Hey, how you doing? Justin here for a different lesson - not guitar related!

This video is way out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to share a few things with you! I'm feeling great mentally and physically - better than I've ever felt, and a lot of it is down to lifestyle changes I made for 2022. Sharing them with you might also positively impact your well-being, so why not give it a try! :)

😅 It feels a little weird not to have the guitar in my hands. I had to put one next to me! :)

Although I mention some brands in this video, please know that any of them sponsors this content. Now let's get stuck in!

10 Life-Changing Hacks You Should Try

Yep - life hacks this time; not guitar related! However, they will help you make the most out of your day and, ultimately, improve your guitar practice and playing. :)

#1 - AG1 (Athletic Greens)

You might have heard about AG1, or Athletic Greens, before, as there are loads of influencers constantly flogging this multivitamin. I first came across it in the Huberman Lab Podcast, and I trust what Andrew Huberman got to say, so I decided to give it a go.

I started drinking AG1 four months ago to kick off my day and immediately felt the results. This multivitamin has made a significant improvement in my overall vitality and digestive health! I switched from other multivitamins, and the change was noticeable.

🚨 I'm not a health influencer, and I don't have a discount code or kickback from AG1 in any way. I just rate it! I was taking multivitamins and pre/probiotics before - but this one feels different.

I recommend you check out AG1. It is expensive for what it is, but it really works for me. I'd taken other multivitamins before, but Athletic Greens made a huge positive impact on my health. Although I usually make healthy choices regarding my eating, I wasn't getting all the nutrients I needed because I definitely feel better taking this!

#2 - Cold Showers

Almost every day in 2022, I had a 2-minute cold shower at the end of my regular shower. I'm sure it's positively impacted my mental strength and resilience and helped reduce general anxiety. Now I feel weird if I don't start my day with that cold shock!

Plenty of science shows the benefits of cold showers, and it's not as horrid as it sounds once you've done it a bit! Start with just 10 seconds and build up over time. :)

I got into cold showers via the Wim Hoff Method, but it can be simpler than that - just slam on the cold water at the end of the shower!

#3 - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

I started learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in February 2022, and I absolutely love it. It's great for functional fitness, and I feel fitter overall than when I did more lifting at the gym. Sure, I have constant minor injuries, but it's been beneficial in almost every aspect of my life.

👍 I'd encourage you to go try it at a nearby club! Even if you think you're too old, unfit, busy, or whatever other excuses we use, BJJ can still be great for you - give it a try! ;)

Most places have a free trial; if you don't like it, then at least you tried something new! And if you're anywhere nearby, I train at Jay Butler BJJ in Yateley (Hampshire); it's an awesome club!

#4 - Meditation

These last few months, I've struggled to make time for meditation as much as I used, but I still get at least 3 x 15-minute sessions each week. I used to do it for 30 minutes daily!

I like the Waking Up app, but no matter which app you choose or if you just do it on your own, adding some mindfulness meditation to your life will improve it. Being more present and less distracted improves everything, including your relationships with others.

#5 - No Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

I discovered this recently, but No Sleep Deep Rest is incredible! It's a 10-minute session that feels like an hour's nap. For me, it's the perfect end to my lunch break to fire me up for the afternoon.

I'm up early and pretty active, so I often took a nap after lunch, but swapping it for NSDR has been brilliant. It's based on yoga principles of breathing in ways that are really relaxing! There are backing tracks for it all over the Internet - the one by Andrew Huberman is great!

#6 - Toilet Poetry

This is a pretty funny hack! It may not be life-changing, but it's a step in a positive direction. Many people, including me, take their phones into the toilet with them… I suspect we spend longer in there than needed because of it, and more often than not, we'll be on social media. Am I right?

A fun trick is leaving a book of poetry in the bathroom, so you can read it instead of staring at your phone! It's much better for the soul than social media. :)

#7 - Stoicism

I am a fairly committed stoic. I believe that the ideals to which the Stoic philosophy aspires are perfect for the modern age and solve many prevalent mental health issues.

You don't need to pay anyone or buy anything; there's nothing to worship and no rules to follow… It simply offers ways to change your perspective on life's challenges that make everything seem ok.

The concept that helps the most is ensuring we stop worrying about things beyond our control. Reflecting on the shortness of life helps me make the most of every day.

📖 Here are three of my favorite Stoic books:

Donald Robertson, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

William Irvine, A Guide to The Good Life.

Many videos will introduce you to the important concepts quickly, and Ryan Holiday's content, like the Daily Stoic email, is also great! Experiment and see if the shift in mindset doesn't make you a happier human.

#8 - Think!

What do you really want out of your life? Many people seem to go through life without giving it much thought. You'll have a much better chance of getting your life somewhere awesome if you head in the right direction! Too often, people drift along, waiting for divine inspiration that never comes. I believe we make our own luck, so a little time now and then to think about where you are and where you want to be can pay huge dividends!

December is a great time to start this - most people feel the new year is a chance to renew and refresh, so plan it in advance! I recommend putting as many things into action right away - a running start to the new you!

#9 - Dog Walking, Pilates, and Yoga

Mobility, balance, and core strength are crucial for a healthy life. I do one Pilates class each week, and it feels great.

💡There seems to be a false perception that Pilates is for seniors and women. However, pilates was invented by a man, Joseph Pilates. :)

When done with the right instructor, pilates is physically very hard. Yoga is the same - I've done it on and off for years, and these days, I just tend to do a short series to wake my body up each day.

There is also increasing evidence of the benefits of Zone 2 Cardio, which means easy intensity, like going out for a walk with a dog! If you don't have a dog, you can borrow one from someone struggling to make time to walk their own dog! And if you don't like dogs (are you crazy?), try to get out for a walk for at least 30 minutes daily. :)

#10 - Music Therapy

Last but not least, let's remember all the many benefits of playing music. Studies in neuroscience show that learning music can enhance brain function, help you de-stress, and increase your empathy and emotional connections with yourself and others.

Playing music will also help your time management, as it requires consistent practice, developing that skill in other areas of your life, like exercise! It can help your listening skills and your math skills if you get into understanding music theory!

You'll develop patience and perseverance. It will help you learn to focus, maintain concentration and coordination… You'll get a sense of achievement as you progress, develop your confidence, and you might even make new friends!

I'm obviously biased - but I think learning to play an instrument is the best thing you can do for yourself after exercising and eating healthily!

🎁 Know someone who might benefit from learning music? Buy them a ukulele or a guitar (second-hand?) and help them get started with JustinGuitar! :)

What will you try? Have other hacks to share?

I hope you'll try some of these things and that they will help you find much happiness in the coming years! If you'd like to share your thoughts and other life hacks that positively impact your life, join the discussion and let me know. How did you feel about this life-hacks video? Will you give any of it a try? :)

💙 I wish you all the very best and a life full of happiness and laughter!