Learn & Grow

Being where your feet are

By Avinash Jalani · 22 June 2026

Today is the shortest day of the year, and the longest night (in Australia).

I'm recalling a statistic I read long ago — that people spend nearly half their waking hours thinking about something other than what they're doing right now. That didn't surprise me (guilty 🙈).

I'll be having a conversation while thinking about my to-do list. Playing with the kids while planning Monday. Going for a walk while replaying something that happened at work. I've caught myself doing all three, most of the time.

It isn't the day itself that feels exhausting. It's carrying yesterday, today and tomorrow all in our heads at the same time.

So on the shortest day of the year, I'm doing something simple: being where my feet are. Giving my full attention to the conversation I'm having. The task I'm doing. The person in front of me. Not because it solves everything — but because life has a habit of happening while we're busy thinking about somewhere else.

The reality? I'm not very good at it. Most days I catch my mind wandering off and have to bring it back, then do it again an hour later. 😅 Maybe it just takes practice.

What's one thing you'll give your full attention to this week?

Next Moment: Breathe, Pause, Return to yourself.

#MentalHealth  #MentalFitness  #NextMoment

Carrying it quietly

By Avinash Jalani · 21 June 2026

This week is Men's Health Week (15–21 June), and I was pondering how the message applies to everyone.

What I see is that people aren't struggling because they are weak. Often, they're struggling because they've become very good at carrying things quietly.

The pressure. The responsibility. The expectations we place on ourselves.

We keep going. We cope. We tell ourselves we'll deal with it later. We say “I'm fine”… “I'm ok”…

Sometimes asking for help feels like a big step. Sometimes the first step is simply being kind with yourself: “I'm finding this harder than I expected.”

I've also learned that checking in on someone doesn't need to be planned:

• A text.
• A coffee.
• A walk, or a catch-up on the train to work.
• A simple “long time, no see”.

Most people don't need us to have the answers. They just need to know someone noticed — that they're part of someone's story.

Who's someone you could check in on this week?

Next Moment: Breathe, Pause, Return to yourself.

#MentalHealth  #MentalFitness  #BeKind  #NextMoment

Make space to recover

By Avinash Jalani · 14 June 2026

This King's Birthday long weekend got me thinking (I've been doing that a lot lately).

We spend so much time planning our holidays — the flights, the activities, the catch-ups, the things we want to get done. But how often do we plan our recovery as part of the holiday?

Sometimes we get to the end of a holiday needing another holiday. Been there.

When I think about the people who seem to handle life's ups and downs well, it's not because they never get stressed. They just seem to find small ways to recharge along the way:

• A coffee in the sun.
• A walk around the block.
• A chat with a friend — no agenda.
• Five quiet minutes before jumping into the next thing.

Nothing dramatic. Just small moments that help reset. Maybe it isn't about waiting until we're exhausted — maybe it's about noticing when we need a moment, and taking it.

Make space for recovery as part of your next holiday (or work week).

Next Moment: Breathe, Pause, Return to yourself.

#LongWeekend  #MentalHealth  #NextMoment

Emotions, like weather

By Avinash Jalani · 7 June 2026

Enjoying some sunshine on a park bench after days of rain. ☀️

The kids are back outside, laughing and playing like the rain never happened. It's a good reminder: tough days don't last forever.

Kids seem to know this instinctively — they stay connected, find ways to have fun, and get back to playing when the sun returns.

Maybe we can do the same (or you're doing it already — good on you). Not every feeling needs fixing. Sometimes we just need to let it pass.

The next time you're going through a stretch, try to remember that emotions, like weather, can change. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and trust that brighter moments are returning.

Next Moment: Breathe, Pause, Return to yourself.

#MentalHealth  #MentalFitness  #NextMoment