet those moments of peace tend to quickly evaporate and anxiety, ever present in the background, finds a way to creep back to the surface. The good news is that becoming more serene doesn’t have to mean changing your lifestyle completely or hours of meditation or yoga. It can be as simple as practising some easy calming techniques that you can call upon in stressful circumstances or when you’re just feeling a bit ruffled. Have a go at the following micro-practices, find out what works for you and use them whenever you need an extra dose of calm.

Feed your good wolf

You may have heard the old Native American parable about the two wolves fighting inside of us all. There’s the wolf of fear and hate and the wolf of love and compassion, and whichever wolf we feed will win the fight. Most people are incredibly hard on themselves both in their thoughts (self-criticism) and behaviour (destructive and self-sabotaging). Yet if we are kind and compassionate to ourselves and feed our good wolf, we develop the ability to have compassion for others.

Try the 4-7-8 breath

This is an ancient breathing technique that restores and recalibrates the central nervous system. The combination of a short inhale followed by a twice-as-long exhale has an immediate effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, putting the brakes on your stress response.
1 Inhale to the count of 4.
2 Hold your breath to the count of 7.
3 Exhale through your mouth as if blowing through a straw to the count of 8.
4 Repeat cycle twice more.
5 Do three cycles in the morning and the evening for a calmer, less reactive disposition.

Consult your inner wise woman

Imagine if you could consult your future self for advice or counsel? Perhaps your 98-year-old self, even now, has some wisdom to impart to you.
1 Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the age of 98.
2 Formulate a question or a concern that you’d like to ask your inner wise woman.
3 Imagine your older, wiser self conversing with your current self – you could even have her write you a letter if that makes it easier.
4 See if a wider perspective shifts your current perception of what’s going on today.

Turn to page 86 of April's The Simple Things for more suggestions, including how to embrace change, giving morning thanks, armchair travel, sitting in child’s pose, carrying a talisman, 
and the butterfly hug technique.

Taken from The Little Book of Inner Peace: Simple Practices for Less Angst, More Calm by Ashley Davis Bush (Octopus)

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Choosing a dog

They can eat into your time and money and test your patience, but loving your dog keeps you happy. If you're thinking about getting a dog, have a read through our list of things to consider first.

1. Can you put in the time?

Dogs bring with them many benefits, but you need to be able to put in the time to really get the most from your pet. Dogs can get distressed if left alone for too long, and require regular walks, but aside from this they need plenty of play time.

If you can't commit to daily interaction with your dog, perhaps consider less demanding pets such as fish, hamsters or guinea pigs.

2. Can you afford the cost?

Make sure you can afford the costs associated with keeping dogs. Not just food, leads, collars and toys, but also veterinary fees and pet insurance. It can be an expensive hobby.

3. Is your home dog-friendly?

A small flat without outdoor space may not be quite right for larger dogs, but you can usually get around most issues with a bit of clever thinking. Access to parks and large open spaces could be the answer to your dog's needs, but do consider the size of your home and how happy pets will be living there.

Also think about proximity to neighbours, who could become annoyed if your dog howls for you when you're at work.

4. Do you go on holiday frequently?

If you do, consider a dog that can travel with you, or that will be happy boarding at kennels in your absence or staying with friends. The best thing about a pet is the bond you have with your animal, so make sure your lifestyle doesn't impact on this relationship.

5. Do you suffer from allergies?

Double check which breeds are most likely to trigger allergies or asthma in anyone living in your house. Spend some time with friends and their dogs to see whether you react badly to fur or dander.

6. Have you thought about the commitment required?

Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment. Although you can't be sure what might be around the corner, it's important to enter into dog ownership giving it the full thought required, taking into consideration how your life might change in the future.

Crufts 2017 takes place from 9–12 March at The NEC Birmingham and you can watch it on Channel 4 and More 4. 

More info at crufts.org.uk

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Think: The gift of goodwill

Giving and doing good helps others while making you a happier person too. but only if you do it for the right reasons

December's The Simple Things looks at how giving can be good for you, as well as your cause. Or read on for a quick guide to being kind.

Altruistic could-do list

Show kindness
Give unwanted warm clothes to a homeless person, offer the toys/bike you were going to put on Ebay to a family who might appreciate some help this Christmas.

