Primal Design Newsletter

Curated content from the best in Functional Health & Fitness designed to empower you to live longer, stronger and more primal

Hello my wellness warriors! This is your 5 minute weekly dose of functional health and fitness goodness from the best in the business. This week we have content in the areas of Mental/Emotional Health and Self Development, plus the latest must-read news and articles Enjoy!

Mental/Emotional 💪❤️

Summary:

In this enlightening discussion, Dr Joe Dispenza explores the profound connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical health. He emphasises the importance of managing our mental states to achieve healing and overall well-being.

Highlights:

  • 🧘‍♂️ Mind-Body Connection: Our thoughts and feelings shape our physical health.

  • 💭 Thoughts Create Reality: Positive thinking can lead to healing and improved health outcomes.

  • 🧠 Emotional Stress: Emotional imbalances contribute significantly to physical ailments.

  • 🌍 Collective Healing: Group meditations can amplify healing effects, influencing not just individuals but communities.

  • ❤️ Elevated Emotions: Feelings of gratitude and love can lead to greater health and well-being.

  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk for the World: A global initiative encouraging collective consciousness and positive change.

  • 📚 Continuous Learning: Knowledge and practice are essential to transform health and life experiences.

Practical takeaways:

  1. Stop Letting Stress Control Your Health

    Your body reacts to negative thoughts as if they’re real threats—train yourself to break the cycle by shifting focus to gratitude, deep breathing, or a quick walk.

  2. Rewrite Your Story—Your Past Isn’t a Life Sentence

    50% of your memories aren’t even true! Stop replaying painful past events and start visualising a better future instead.

  3. Your Thoughts Can Make You Sick—or Heal You

    If stress can cause illness, then calm, focused thoughts can promote healing. Take five minutes daily to sit quietly and breathe deeply.

  4. Upgrade Your Energy, Upgrade Your Life

    The way you think, act, and feel creates your reality. Start small—choose one habit to change today, like replacing complaining with problem-solving.

  5. A 15-Minute Gratitude Practice Can Supercharge Your Immune System

    Feeling grateful for just 15 minutes a day has been shown to boost immunity by 50%. Try listing three things you appreciate every morning.

  6. Meditation Isn’t Just for Monks—It Can Literally Change Your Brain

    Struggling with stress, sleep, or pain? Just 10 minutes of meditation a day can start rewiring your brain for peace and clarity.

  7. Your Body Needs More Than Exercise—Balance Your Chemicals Too

    A simple blood test can reveal what’s missing. Optimise your health by getting the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

  8. Emotional Baggage Weighs More Than You Think

    Unresolved emotions like anger, guilt, or fear don’t just feel heavy—they can manifest as physical illness. Start letting go through journaling, therapy, or meditation.

  9. Want to Change Your Life? Change Your Daily Habits First

    You can’t create a new life with the same old routine. Swap one negative habit (like doom scrolling) for a positive one (like stretching or reading).

  10. Your Brain and Heart Can Work Together to Make You Happier

    When your thoughts and emotions align, you feel whole, creative, and full of energy. Try daily mindfulness to bring them into sync.

Did you know 💡

Did you know that sitting at a desk all day could be impacting your sleep? Research shows that prolonged sitting is linked to poorer sleep quality and increased health risks.

Studies suggest that taking breaks to move around throughout the day can help reduce these effects and improve sleep. Regular light exercise has been shown to enhance sleep quality and overall health, even in those with desk jobs (Medical News Today, PMCID).

Mental/Emotional Health 🧠

Summary:

In the podcast episode featuring Mel Robbins and Dr Adam Alter, they discuss the universal experience of feeling stuck and provide a three-step roadmap for breaking through barriers to unlock one’s potential.

Highlights:

  • 🌟 Everyone feels stuck at some point; it’s a part of being human.

  • 📝 A “friction audit” helps identify and address what is holding you back.

  • 🚀 Taking minimal actions can create forward momentum towards goals.

  • 💭 Exploration of options is crucial before committing to one path.

  • 🤝 Surround yourself with diverse perspectives for better insights.

  • 🔄 Bounce between exploring new ideas and exploiting what works best.

  • ❤️ Remember: You have the potential to change your life; start today!

Practical takeaways:

  1. Stuck? Write Down What’s Holding You Back – Make a quick list of everything that feels frustrating or draining. Then, choose one thing you can change today.

  2. Do a “Life Audit” Every 6 Months – Don’t wait until you’re completely lost. Check in regularly: What’s working? What’s not? Adjust accordingly.

  3. Take the Smallest Possible Action Right Now – If you’re stuck in your career, don’t quit today—just research one new job or send one email. Small steps build momentum.

  4. Move Your Body to Move Your Mind – Stagnant mind? Get up and move. A walk, a workout, or even stretching can shift your perspective and spark new ideas.

  5. Set One Exciting Goal (Even If It’s Tiny) – Feeling directionless? Pick a goal—big or small—that excites you. Having something to aim for keeps you engaged.

  6. Surround Yourself with People Who Challenge You – Find a “Brain Trust” of people who push you, support you, and offer fresh perspectives when you’re stuck.

  7. Lower the Bar & Just Start – Waiting for the perfect moment? Don’t. Lower your expectations, take one imperfect action, and improve as you go.

  8. Turn Failure Into a Shortcut to Success – Every setback teaches you something. Instead of fearing failure, ask: "What can I learn from this?" Then try again.

  9. Schedule “Friction Fixing” Time Weekly – Set aside 30 minutes each week to tackle small problems—whether it's decluttering your inbox, fixing a relationship issue, or making a tough decision.

  10. Make Bouncing Back Your Superpower – Stuck in a rut? Try switching between exploring new ideas and making the most of what you already know. Flexibility keeps you moving forward.

In the press 🗞️

Health & Fitness Challenge 🏋️

The Simple Mind & Body Reset Challenge

Do these 3 things today to feel better fast:

✅ Gratitude Boost (2 min) – Write down 3 things you’re grateful for. This instantly shifts your mood and boosts your immune system.

✅ Move Your Body (10 min) – Walk, stretch, dance—just move! This releases stress and re-energises your body.

✅ Mind Reset (5 min) – Catch one negative thought and reframe it. Example: “I’m so stressed” → “I’m handling things step by step.”

💡 Bonus: Try a 5-minute meditation before bed for deeper sleep!

Simple. Doable. Life-changing. Are you in? 🚀

Disclaimer:
The Primal Design newsletter is curated for informational purposes only. The content provided in this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not healthcare professionals, and the information shared herein is based on summaries of conversations from experts in the health and wellness industry.
We encourage readers to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health concerns or questions they may have. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this newsletter belong solely to the experts interviewed, and we do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or efficacy of any information shared.
Readers are advised to use their discretion and judgment when implementing any suggestions or recommendations mentioned in this newsletter. We do not assume any responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided.