Agapi Stassinopoulos, sister of Arianna Huffington and author of Unbinding the Heart, just wrapped up a three-city tour with Business Chicks. There was dancing. There was meditating. And there was a hefty dose of Greek wisdom. (No plates were harmed in the making of these events.) Here’s what we took away …
1. Feeling anxious? Move your body
Suffering from monkey mind? Exercise is the best way to calm yourself down. And, as Agapi says, calm is a superpower. Move for your mind, not just your bum.
2. Don’t fit in
Conformity, schmonformity. If you’ve ever felt awkward or that you don’t fit in, maybe that’s actually your biggest asset. Standing out will get you everywhere.
3. Express some ’tude
Nope, we’re not talking attitude, we’re talking gratitude. It’s your fast-track to happiness, so whenever you’re stressed, Agapi says to slow down, take a deep breath and write down something you’re grateful for (your mother, your dog, Campos coffee …)
4. Say these four magic words
Sometimes work or life can get on top of us, but we battle on, thinking we should be able do it all on our own. Asking “Can you help me?” – or just confiding in someone when you’re feeling frazzled or sad – is a strength, not a weakness.
5. Have a sleep romance
Google founder Larry Page didn’t come up with his basic search engine idea during hours of think tank meetings. It came to him in a dream. “We need to reconnect with the romance of sleep. Remove your devices from your bedroom. Don’t cuddle your iPhone, cuddle a teddy bear,” Agapi said.
6. Hug someone today
Research shows hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heals feelings of loneliness, isolation and anger. Agapi told us, “You can change people’s lives with a hug.” Embrace it!
7. Surround yourself with people who believe in you
You know those people who, when shit gets real, you can call up and they’ll tell you you’re still amazing and to never give up? Those people. #squadgoals
8. You can change your life in 32 days
In psychology, they say it takes 32 days to form a new habit. Whether it’s leaving your iPhone out of the bedroom, ditching your daily piccolo or exercising for 10 minutes a day, start now. And thank Agapi later.