The Salvation Army, for example, runs a Christmas Present Appeal, salvationarmy.org.uk. 

Donate
Many of us have a cause that’s close to our hearts, but if you want to donate to charity and feel bewildered by the choice of worthy recipients, GiveWell (givewell.org) is an independent evaluator that rates charities in terms of lives saved or improved.

Volunteer
Type your postcode in to do-it.org, a national volunteering database, to find opportunities in your community, from dog-walking to admin.

Be neighbourly 
More than one million elderly people in the UK regularly go a whole month without speaking to anyone. If you don’t know a person who needs befriending, ageuk.org.uk can put you in touch.

Turn to page 90 of December’s The Simple Things for more.
 

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Wellbeing: How to lucid dream

Lucid dreaming enables you to be the director and star of your own dreams. Think of it as a mindful and life-enriching way to sleep

How often have you woken up, groggy from sleep, unsettled by a dream that is rapidly drifting from your memory? During the night your consciousness has produced images and sensations that may have been pleasurable but could just as easily have been disturbing. Whichever it is, these dreams are mysterious and intriguing but out-of-reach.

What would it be like, then, to be able to control your dreams and instead of passively being caught up in them, to direct them according to your own whims? You could explore new countries, fly over your neighbourhood or into space, defeat enemies, return to a favourite haunt, or even engage in something intimate with a favoured person.

This ability to consciously observe and direct your dreams is called lucid dreaming and is, according to Charlie Morley, co-creator of Mindfulness of Dream and Sleep (a holistic approach to lucid dreaming), a state available to all of us. “It’s safe and natural, not spooky or paranormal, and you can wake yourself up any time you want,” he says.

“Lucid dreaming means that you are consciously aware that you are in the dream as you are dreaming. You may be snoring, fast asleep, but part of your mind has woken up and is thinking: ‘I’m dreaming’. Everything you see, hear, taste, smell is as authentic as real life. It’s super-cool.”

Turn to page 84 of November’s The Simple Things for more on lucid dreaming, or read on for five pointers on how to lucid dream.

Sort out your bedroom
Looking at electronic devices or the TV is not compatible with a good night’s sleep. Restrict all of that to the living room, and clear your head instead. Then your bed will become a platform to launch you into a calm, uncluttered dream state.

Keep a dream diary
This is easier said than done when the urge to drift back to sleep or propel yourself into the day kicks in, but it is vital to enable lucid dreams. As soon as you wake up, write down everything you remember in as much detail as you can. This alerts you to ‘dream signs’ – situations which only happen in dreams, patterns and repeated images.

Ask yourself, “Am I awake?”
Hold your nose and attempt to breathe. If you can’t, you are awake. If you can, you are dreaming. This ‘reality check’ alerts you to the fact that you are in a lucid dream, and allows you to control it.

Incubate a dream
Tell yourself what you’d like to dream and picture it in your imagination before you fall asleep. There’s a greater chance then that it will manifest.

Disrupt your night’s sleep
This is for the hard-core would-be lucid dreamers. Go to bed at 10.30pm, then set the alarm to wake you at 4.30am and 6.30am. Each time, record your dreams before returning to sleep. This will give you more opportunities to lucid dream.

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Wellbeing: How to embrace idleness

We're afraid of having nothing to do, but being bored is no bad thing - we've just forgotten how to do it properly and how liberating it can be... 

Rachael Oakden explores The Lost Art of Boredom on page 86 of August's The Simple Things. Meanwhile, read her tips on how to embrace idleness.

• Leave your emails unchecked next time you’re waiting in a café. Sit and smell the coffee instead (it worked for J.K. Rowling).
• Go for a walk. Boredom novices find it hard to sit still and stare into space. Repetitive, mindless exercise, such as walking or swimming, leaves your mind free to wander while satisfying your guilt-prone conscience.
• Visit green spaces. The sights, sounds and sensations of the natural world are gentle distractions that encourage the mind to go walkabout.
• Embrace screen-free Sundays. Disconnect from all electronic media for one day a week and reconnect with your inner and outer worlds.
• Listen to your boredom. Is it telling you that you’re unhappy in your job or lifestyle? Research shows that boredom can motivate us to become more altruistic and engage in pro-social behaviour, such as volunteering or donating blood.
   

