At elphin, we’ve previously discussed how incorporating mindfulness into exercise can amplify the mental health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and stress. We’re also strong advocates for having a running buddy. If you can find someone who matches your pace, it’s an excellent way to destress. You may need to slow down a bit to hold a conversation, but chatting while running is a fantastic way to offload the week’s stress and reset for the days ahead. If you feel the need to run fast, then make sure to schedule a post-run coffee session—what we like to call 30-minute therapy time with a friend!
At elphin, we’re huge fans of running outdoors, especially during this time of year. There’s something soul nourishing about misty mornings, the crunch of autumn leaves and the cold air If you prefer running alone, consider using a mindfulness app to maximise your destressing experience. Here are some of our favourite apps for mindful running:
1. Nike Run Club with Headspace Integration
Nike Run Club has partnered with Headspace to create a series of guided runs that seamlessly combine mindfulness principles with running. These sessions, narrated by experts, focus on themes like stress management and gratitude, helping you stay present and engaged during your runs.
2. Lupa
Lupa offers personalised coaching tailored to your running goals and preferences. It provides guided performance training alongside mindfulness-based running sessions, aiming to improve both your physical performance and mental clarity.
3. Runspace
Runspace is designed to integrate meditation and running. It offers audio guides that focus on stress relief and mindfulness, encouraging you to stay mentally connected to your physical movements. This approach helps create a more mindful and enjoyable running experience.
Whether you choose to run with a buddy or prefer the solitude of a mindful solo run, combining mindfulness with your exercise routine can make a significant difference to your mental well-being. We believe in finding ways to make running not only a physical challenge but also a mindful and restorative practice.
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Mastering Mid-Life Career Transitions: The elphin Approach
The world of work is evolving fast, and for those in mid-life facing career transitions—whether prompted by redundancy, personal choice, or changing circumstances—the journey can feel tough. But remember: your decades of experience are a goldmine, not a burden. The emotions,List Your Priorities,Provision Support,Highlight Your Network,Ignite Your Purpose,New Budget (elphin) framework offers a supportive, practical path to navigate this pivotal life change.
Let’s break down how to tackle each step:
Emotions First, Action Later
The first step might surprise you. It’s not about sending out CVs or networking. Instead, the ‘e’ in elphin stands for Emotions. Give yourself the space to process them. Facing redundancy or choosing a new career path is a major life shake-up, and it’s normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions. Take time to adjust. Whether that looks like binge-watching Netflix, hitting the gym, or taking long, reflective walks—acknowledge your feelings. Even if money is tight, setting aside just a week or two to recalibrate can make a world of difference.
List Your Priorities
While you’re processing emotions, start to List Your Priorities. This isn’t just about lining up your next gig; it’s about understanding your full picture. Do you need to review your mortgage? Should you reassess your pension plans? Are there immediate financial issues to handle? Creating a clear list helps structure your transition, reducing overwhelm and ensuring you focus on what really matters. The elphin MOT is a free and handy tool to help with this.
Provision Support
Seeking help can feel daunting, especially if pride is getting in the way. But the ‘p’ in elphin is all about Provisioning Support. If you qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, don’t hesitate to apply. You’ve paid into the system for years, and now’s the time to use it.
Highlight Your Network with Purpose
Your professional network is likely bigger than you think. After years in the workforce, you’ve built up a wealth of relationships. Now is the time to Highlight Your Network with Purpose. This isn’t about shouting your availability from the rooftops. It’s about reconnecting with former colleagues, industry contacts, and mentors with intention. Don’t be afraid to ask for that coffee or call. Seek meaningful interactions rather than collecting LinkedIn connections for the sake of numbers.
Ignite Your Purpose
One of the advantages of being at this stage in your career is knowing what you don’t want just as much as what you do. The ‘i’ in elphin is about Igniting Your Purpose. Reflect deeply: what drives you? What kind of impact do you want to make? What work environment helps you thrive? Use this chance to align your next role with your values and tap into your years of experience. This could mean branching into new sectors or finding fresh ways to use your existing skills.
New Budget
Lastly, craft a New Budget that supports your transition. It’s not just about trimming expenses; it’s about creating a realistic financial plan that buys you the time to make thoughtful choices. Understanding your financial runway reduces stress and gives you the freedom to focus on the right opportunity, not just the first one that comes along.
Career transitions in mid-life present unique challenges but also amazing opportunities. Remember you bring insight, experience, and a valuable perspective to the table.