HAPPINESS FUTURES: What taking action towards a preferable future looks like
As we come closer to the end of 2020, we are hearing an overwhelming amount of negative news regarding global health, failing governments and social injustice. This edit was created to help foster positivity, without ignoring the hard stuff, but shifting the focus to inspiring innovations, to remind ourselves of the good out there, and continue taking positive action towards a preferable future.
Photo by note thanun on Unsplash
ECO GOVERNMENTS | Japan has the goal to achieve carbon-neutrality by the year 2050. The government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero over the next 30 years and intends to achieve this without jeopardising the economy. This gives us hope for what governments can do for the future of the planet, and the benchmarks being created out there. 2050 is late in some views, but it’s a step in the right direction.
FASHION SUSTAINABILITY | Are we there yet? Doing what matters in fashion. How can we make sustainability a destination and not a trend? It's all about the journey and we have to to keep learning how not to be discouraged by the complexities of running a sustainable industry and support each other in every step we take towards thriving without hurting the planet.
FOOD | The New Vision for Agriculture (NVA) initiative, is helping to ensure that the agricultural sector can sustainably nourish a growing world population. This initiative has helped forge partnerships for sustainable agriculture in 23 countries, creating more 80,000 jobs. The NVA aims to focus on three key objectives: enhancing food and nutrition security; improving environmental sustainability; and increasing economic opportunity through a market-based, multi stakeholder approach.
REPAIR RE-USE & TECH | Central Saint Martins’ Fashion MA graduate Paolina Russo handcrafts a wearable, scannable, up-cycled collection incorporating a collaboration with Klarna. Russo unveils her vision of the industry’s future, the infinite potential of up-cycling and we can be is optimistic about the harmonious unity between hand craft and tech, and encourage mindful consumption.
HOME | Imagine if you could have fun with your desk accessories while you work, transforming your work tools into toys? Keyi Chen has reinterpreted everyday desk accessories as stress-relieving devices called ‘Inte-rest-ing’ that encourage people who work long hours to play at their desks.
MINDFULNESS | Binaural beats and the practice of brain hacking show one of ways to stimulate the mind and encourage the brain to perform the way you’d like it to, is to use sound at a certain frequency. Some studies have tentatively shown binaural beats to decrease anxiety, improve memory, and promote divergent thinking.
BREATHING | Do you ever notice your breathing or have contemplated a daily practice of breath work? About 1 in 10 people have symptoms of dysfunctional breathing, resulting in shallow and constricted patterns. Recently we were suggested to follow Stuart Sandeman, the Founder of Breath Pod, and his daily 7:30 am GMT session live on Instagram. We highly recommended it forward! He has created a platform where he coaches people to break negative habits, beliefs and patterns through breath work. This is proven to help move into a state of development, self-awareness and flow. Breath work increases mental and emotional wellbeing, energy, communication, confidence and focus.
PODCAST | Need something to get you through lockdown? Lisa Genova’s podcast ‘How To Make Time for Happiness’ is filled with joyful and fulfilling experiences in her daily life and how you can practice these techniques during the current crisis.
BREAK TIME | In the beginning of lockdown, you probably didn’t miss your commute but ... There are some unique benefits that prevent your home-life blending into your work life which include; burning more calories, extra social connection, a break and time for transition. Microsoft is adding a virtual commute to its Teams teleconferencing product. Employees who use it could be invited to make a to-do list or rate their day, or to join a guided meditation from Headspace whom they are collaborating with. The notion of digital commute is gaining ground to offset video meeting fatigue, also known as “zoom fatigue”.
BEING TOGETHER | ‘Laughter May Be Effective Medicine for These Trying Times’ because a little sense of humour never hurt anyone! This has been an especially challenging year, rife with loss, anxiety and uncertainty. When was the last time you laughed? Not just a “ha ha,” but a deep belly laugh that brought tears to your eyes? We hope that you can lighten the load off your shoulders and add some laughter to your life by incorporating these laughter exercises into your day to day.