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Wellbeing: Finding everyday silence

Taking time for quiet doesn’t mean taking a vow of silence or sitting alone on a mountain (though those can work, too). Here are some tips for peaceful living...

l In conversation, don’t just prepare what you’re going to say next. Pay attention to the other person and speak into the spaces. Don’t be afraid of pauses in conversation.

l During moments of waiting, don’t immediately reach for your phone or book. Take a few minutes just to observe what’s going on around you.

l Allocate areas in your home for space, where little is displayed. A blank wall painted in a calming colour; a shelf with just one item on it. This helps promote a sense of quiet calm. 

l Enjoy quiet time together. Instead of turning on the TV or music, spend some time with your family reading, or doing the crossword, a jigsaw or another quiet activity.

Turn to page 96 of March’s The Simple Things to read Loma-Ann Marks’ feature on how to seek out peace in a busy, loud world.

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From the March issue

Why being alone can be good for you

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The essential winter beach kit

Inspired by our February issue, in which Clare Gogerty takes us on an exhilarating journey to some of our finest winter beaches, our shopkeeper, Louise Gorrod, has compiled the essential The Stuff of Life winter beach kit for those wishing to head coastal and blow away those late winter cobwebs. 

Warm layers, wellington boots, waterproof coats and bags, a packed lunch to feast on and your own portable tea making facility will set you up nicely for such an adventure.

For those not willing to brave the sand and shingle quite so early in the year, there are some great coastal inspired homewares and stationery products on the shop too. Don't forget to send us a postcard!

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Images from top, left to right: Seasalt tea towel by Ulster Weavers, £6.50 | Oilcloth bag by Ulster Weavers, £19.00 | Organic print sweatshirt by Lost Shapes, £32.00 | Wellington Boots by Story Horse, £35.00 | Raincoat by Story Horse, £40.00 | Yay! lunchbox by Quince Living, £7.50 | Ghillie Kettle by The Glam Camping Company, £47.50 | Pack away bucket by The Glam Camping Company, £19.95 | Set of coastal greeting cards by Alfie’s Studio, £8.00

Wellbeing: Be a better list-maker

Lists aren’t just for crossing off chores. Writing down your hopes and feelings is a powerful way to create a life you love. 

The arrival of autumn brings the irresistible urge to start again. Before you make a list of the things you need to do or change, consider that a new approach to list- making might be what you really need. Most of us use lists, even if it’s just for food shopping or when extra busy at work – but a list can have many more uses than just a physical reminder for you of what you need to do. 

Turn to page 86 of September’s The Simple Things to read Anna Hewitt’s guide to making lists. Or tick off the following tips to becoming a better list-maker.

1 Remember that how you want to feel is as important as what you want to accomplish.
2 In everyday to-do lists, include tasks that you enjoy, like going for a bike ride or meeting a friend.
3 Don’t be afraid to share your list with others for their perspective, feedback, and encouragement.
4 Be creative. Use colour, pictures, or a unique design to make your lists feel more interesting and appealing.
5 Boost your happiness regularly by making a list of three things you are grateful for each day.
6 At the end of each day choose one to three things that you will work on tomorrow – and let go of the rest.

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Wellbeing: Fatherhood

In June's The Simple Things, Sally Brown's piece on fatherhood explores just how important dads can be in the life of a child.

As it's Father's Day in the UK, we've put together a selection of our favourite books, films and songs featuring fathers. 

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

How far would an ordinary father go to spend more time with his children? Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is no ordinary father, so when he learns his ex-wife needs a housekeeper, he applies for the job. With the perfect wig, a little makeup and a dress for all occasions, he becomes Mrs. Doubtfire, a devoted British nanny who is hired on the spot. Free to be the "woman" he never knew he could be, the disguised Daniel creates a whole new life with his entire family.

My Dad by Anthony Browne

He's all right, my dad. He's as strong as a gorilla and as happy as a hippopotamus. He's a great dancer, a brilliant singer,he's fantastic at football and he makes me laugh. A lot. But that's not all that's great about my dad . . . A warm, hilarious, witty and very personal tribute to Dad (and to dads everywhere) by the ever-brilliant and inventive Anthony Browne.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian tragicomedy comedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. Benigni plays Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian book shop owner, who must employ his fertile imagination to shield his son from the horrors of internment in a Nazi concentration camp. 

