Weekend Stress Relief
Taking it easy from The Big Easy
Hello Wonderful.
This week we’re on the East Coast where we convened with our TWA Allies and attended an inspiring event for our friends at Capital F, a new venture fund investing in the $15 trillion dollar female economy. Accustomed to West Coast winters, one of us (GP) was dramatically overdressed for the freezing cold and arrived in ski pants. But then we heard of the miraculous snow in New Orleans, our next stop, so who’s laughing now? It’s been a rollercoaster of a week starting with the heartbreak of January 20th and the untimely passing of our hero, Cecile Richards.
We’ve been trying to compartmentalize and focus on work, life, and any good news that can be found but it’s been trying. In awe of our sisters at The Skimm who noticed that people could no longer access a .gov page outlining women’s rights to abortion and contraception under US law, so they brought it back. It is power moves like this that will help us get through the next four years, not to mention the lifesaving work being done at the Center for Reproductive Rights. It’s been an arduous week so we’ll keep it short and sweet. This week our recommendations are designed to get you out of your head and into a few things that should help you feel better. TGIF. Have a great weekend.
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THE MYSTERY.
Our current read is Havoc by Christopher Bollen, a short, suspenseful novel set in Egypt during the early days of the pandemic. Reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith, it tells the story of a meddlesome and obsessive elderly hotel guest who wreaks havoc on those around her.
THE MOVIE.
If you’re a cat loving fan of Hayao Miyazaki, you’ll be enchanted by Flow, the critically acclaimed Golden Globe-winning animated feature. While not a Miyazaki film, it radiates a similar magic, following animals through nature on a treacherous journey—a wordless spellbinding adventure.
THE MEDITATION.
NSDR stands for Non-Sleep Deep Rest, a term popularized by Andrew Huberman and a practice that allows the brain and body to enter a state of deep relaxation without sleeping. We use this audio exercise in the middle of a stressful day as a reset to help improve focus and calm the central nervous system. Former elite athlete and championship-winning coach, Kristen Holmes, leads the best guided session available on Spotify.
THE MUSCLES.
Too busy to go to the gym? Our friend and trainer, Keir Beadling, from Foghorn Fitness stresses that “you can get a fantastic workout session with literally zero equipment.” But, we’re notorious gearheads and asked him for his short-list of go-to equipment. Spoiler alert: Rogue Speed Rope or Weck Method Hybrid Rope, Hyperwear Sandbell, Slackblock, TRX Slam Ball, and TRX Suspension System. But first, take a minute to read the Whys behind his Whats here.
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