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What if your personality determined how much you enjoy exercise? New research reveals the personality traits that predict fitness levels, exercise enjoyment, and stress relief.

Researchers recruited over 130 adults and assessed their personality traits, fitness levels, and perceived stress. Participants then followed an 8-week personalised exercise program with different training styles. The study found personality traits like conscientiousness and neuroticism predicted baseline fitness. More interestingly, personality influenced how much people enjoyed each workout style - and the impact on outcomes.

Timestamps:
- 1:45 - Study overview and research questions
- 4:30 - Details on study participants and methodology
- 8:15 - Personality traits predict baseline fitness
- 10:30 - Personality affects enjoyment of different training styles
- 13:45 - The people who benefit most from stress relief

Key Takeaways:
- Knowing your personality can help tailor an exercise program you'll enjoy and stick to
- Don't be discouraged if you don't enjoy every workout - you can still gain mental health benefits
- Coaches should personalise plans based on personality to boost adherence and reduce stress

To learn more about your personality with a free Big Five personality test, check out this link.

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In this Week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor delves into how our attention affects mental wellbeing, exploring the concept of peripheral consciousness through Morita Therapy. Carly explains that peripheral consciousness allows us to focus on one thing while remaining subtly aware of our surroundings. Using anxiety as an example, she contrasts the Western approach of symptom reduction with Morita's view that emotions are natural and should be left to take their course. Rather than focusing and trying to control these feelings, Carly suggests allowing emotions to exist in the background and continue with purposeful actions. This approach, developed by Japanese psychiatrist Shoma Morita in the 1920s, emphasises accepting emotions and shifting attention to necessary tasks, fostering a healthier relationship with one's feelings.

00:00 Introduction to Mojo Monday

00:40 Understanding Peripheral Consciousness

01:26 Anxiety and Misdirected Attention

01:55 Morita Therapy's Unique Approach

04:05 The Paradox of Controlling Anxiety

05:43 Allowing Emotions to Exist

07:28 Morita Therapy in Practice

08:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Today I chat with Barney Mercer, an expert breathwork facilitator. We delve deep into the transformative power of breathwork, a practice that is not only changing lives but is also gaining traction as a powerful tool in mental health and well-being. Through our discussion, Barney shares his personal journey and the potential of breathwork to unlock emotional and physiological healing.

The conversation delves into various types of breathwork, and covers the significant physiological impacts of controlled breathing. Barney also talks about guiding men's breathwork sessions, setting up a safe and comfortable environment, and teaching the science of breathing for mental health and performance. They explore the potential for breathwork to be included in educational curriculums and corporate settings, advocating for broader access to this powerful practice.

What You'll Learn:

Introduction to Breathwork: Discover what breathwork involves and why it is considered a powerful, yet underutilized, tool for mental health.

Emotional Releases: Understand how breathwork sessions can lead to profound emotional releases, helping individuals process and let go of deep-seated traumas and stress.

Physiological Impact: Learn about the physical effects of breathwork, including the impact on neurotransmitters and the potential release of naturally occurring DMT during intense sessions.

Barney's Journey: Gain insight into Barney’s personal transformation through breathwork and how it led him to become a facilitator, helping others achieve similar breakthroughs.

Group Dynamics in Breathwork: Explore how shared energy in group sessions can enhance individual experiences and lead to collective healing.

Breathwork and Science: Dive into the scientific aspects of breathwork, such as CO2 tolerance and its effects on anxiety and stress management.

Future Vision: Barney shares his vision for integrating breathwork into everyday environments, emphasising its potential to benefit everyone from school children to corporate employees.

Resources:

Connect with Barney Mercer:

• Website: Breathe Into Life
• LinkedIn: Barney Mercer
• Instagram: @breath.into.life
• Join a Session: Check out Barney's sessions in Mornington, Hawthorn, and beyond.

Breathwork has the potential to revolutionise our approach to mental and physical health. By embracing this natural and transformative practice, we can unlock new avenues for healing and personal growth. Whether you're new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, Barney's insights offer invaluable guidance on this powerful journey.

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Share this episode with someone who might benefit from these insights.

01:06 Experiences with Breath Work

05:39 The Science and Impact of Breath Work

07:20 Barney's Journey to Breath Work

20:04 The Power of Group Sessions

33:05 Struggles with Traditional Psychology

34:10 Introduction to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

35:25 Creating a Safe Space for Breathwork

36:49 Men's Breathwork Sessions

42:20 The Power of Emotional Release

50:38 The Science of Breathwork

59:08 Breathwork in Schools and Corporates

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