Big Fish (2003)

The story of Big Fish revolves around a dying father and his son, who is trying to learn more about his dad by piecing together the stories he has gathered over the years. The son winds up re-creating his father's elusive life in a series of legends and myths inspired by the few facts he knows. Through these tales, the son begins to understand his father's great feats and his great failings.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Atticus Finch, small town lawyer and widower, is arguably fiction’s greatest father. Atticus parents his ten-year-old son Jem and his younger sister, Scout, six, with a calm and approachable demeanour. For a man in the 1930s American South, he is a progressive. He’s against spanking, never yells, and gives his children truthful answers to difficult questions. Most importantly, for his parenting philosophy and the plot of the novel, Atticus models the behaviour he wants to see in his children.

Kramer vs Kramer (1979)

Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who has just been assigned a new and very important account. Ted arrives home and shares the good news with his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) only to find that she is leaving him. Saying that she needs to find herself, she leaves Ted to raise their son Billy (Justin Henry) by himself. Ted and Billy initially resent one another as Ted no longer has time to carry his increased workload and Billy misses his mother's love and attention. After months of unrest, Ted and Billy learn to cope and gradually bond as father and son.

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl

Danny is only four months old when his mother dies; and at the beginning of the story, he lives with his widowed father, William, in a Gypsy caravan, where William operates a filling station and garage, and partakes in poaching pheasants. Danny thinks his dad is the most marvellous and exciting father a boy could wish for. 

Compiled by Lottie Storey

Quiet: The power of introverts

Sometimes, you might think, it’s all very well trying to be mindful and appreciate the simple things… but the world around you doesn’t always seem to keep pace with what your heart or mind is telling you. If you’re a quiet person, at times the world can seem overwhelmingly loud and fast-paced, and your own contribution to it under-valued by the assertive, confident types around you.

Susan Cain has made the case for introverts in her world-famous book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, and through a TED talk that has had over 11 million views on YouTube.

If you identified with our feature in the May issue on being an introvert, or if you aren’t sure whether or not this is you, why not take a quiz at Susan’s site www.thepowerofintroverts.com, which also has forums, reading guides and everything you need to explore and understand your more contemplative qualities.

THREE WAYS TO APPRECIATE BEING QUIET

READ… The Highly Sensitive Person ­– How to Thrive when the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron – practical solutions for a happy and fulfilling life, including useful material for those raising a sensitive child.

GO… Get away from the chatter with a silent retreat at Gaia House in the south Devon countryside. An opportunity to reflect through meditation and mindfulness practice.  

THINK… Andrew Johnson’s downloadable recordings offer a wide range of meditations to help you cope with all life’s challenges.

By Catherine Smith 

Wellbeing: Why alone can be good for you

Choosing to spend time by yourself can boost everything from self-awareness to happiness.

Alone but not lonely: Zoe McDonald explores the merits of solitary alignment on page 78 of February’s The Simple Things. “The deep focus you need to build and hone an idea comes from the ‘slow mind’. Time alone is crucial to allow ourselves space”, she says.

Not used to being on your own? Have a read through these suggestions from David Waters’ How to Spend Time Alone class. 
 

SOLITUDE FOR BEGINNERS

Ease yourself in. Try going for a walk by yourself and gradually be in your own company for longer and longer periods before embarking on a long stint such as a weekend alone.

Be prepared for anything. When you first start to connect to who you really are, you may be surprised by what you find.

Find ‘flow’ activities for your alone time such as reading, exercise, craftmaking or making music. l Don’t panic if at first you find spending time alone feels disorientating or even frightening. Take a step back and do a little less alone time until you feel comfortable again.

Alone time gives you the chance to discover what lies behind your public self – your authentic or true self. Be patient and let this emerge.

Intrigued? We’d also recommend a read of How to be Alone by Sara Maitland, published by the wonderful School of Life.

The Simple Things - Buy, download or subscribe now.

