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Death: How to Deal

Death is a fact of life but we’re generally not very well equipped to deal with it. In fact, most of us ignore it as long as possible. It’s not a satisfactory long-term strategy. Death comes for us all. I got quite a surprise in this regard this week and I want to share how I dealt with it. We’re going on a little field trip and I hope you will find the journey useful.

Stress, Death and Grieving is No Joke

If you’ve lost someone or are dealing with serious physical or emotional issues, a podcast or a book isn’t going to solve the problem. Seek professional help in person and do take care of yourself.

Today’s recommendations

If you missed my blog post about my favorite sleep hack, you’ll find it in the post previous to this one at AllThatChazz.com. If you want a lot more ways to get a better night’s sleep, I share lots more tips in my book, Do the Thing! Find it on Amazon under my author name, Robert Chute or click the link.

The quote I read today was from The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. It has a disorienting style that I’m liking more than On the Road. If you read the 50th Anniversary Edition, I recommend you don’t skip the introduction. Very worthwhile.

Looking for fiction to distract yourself from stress?

Check out my suspense, sci-fi and crime thrillers at the links down the right hand side of the page at AllThatChazz.com. As a fiction writer, my pen name is Robert Chazz Chute.

Hey, I still need a catch-phrase for this podcast! 

Please send me your suggestions to expartepress@gmail.com. If I use yours, I’ll send you a free paperback copy of Do the Thing!

Want more rewards?

Click the Become a Patron button at AllThatChazz.com and you’ll find your rewards for sponsorship on my Patreon page. Special thanks to RF Kacy for contributing to this podcast. You can sponsor the podcast, too, and get stuff! Check out the reward levels and find your comfort zone to help with bandwidth costs. 

Not everybody has the money to contribute money or buy a book so please leave a happy review wherever you pick up this podcast. Thanks!

~ Robert Chute is a former journalist and has been a massage therapist for 24 years. He works with clientele in need of stress and pain management and injury rehabilitation. For more on his practice in London, Ontario, go to MassageTherapyScience.com.

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One of my favorite sleep hacks

Unless you’re a cat, you need to sleep more.

I have a sleep disorder but I manage it most nights pretty well. There are plenty of ways to improve your snoozing (and I cover more in my book Do the Thing! so please do pick that up and enjoy.) It’s important to sleep. We need rest and very few of us get enough.

Here’s one of my favorite sleep hacks:

  1. Use your alarm clock but not in the way you’re thinking.
  2. Set a bedtime, just like when you were a kid. Make it the same time every night and make it early enough that you get more time in bed to sleep.
  3. Set your alarm to tell you when to get ready for bed.
  4. When the alarm goes off, go to bed.
  5. If you set your bedtime early enough, you won’t need your alarm clock to wake you up. Waking up to an alarm is a terrible way to wake up anyway! Who ever thought that was a great idea? Unless you’re a firefighter, waking up to an alarm makes no sense.

For these and many more tips on stress, pain, energy and time management, go read Do the Thing! now.

And go set your alarm before you forget!

~ Robert Chute writes visionary science fiction, apocalyptic epics and violent crime thrillers. When he’s not doing that, he’s a biomechanic who helps people with stress and pain management. Check out his weekly podcast to help with your life management issues.

Want a time travel thriller to read before bed? Check out Wallflower, the only time travel book that features Kurt Vonnegut as a character (unless you count Kurt Vonnegut books.)

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The Big Calorie Lie and a Powerful Visualization

Visualization Makes a Better Day

A good diet is not as simple as calories in/calories out. The kind of calories (and the hormones released are variables, too.) On today’s show, I talk briefly about the big lies nutrition labels tell us. Then, to ease your stress, we dig into a powerful visualization designed to make your life easier.

Start with the key: a deep breath brings and an easy visualization slows your nervy nervous system and brings your mind back to the present moment.

On Sponsor, Patrons, Rewards and Advertising

This show is brought to you by my book, Do the Thing! I don’t cover everything in the book on the podcast. This is more of a complement to that. For a ton of ideas to improve your life and achieve a higher degree of productivity and success, go pick up Do the Thing!, available on Amazon in ebook or paperback.

Would you like to advertise your product or service on the show, get a poster or your name in my next book? Patreon rewards are for you! Find out more on my new Patreon page.

Your support helps cover bandwidth costs. I really need this podcast to pay for itself so if you’d like to support the show and earn rewards for your patronage, check out the treasures by clicking here or hit the orange Patreon button on the Home page at AllthatChazz.com. Thank you so much!

Extra special thanks to my first patron, RF Kacy!

Not everybody has the money to give money. If that’s you, no worries. Please support the podcast by giving it a happy review on iTunes, subscribe, tweet it and tell your friends! Sharing is caring. Cheers!

The disclaimer I stole from Tim Ferriss’s blog (because he’s so good):

“The material on this blog is for informational purposes only. As each individual situation is unique, you should use proper discretion, in consultation with a health care practitioner, before undertaking the protocols, diet, exercises, techniques, training methods, or otherwise described herein. The author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects that may result from the use or application of the information contained herein.”

Robert Chute is a massage therapist with 24 years experience who works in stress, pain management and injury rehabilitation. A former journalist, Robert is also the author of many books, ranging from non-fiction to science fiction, horror, fantasy and crime thrillers. If you’re interested in his fiction, you’ll find his books under his pen name, Robert Chazz Chute.

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William Shatner did a lot of things but he’s forever Captain James T. Kirk: A question to ponder

Today, a special question. Normally this would be a podcast day. However, I’ve run out of storage space on my Libsyn plan for this month. (New podcast next week!) I have a piece for you that’s crowd-tested and audience-approved. I posted the question below on Facebook this week and I got so much love for it I decided it’s podcast-replacement worthy! 

FYI: To help out with bandwidth costs, please consider reaping the rewards of sponsorship or click the Become a Patron button to see your rewards.

And now, a little life story and a question to ponder…

On my mother’s first day of school she was called to the front to tell the class her name. She was too shy and refused to move from her seat. The teacher decided to make an example of her and tried to beat her with a leather strap. Then the fight began. “It took two teachers to do it” she said. “Two adults against one little girl on her first day of school.”

Mom smiled when she told that story because she came out right and righteous, a fighter. She didn’t frighten easy. She feared for her children. For herself, she kept anger close by and fury to spare in her pocket.

My mom’s birthday would have been a few days ago. Interesting life. She saved many lives, first as a lifeguard and then as a nurse. She wanted to be a psychiatrist but the times and circumstance stood in her way. Hers was the only Irish Catholic family in town when that was a big deal. They were poor and she stayed poor for a long time. Her mother died when she was five and that loss seemed to define her though she never expressed how. As a nurse, my mother saw many terrible things. Later, she traveled the world and saw many wonderful things. She took the good and bad in each hand and neither weight was heavier. She took it all for what it was (a skill I never learned. Bad weighs heavier with me.)

She married, had three children, became a businessperson, a small town politician and, in her later years, a successful investor. Her stock broker called her for tips. As she hung up on him, she said, “What are you calling me for? I’m just a little old lady!” But she was never “just” anything.

Her favorite car was an old Army Jeep. She hated showing any weakness. She lost a toe to a lawnmower. She giggled a lot. A mysterious tropical virus robbed her of her athleticism and the full use of one leg. She read to me a lot when I was little but I don’t remember that. When I became a teen we fought, almost constantly it seemed to me. We didn’t agree on much, ever. When I made her laugh hard, tears escaped her eyes. I do the same when I laugh really hard. I can hold a burning hot grudge, just like mom, too.

The last time I saw her alive she seemed furious that she was dying. Lung cancer. She hated smoking and had never smoked. Fifteen percent of lung cancer patients suffer the punishment without ever tasting nicotine’s pleasure. She hated the unfairness of that.

We never talked about her looming demise. To acknowledge the end would make it real. The whole family stood by our unspoken agreement to never admit she was mortal. I hope she arrived at peace with it. I like to think so. With her last breath, she waved goodbye.

Six thousand, three hundred and sixteen people die each hour. I don’t believe in heaven or hell. I believe what we do matters while we’re here and that’s pretty much all we have. I curse the days I fail to make a day count for something. When what I do matters, in some small way, Edith Chute’s parade marches on.

I wasn’t there for one of her most shining moments. She didn’t back down when a local minister arrived at her doorstep to try to shut down free speech, freedom and art. I’m most proud of her for that one moment above all others, I think. In my mind’s eye, I see her: tiny, feet planted, hands on hips and jaw set in defiance. Nobody would ever bully her, not a self-righteous minister or two teachers with a leather strap.

