The Three Pillars of a Healthy Information Diet
I have been working on my information diet for a while now and have taken steps to reduce my intake of (what I've heard many people refer to as) "ultra-processed content".
Writing + Doodles - Martine Ellis Education and Training
Latest posts
How Do You Escape From a Dopamine Hole
We often think of dopamine as a feel-good chemical, but its primary role is to drive anticipation of a reward and motivate us to act. This distinction matters because dopamine release reinforces behaviour, regardless of whether that behaviour is good for us.
The Forgotten Pillar of Health
We are well aware of the traditional pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, and nature. Today’s doodle focuses on a fifth pillar that is often overlooked—the arts.
We Need Cognitive Friction
When was the last time you sat with a problem long enough for it to feel uncomfortable?
Balancing Productivity With Creativity
When we assume every minute of the working day must produce tangible output, we leave no room for original thought. We often value doing over thinking, yet most professional roles require both.
Using Perspective Language to Disagree
There are many ways to handle a professional (or personal) disagreement. Often, a direct, evidence-based approach is appropriate, but not always, especially when an issue is more subjective.
Could You Turn Your Anxiety Into Curiosity?
When preparing for a presentation or a high-stakes meeting, the traditional advice is to reframe anxiety as excitement. This shift in perspective is a helpful tool for short bursts of performance, but it can be exhausting to maintain over a long working day.
B+ Work is OK
I'm a recovering perfectionist. This doodle is very much a "note to self".
Giving Feels Great
In my coaching sessions, clients often arrive with a specific focus on systems. They want to discuss productivity, time management, and better ways to tackle their workload. We start by exploring these challenges, but the conversation almost always shifts.
Through the Lens of Your Nervous System
While we all want to believe that we view our professional world objectively, the reality can be quite different.
You Can’t Doomscroll a Book
I can leave the house and forget a letter that needs posting or to put on a coat, but I never forget my phone.
Because You Are More Than Your Job
When you meet someone new, especially in a professional setting, what is the first question you ask?
Sometimes Less (Really) is More
You are probably familiar with the phrase "less is more", and many of us have said it at some point. But do we really believe it? Our behaviour often suggests we believe the opposite.
Sometimes the Most Productive Thing You Can Do is Have a Shower
Last week, I nearly bought a waterproof speaker for my shower.
Whose Priority is it Anyway?
If you do not actively prioritise your workload, other people will do it for you.
Notice Your Morning Micro-Stressors
Our resilience is a finite resource, yet many of us put a serious dent in it before we even get out of bed.
Check Your Compass Before Your Clock
Covey encourages us to "live by the compass, not the clock". But what does he mean?
How Long is Your Attention Span?
Research by Dr Gloria Mark shows that the average attention span on a digital screen is now only 47 seconds.
The Practice of Yutori
I recently learned the Japanese word yutori. It means spaciousness or having room to breathe.
A Case For Boredom
Humans hate being bored. It feels like wasted time. When a gap appears in our day, the natural reflex is to reach for our phones.