How to combat a common cold

Made it this far without succumbing? There are ways to keep the lurgy at bay – find out how to combat a common cold.

Wash your hands: cold viruses can live on indoor surfaces for up to seven days. Nice.

Don’t touch your nose or eyes: this lowers your chance of getting infected.

Blitz surfaces against germs: regularly wipe keyboards, door handles, light switches and phones.

Test your metal: evidence suggests zinc can reduce the length and severity of a cold if taken as symptoms start. 

Flower up: trials found those who took echinacea regularly were 30% less likely to get a cold.

Food on the face: natural skincare recipes

Our gardens and fridges provide skincare that’s healthier, cheaper and more natural than anything we could buy. Try these natural skincare recipes.

The beauty business is all about selling us “hope in a jar”, as Charles Revson, founder of Revlon once put it. If you’ve ever searched the cosmetic and beauty aisles of a department store, you’ll have noticed how expensive the promise of beauty, youth and freshness can be. Face masks from reputable skincare manufacturers cost up to £50 for a tiny jar; add in the price of cleansers, exfoliators, oils, serums and creams and you could spend upwards of several hundred pounds just for the privilege of plumping, de-stressing and adding some glow. Small wonder, really, that the global skin care industry is worth a staggering £25 billion per annum.

But there are plenty of natural skincare ingredients lurking in your kitchen. Try these homemade beauty recipes out for size.

Lavender Lemongrass Body Wash

Oats, rosemary and coconut oil make this body wash a culinary delight.

Recipe from Little Seed Farm.

Oat and Lavender Bath Soak

Pick lavender flowers from the garden for this relaxing bath soak.

Recipe by Always Order Dessert.

Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub

This effective body scrub uses just four ingredients.

Recipe by Freutcake.

Turn to page 84 of September's The Simple Things for more natural skincare ideas. Buy or download your copy now.

Persephone Books: new reads

This month, The Simple Things is on the hunt for new reads. Persephone Books - a small, independent publisher - takes an unconventional approach to book selling, with its female-only catalogue. There is something deeply satisfying about holding a new book: the weight of it, the strokeable paper, the first gentle crack of the spine. Indie publisher Persephone Books take this one stage further with endpapers (and bookmarks) taken from thoughtfully chosen fabric patterns.

All 107 are neglected works by (mostly) women writers tackling everything from cookery to politics. Each is numbered with a matching grey jacket, tempting the orderly to collect the lot.

Find out more about Persephone Books

Head to the website for top picks from fellow female writers, learn more about the beautiful designs, or visit the beautiful London shop.

www.persephonebooks.co.uk

Not got your copy of September’s The Simple Things? Buy or download now.

Slowing down for the summer

Photographer and stylist, Emily Quinton, and her tips on slowing down this summer. "If I could have one wish for this Summer it would be for life to slow down a little. This week I am working in Portland, Oregon and if there is one thing that stands out as soon as you arrive here, it’s that it’s ok to go a little slower. That’s not to say that people here don’t work hard, they certainly do but there is a beautiful, calmer vibe that goes with it, which I am breathing in and soaking up in the hope that I can slow down a little for the Summer when I return home.

"When I’m away from home I always plan how to do something differently when I go back home. I’ve always been like this and can remember redesigning my bedroom in my holiday notebooks as a child. As an adult I’ve made plans to be more organized, to take up a new hobby, to exercise more, and the list goes on. But this time, it’s definitely about slowing down for the Summer - while working out how to write my book and look after four children during the school holidays - so this isn’t a ‘take a long break’ kind of slowing down but a more of a realistic goal of slowing down a little bit each day. It’s about allowing myself time to go slowly each day, whether that is for five minutes or for a couple of hours.

"Making time to sit down with a favourite magazine, to potter in the garden in the early evening, to go for a walk when I don’t have anywhere to rush to, to share a meal with friends, to play a game with my children, to make things, to bake a cake, to watch a film, to write a letter, and sometimes to just simply potter, are all things I plan to do this Summer. And, most importantly, I want to do these things at a slow pace, embracing being in the moment and not while simultaneously trying to tweet, Instagram and answer five emails. I want to create moments of slowness every day. To make time to be in the moment and to slow down time. To breathe, to stop and look around, to stretch, to feel free, alive and calm.