Funny how one moment can define us, isn’t it? Terrifying, too.

Out of a whole life, the people who know and love you will remember you most for one thing.

What will your one thing be?

 

 

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Crime, Mysteries and a Chance at a Kindle Giveaway

Click the pic to get your books now.

(Can’t see the pic? Click Read more below.)

My contribution to this major sale is Bigger Than Jesus, the first in my series about a funny hitman on the run from the mob, his past and the FBI. Just 99 cents!

Inexpensive books plus a chance at winning a kindle! I mean, c’mon and come on over! Click the pic above.

Crime thrillers, cozies, suspense! A kindle! Act now!

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Workout: Fast and Efficient

I looked it up. As a noun or adjective, “workout” is one word. Still looks wrong to me but never mind…on today’s show:

I’ll update you on my progress with The Wild Diet and share my experiments (and my alterations) to the One-Minute Workout (from last week’s podcast). We’ll get right down to the keys I use to get exercise done quickly so I can get on with my day. Of course, before embarking on any exercise program, consult your doctor to make sure you’re up to it.

If you’re new to the gym or haven’t been there for a while, hire a personal trainer. They aren’t just there to yell and count to four. They can help you design your program to your individual needs, familiarize you with equipment and help you engage the work for optimal results.

 At this link to Tim Ferriss’s blog, check out the possible benefits of using heat to increase athletic performance and aid recovery in which he delves deep into saunas and such with research from Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

I’m also going to reiterate Tim Ferriss’s disclaimer here: “The material on this blog is for informational purposes only. As each individual situation is unique, you should use proper discretion, in consultation with a health care practitioner, before undertaking the protocols, diet, exercises, techniques, training methods, or otherwise described herein. The author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects that may result from the use or application of the information contained herein.”

In my book, Do the Thing!, I talked about using cues to get remedial exercise done stealthily. (Remedial exercise is mostly basic physio principles from the 1940s and yoga techniques used to recover from injury, increase flexibility and optimize function and range of motion.) For more on the use of cues, do read Do The Thing! by Robert Chute on Amazon. It’s the last book on stress, pain, time and energy management you’ll ever need. (Says so on the cover.)

Key takeaways from today’s show:

  1. Consistency is more important than enthusiasm.
  2. Quality is more important than quantity.
  3. Muscles need recovery time.
  4. The workout is its own reward but you won’t feel that at first so find another reward, too.

Key points I use for my weight training (some of which may be relevant to you):

  1. Lift heavy. Less than eight reps is too heavy. More than twelve is too light.)
  2. Grip the weight hard.
  3. Use compound exercises for maximum efficiency.
  4. Don’t go to failure. Stay in control of the weight.
  5. Don’t hold your breath.
  6. Tighten your core.
  7. Explosive push, slow negative.

Key points for my cardio (adapted from the principles of High-Intensity Interval Training):

  1. Warm up for your workout.
  2. Monitor your breathing. If you can’t talk, back off.
  3. Go 30 secs hard, 30 secs active recovery for 30 secs.
  4. When that’s too much, 20 secs hard, 40 secs active recovery.
  5. When I’m done, I get out.

Finally, reward yourself for the effort, but not with food. A few of my favorite rewards: hot shower and shave using tea tree oil, firing up the wood stove and (since I’m suffering Canada’s Arctic air) throw your clothes in the dryer before you put them on!

Catch-phrase Contest

Want to get a free book from me? This podcast needs a catch-phrase. Email me at expartepress@gmail.com. If I choose yours, I’ll send you a book, easy-peasy!

Speaking of books:

This show is brought to you by my book, Do the Thing! I don’t cover everything in the book on the podcast. This is more of a complement to that. For a ton of ideas to improve your life and achieve a higher degree of productivity and success, go pick up Do the Thing!, available on Amazon in ebook or paperback.

Would you like to advertise your product or service on the show, get a poster or your name in my next book? Patreon rewards are for you! Find out more on my new Patreon page.

Your support helps cover bandwidth costs. I really need this podcast to pay for itself so if you’d like to support the show and earn rewards for your patronage, check out the treasures by clicking here or hit the orange Patreon button on the Home page at AllthatChazz.com. Thank you so much!

