Last week, the most clicked link was Stupid Simple Tools, I'm glad that some of you found those useful.
I also asked you to help me with some recommendations for TV to watch, and you didn't fail me... here's your list of TV Stuff:
- Blackbird (thanks Natalie!)
- A Small Light (hat tip to Mark)
- The Expanse
- Deadlock (both from PCVincent)
- Inside Man (thanks JT)
- The Consultant (high five to Paul for that)
This week, I have the latest edition of the Stuff Mixtape, it's an ideal accompaniment to the mail, so stick it on in the background, grab a hot drink and away we go...
Thank you all for being here on our joint journey of curiosity.
Till next Monday, enjoy...
👓 The Big Stuff - Anxiety at work...
I've been through some tough times at work recently, and I have noticed myself carrying a fair bit of anxiety as I do my job.
Dealing with any anxiety is a difficult process, most guidance is very broad and there are as many solutions as there are types of anxiety. It is important to find what works for you.
In the workplace, things are no different, there are many options for dealing with anxiety. Starting with speaking to your boss (if you are comfortable), taking time out and moving through to seeking professional help. If your workplace has a counselling service available, they can usually help.
For me, these five tips were the ones that helped me the most:
- Identify the triggers - define what situations or actions made me feel anxious.
- Zero in on the core fear - eliminating the 'what-ifs' and defining the visceral fear that under pins my worries.
- Focus on the facts - stop speculating and guessing.
- Back to basics - break tasks into smaller actions, do the things I know I can do well.
- Find space - create boundaries, give myself time to breathe, think and be kind to myself.
What tips do you have for handling your workplace anxiety?
Bonus Stuff - Here's how EXCEPTIONAL TALENT handles anxiety.
🧠 The Other Stuff
- Decision Making: How to deal with uncertainty. Some top advice on how to handle the 'unknown unknowns'.
- Optimal BS: Life is full of bullshit - its how you choose to deal with it that counts. This essay really resonated with me.
- Focus: But not for too long, your brain can only take so much intensity. Find out why, here.
🌞 The Little Stuff
- Exercise: Workout.lol will help you design a custom workout based on the equipment you have.
- Food: 20 ways to improve your meals without spending buying fancy things
- Blob: Like a stress ball, for your screen.
- Bula: How to say hello in 100 languages (Bula is from Fiji by the way!)
- Finally: Fudge is like a reverse tetris - and it's hard!
Matt Rutherford
🎧 Aural Stuff
On the Stuff Speakers this week...
🎧 This week's musical recommendation is of course, the latest edition of the Stuff Mixtape, #15 in our series of discovery.
This month, I open with La Décadanse a fantastic track from Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, in tribute to Jane passing away this month.
Then we step into the dancefloor with a late 70's disco classic from Chicago, and a bang up to date cover of brilliant Donna Summer banger. We have some soulful, cosmic disco from Junior Boys, Ruf Dug and Joe Goddard as well as the uplifting Mercy from The Blessed Madonna and the marvellous Jacob Lusk.
Things slow down a little in the middle, with Miso Extra, Roisin Murphy and some interesting Congolese trap music. Stuff favourite Patrick Wolf puts in an appearance, as well as Perfume Genius and Sharon Van Etten.
Towards the end, I have the marvellous Yard Act with The Trench Coat Museum and another Stuff favourite, Pantha du Prince bringing us towards home.
Matt Rutherford
👂🏼 Stuff Someone Said
“Only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter.”