"The Summer feels like the perfect time to build moments of slowness into my every day in the hope I can carry it on into the Autumn and beyond. I hope this inspires you to slow down a little too."

Emily Quinton is a photographer, maker, blogger and mother of four. Find out about all her activities on her blog, Makelight. For The Simple Things this month, she shot the jug of hybrid tea roses on page 83 of the July issue.

Not got July’s The Simple Things yet? Buy or download your copy now.

Wellbeing: take a walking meeting

Arianna Huffington's secret to success is surprisingly simple. Sitting down less could make you healthier - and happier.  In her new book, Thrive, Arianna Huffington attempts to redefine the very notion of success by adding to the conventional measures of power and money a 'third metric' that focuses on lives well-lived. One of her top tips is the standing desk: a work-station that allows the user to work while standing rather than sitting. Arianna also devotes an entire section of her book to the multiple benefits of walking. Turn to page 62 of June's The Simple Things (out 30 May 2014) for the full article.

Likewise, Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a "walking meeting" — and let ideas flow while you walk and talk. Watch the video now:

Birdsong and Beethoven

Birdsong doesn't just sound lovely - it's also good for us. Have a listen to our some of favourite birdsong music You'll have noticed a steady increase in birdsong over the past month of so. As the days grow longer (and warmer), our feathered friends get down to the very serious business of breeding, in which song plays a big role.

For us mere eavesdroppers, the pleasing tunes that now fill the air are something in which we can take great pleasure; as well as sounding beautiful, these songs bring with them a feeling of hope and rejuvenation. Along with catkins and leaping lambs, birdsong is a classic sign of spring.

Beethoven, by all accounts a great lover of the natural world, used his compositional skills to weave the songs and calls of birds into his music. The second movement of his Symphony No. 6 (‘Pastoral’) includes renditions of the Nightingale, Quail and Cuckoo (listen now). These three birds were represented by a flute, oboe and clarinet respectively and sound remarkably similar to the real thing: the “wet my lips” song of the Quail is particularly impressive.

Vivaldi found inspiration in the tinkling song of the Goldfinch, so much so that he dedicated an entire flute concerto (Il Gardellino) to this little songbird’s voice (listen now).

For more on why listening to birdsong is good for us, turn to page 114 of April's The Simple Things.

Buy your copy now, or have a flick through our sampler below:

3 tips for small business success

You'll never guess number 3… Nick Cooper, the creative force behind successful small business Stamp Shoes, shares the top 3 things he's learned from setting up his own bespoke shoe workshop.

NICK COOPER, founder of Stamp Shoes, lives in Northampton and creates beautiful bespoke footwear from his own designs.

After my religious studies degree I tried admin at a charity in London but didn’t last long! I ended up moving back to my parents in Shropshire and shelf filling at a supermarket. At this point I asked myself, “What do I really want to do?” I arrived at ‘craft’. I ended up moving to the 'shoe capital' of Britain, Northampton, to learn about shoes. I wanted to create my own set-up as soon as I could, make the designs that I wanted to make and then work out how to generate money from it! Nothing happened for about a year, but then I found a workshop space at the Innovation Centre in Northampton University. I bought a little bit of machinery and some materials and started experimenting. It's all taken off from there.

3 THINGS SETTING UP STAMP SHOES HAS TAUGHT ME

1. Don’t give up your day job until you’re established. Go part-time if you can and develop your passion alongside your other work, or at the weekends. Start your business gradually and slowly scale back your hours of employment when you know you can.

2. I never set a goal of making even a single penny. It was daunting setting up a business so I set my goals fairly low. I just wanted to have a complete shoemaking workshop and create a collection of shoes I was happy with, with designs that I’d wear myself.

3. If you’ve never done it, go and stay in a monastery for at least a week, even if you’re sceptical of religious belief. Every summer I go and stay with some monks in the Burgundy countryside. It’s perhaps the only time when I feel completely safe and fully myself. The monks do ‘simple’ on a daily basis and in a way that enables people to experience a complete and lasting joy.

Read more about Nick in our regular series, Beyond The Nine-to-Five in issue 20 of The Simple Things.

www.stampshoes.com.