Extra special thanks to my first patron, RF Kacy!

Not everybody has the money to give money. If that’s you, no worries. Please support the podcast by giving it a happy review on iTunes, subscribe, tweet it and tell your friends! Sharing is caring. Cheers!

Robert Chute is a massage therapist with 24 years experience who works in stress, pain management and injury rehabilitation. A former journalist, Robert is also the author of many books, ranging from non-fiction to science fiction, horror, fantasy and crime thrillers. If you’re interested in his fiction, you’ll find his books under his pen name, Robert Chazz Chute.

Music credit: Today, it’s me.

Don’t miss the blooper at the end.

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Arguing with People Who Are Wrong

On today’s podcast:

1. Your micro-biome and cravings.

2. The most effective exercise doesn’t take long at all.

3. When does arguing help? Is it worth it? It turns out the answer is 4% of the time (at best!)

On this episode of the All That Chazz Stress Relief Podcast, I rant a little and I expect some arguing. Yes, there will be some listeners who will object to what I have to say on principle. But what if your principles are killing you? I had a negative experience this week that reminded me why I work the way I do. I’m arguing that we should argue the right way, but also with the right people. Bubbles and echo chambers are frequently derided on social media but they are valuable if your priority is your health.

There are times to take a stand, surely. However, a lot of arguing is drama which produces heat, not light. 

Wild Diet Update

I’m down 6.9 pounds after three weeks. I think I overdid the nuts, dairy and coconut oil so I’m cutting back a bit on the secondaries and amping up the vegetables to boost my weight loss. I’m very happy with this nutrition template. I’m eating better and enjoying more interesting foods. I did have my first cheat meal Sunday night and discovered that eating the way I used to isn’t as alluring as I’d thought.

Sample menu: bone broth, green smoothie, lamb, peppers and spinach and water, water, water and coffee.

On the Wild Diet (by Abel James) I tried hard-boiled quail eggs. Cute, but not worth all the peeling.

On today’s podcast, I reference another podcast, Serious Inquiries Only. Here are three episodes that relate to arguing, changing minds (and not changing minds):

A. The host talks to Dr. Robert Price, a Trump supporter and attempts a meeting of the minds. It does not go well.

I suggest you also check out these two episodes regarding arguments that spring from different worlds:

SIO20: Can We Change Minds? and  SIO21: Be Reasonable, with Michael Marshall.

I also discuss HIIT, High-Intensity Interval Training. For more on this topic, check out this short Quirks and Quarks podcast: One Minute of Exercise a Day Can Keep You Healthy.

Arguing for a Catch-phrase Contest:

I’m looking for a catch phrase to end the podcast. Give me a good one I can use and I’ll send you a book of your choice. Email me at expartepress@gmail.com.

This show is brought to you by my book, Do the Thing! I don’t cover everything in the book on the podcast. This is more of a complement to that. For a ton of ideas to improve your life and achieve a higher degree of productivity and success, go pick up Do the Thing!, available on Amazon in ebook or paperback.

Would you like to advertise your product or service on the show, get a poster or your name in my next book?

Patreon rewards are for you! Find out more on my new Patreon page.

Your support helps cover bandwidth costs. I really need this podcast to pay for itself so if you’d like to support the show and earn rewards for your patronage, check out the treasures by clicking here or hit the orange Patreon button on the Home page at AllthatChazz.com. Thank you so much!

Special thanks to my first patron, RF Kacy! Cheers to you for getting the Patreon ball rolling, sir!

Not everybody has the money to give money. If that’s you, no worries. Please support the podcast by giving it a happy review on iTunes, subscribe, tweet it and tell your friends! Sharing is caring. Cheers!

*Please note that if you have a health condition or concern, please consult a health care professional before proceeding with any changes to your health maintenance regimen. Don’t take medical advice from a podcast! See your doctor in person for a proper consultation. 

Robert Chute is a massage therapist with 24 years experience who works in stress, pain management and injury rehabilitation. A former journalist, Robert is also the author of many books, ranging from non-fiction to science fiction, horror, fantasy and crime thrillers. If you’re interested in his fiction, you’ll find his books under his pen name, Robert Chazz Chute.

Music credit: 

Floating Cities Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/