Consistency heals
Drip, drip, drip! Let's dive into the power of repetition.
The small actions we do over and over have a compounding impact on our health. For scale, what we do 250 days of the year matters more than what we do 10 days of the year.
I call it the drip effect. From repetition and incremental action we can create profound change. But the task of introducing one small new practice and doing it on repeat isn’t always straightforward. We’re hardwired to lean into novelty, so hungry for the next new diet/tool/product and eager to glory stamp it as the cure for health challenges, skin issues or a lack of energy.
Which means… smaller, less sparkly rhythms or practices that actually support us can be put to the side if we don’t occasionally reframe and remind ourselves of their importance. A collection of healthful practices should ground us, holding us when life brings chaos. From the supportive net of repetitive practices we can then dive into spontaneity and novelty in other areas of our life knowing we are resourced, or at least on our way to being resourced.
The easiest example, and one I’ll probably repeat many times over, is water. Drinking a full glass or two of water on waking seems too easy, but that’s the point. In fact, when you drink a large glass of water on waking, before anything, you’re helping your body to cleanse more efficiently. You’re more likely to poop, allowing waste to leave the body, unburdening before you step out into the world. Do this every day, and you’ll create a great rhythm for your body. Some people like to sip all day, and power to you if you do this consistently. I prefer to skull a decent amount of water first thing, just to get it done.
I find it easy to remember to hydrate first thing if I piggy back the water practice with another necessary morning rhythm. For me, this looks like drinking a full glass while in the shower, and another while I make my morning coffee.
Whichever practice you choose, make it accessible and easy to onboard. Attach the action to another action that’s already in motion, or one you do without even thinking. The benefits accumulate slowly, and once you’ve consistently practiced something for a decent amount of time, your next level will make itself known.
So! Coming into a fresh year (which by the way is really just a cultural framework and any time of the year is a great time to start), choose two things. Two simple actions you can do daily or weekly that will move the dial towards better health. Mine are water (as you know), and getting 15 minutes of sunlight in (minimum) before 10am.
As always, we’re aiming for joy, ease and curiosity. These are my own personal baselines for health on a daily basis. Keep establishing, practising and noticing and I’ll see you back here next week!
Sophie’s marketplace:
A few bits and pieces I’m loving right now, maybe you will too.
1. Sea sponges. A recent obsession. Sponges lather incredibly well, are naturally anti-microbial, last for ages in the shower and feel soft on skin. Children LOVE them. Plus they make me feel a little nostalgic? This one is from Daeda store, which a friend recently introduced me to.
2. People4Ocean Mineral sunscreen. We have 3-4 products from this range, all are excellent, including the aloe after sun gel. The sunscreens rub in well, are good for the ocean, and don’t look weird/white on skin.