Welcome to Living Well Daily, the newsletter serving up tips to help you live a healthier, happier life.

In today’s edition:

There are many mysteries in the universe… like what is on the other side of a black hole? How do galaxies form? And how do you contain all of that incredibleness? I guess some things are meant to be mysteries, just like you’re meant to be appreciated, by us :)

Do you find yourself feeling pessimistic in the face of setbacks? Or find yourself feeling stuck and sliding into harsh self-criticism and self-doubt? How we show up when things get tough or feel like they aren’t moving fast enough can be a big sign to check in with our mindset. One of the easiest ways to make difficulties worse, it to slide into a fixed mindset, feeling like you “just aren’t good enough” or this is “just the way things are.” Fixed mindsets tend to cultivate a feeling of hopelessness and being at loss of where to go next as if you maybe can’t get there at all. We can all easily end up in this space when frustrations build. But, the faster we can recognize we’ve slipped into a fixed mindset, the easier it is to start shifting back to a growth mindset.

A growth mindset embraces that change is possible - even if it’s slow or not as easy as we hoped. We can learn, we can move forward. We can open our mind and, in doing so, open our lives to opportunity. By practicing a growth mindset, you remind yourself that skills, habits, and even resilience can be developed. That simple shift opens the door to possibility.

✨ Why it matters: reduces self-criticism and fosters self-compassion, builds resilience in the face of setbacks and challenges, unlocks growth

🌟 How to practice a growth mindset

✅ Action Step: Notice one area you feel stuck. Ask: “How would this look if I believed I could grow here?”

Ps. I’ve seen how easy it is for people to dismiss “fixed vs. growth mindsets” as basic and something they’ve grown beyond, yet, with a closer look it’s often the fixed mindset that’s speaking. I’ve been there myself. So, if you’re feeling stuck or not happy with where things are, I’d challenge you to look for where you’ve fixed your mind.

Wagging tails, soft purrs, and happy chirps can do more than brighten your day; they might help you live longer.

Research shows (Catarina F Martins, et al. 2023) that pet ownership is linked with a higher frequency of physical activity, and we know that physical activity is an essential ingredient for longevity and healthspan. 

Also, interacting with pets can trigger oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”), which calms the nervous system and supports emotional well-being. However, most research has not seen a strong link between pets and improved mental health (if you have ever had a puppy, you know it can add more stress to your life!).

Companionship plays a huge role, too. Loneliness is a major risk factor for early mortality, and pets can provide a steady connection.

✅ Action Step: If you don’t have a pet but want some of the benefits, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, offering to walk a neighbour’s dog, visiting pet cafés, or asking to pet cute dogs you see. Even short bursts of time with animals can bring joy, reduce stress, and support your long-term health!

Shame convinces us that we are the problem, when in truth the harm never belonged to us. This week, we’ll gently challenge shame’s grip and begin to reclaim your worth and truth.

Day 2: Spotting Shame’s Voice
Shame often disguises itself as ‘truth.’ Learning to spot it helps you separate your voice from shame’s lies.

^{Darling, don’t give up on yourself, you’re so worth it. Sending love} 💕

There’s magic in each breath if you look for it. With intention, your breath can bring in what you need: calm, release, gratitude, clarity - the possibilities are endless. It’s always available to you.

What is a made-up rule about your life that you are applying to yourself? How has this held you back and how might you change it?

Hum a tune… let a song live in your chest, finding its way out into the world.

This workout will increase your ability to:

In under 8 minutes, you’ll strengthen positive neural pathways for long-term well-being and end the workout feeling better than you started! (Click on the photo below to access the workout)

Before you go, let us know what you thought of today’s edition and if there are any subjects you would like us to cover in the future reply to this email and let us know!

With love and care,

Lola & Joshua | The Living Well Team

^{Living Well Daily is for educational purposes only and is in no way a substitute for professional medical and mental health advice and diagnosis. Please consult a qualified professional for care unique to your needs.}

^{Remember: It’s okay to ask for help. Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 (Canada & US).}