Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻

Ben's Blog explores the interconnectedness of mental health, personal energy, and lifestyle, particularly in the context of a retired sportsman's journey towards self-improvement. It covers topics ranging from personal growth, mental and physical health, to sports philosophy and technology in day-to-day life. The narrative emphasizes honest communication, facing challenges head-on, and the importance of energy for wellbeing.

Mental Health Personal Growth Sports Philosophy Energy Management Wellbeing Communication Technology and Lifestyle Physical Health

The hottest Substack posts of Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻

And their main takeaways

Celebrating wins

21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Public Speaking Personal Growth
  1. Celebrating your wins helps boost your energy and motivation. It's important to take a moment to enjoy your achievements instead of just focusing on what to improve.
  2. Public speaking can be challenging, but overcoming that fear can lead to great personal growth and satisfaction. It feels rewarding to push through and succeed in something you once dreaded.
  3. Having a positive mindset about your journey can inspire you to keep improving. Working with a coach can help elevate your skills and spread a good message about mental health and performance.

One Year of Talks!

18 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Performance Coaching Well-being
  1. Energy is key to team performance; the more energy a team has, the better they usually perform. Less energy can lead to burnout, which affects results.
  2. Sharing ideas and experiences through speaking engagements can help clarify personal thoughts and grow confidence. It's also a great way to inspire others.
  3. Keeping ideas simple can make a big difference in how people understand performance and well-being, making it easier for them to thrive at work.

Career Transition Complete

25 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎾 Sports Athletics Career Motivation Conversations Fitness
  1. After seven years, the career change is finally done. It feels amazing to get paid doing what I love, especially after struggling to find my path.
  2. I used to dislike running and public speaking, but now they are central to my work. This shows that interests can change, and you may find joy in unexpected places.
  3. Talking with mentors is important. Conversations can lead to new ideas and connections, helping to support and grow your passions.

Life is good

54 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Personal Growth Lifestyle Wellness
  1. Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career. It's important to pursue what makes you happy, like I did after rugby.
  2. Life has ups and downs, but it's vital to celebrate the good moments. I've had challenges, but right now, I'm really enjoying life.
  3. Health is so important, and getting regular check-ups can save lives. A friend's quick skin check led to a life-saving discovery.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How the All Blacks stopped being "chokers"

36 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Leadership Performance Team Dynamics
  1. The All Blacks learned to handle pressure better after being called 'chokers'. They realized that being physically fit wasn't enough to win under stress.
  2. They brought in a psychologist who taught them to focus on their process and how to reset themselves during games. This helped them stay calm and perform better.
  3. By changing their mindset and improving their mental game, the All Blacks became two-time World Cup champions and showed the importance of mental strength in sports.

Spewing at training

25 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Personal Growth Work-life balance
  1. It's important to connect nutrition and rest with performance. Eating well and getting enough sleep can help you train harder and feel better.
  2. The focus should be on overall well-being, not just hard work. Taking care of yourself can lead to better results in sports and other areas of life.
  3. Burnout happens when we prioritize work over health. Making time for self-care can help boost our energy and improve performance.

2025 Goals

32 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
  1. The goal is to help the daughters build independence by leaving them home alone more often. This is seen as a way to boost their confidence and responsibility.
  2. There is a goal to go to the gym at least 100 times this year, focusing on health and fitness rather than on running alone.
  3. Aiming to share 50 stories on a blog to connect with others and promote well-being, while also seeking to earn a full-time wage doing meaningful work.

2024 Review

32 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Mental health Physical health Family Work
  1. Being kind to yourself is really important. It helps you feel proud just for being you, not just for what you achieve.
  2. Self-compassion can improve personal growth. Accepting where you are in life brings a sense of peace.
  3. Taking a more relaxed approach to your career can lead to better results. Stop forcing things and let them happen naturally.

How a little dog helped start a family

54 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
  1. A little dog named Marley played a big role in bringing a couple together. Jen met Ben through his dog, leading to a sweet relationship.
  2. Marley provided a lot of love and support for the family. Her presence was a source of unconditional love that helped them all feel happy.
  3. Losing Marley was extremely hard for the family. She taught them about love and connection, making her loss deeply felt.

How exercise with mates saves lives

18 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Fitness Community Well-being Exercise
  1. Exercising with friends creates strong connections, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Being part of a community while being active makes people feel better both physically and mentally.
  2. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that improve your mood and lower stress. This happens because activities like running or walking together boost happiness and relaxation.
  3. Creating more opportunities for group exercise can help prevent issues like anxiety and depression. It's important to encourage others to join in on these activities, as they can make a real difference in mental health.

I'm 40 🎂

36 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Parenting Life lessons Personal Growth
  1. You are more than your job. It's important to remember that your worth isn't tied to your work performance.
  2. Taking care of yourself is crucial. If you want to support others, make sure you're prioritizing your own well-being.
  3. Your energy affects your mental health. It's not just about sleeping well or eating right; how you manage stress and spend time with loved ones also matters.

My journey overcoming Anxiety, ADHD and Depression

40 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Lifestyle Personal Growth Nutrition
  1. Low energy can be a major cause of anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Improving your energy levels might help improve your mental health.
  2. Small lifestyle changes like better sleep and nutrition can make a big difference. It's important to figure out what keeps your energy up.
  3. Talking about your struggles is valuable. Many people feel the same way, and sharing your story can create connections and support.

The Dock turns 10!

21 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Beverages Community
  1. The Dock has been a popular place for 10 years, starting from a simple idea of creating a sports pub for women. It has grown into a beloved community spot.
  2. The pub has faced challenges like lockdowns and the passing of a community member, but it has also created memorable events that brought people together.
  3. The team at The Dock played a key role in its success, focusing on health-conscious options and community engagement, making it a welcoming place for all.

Rejection

25 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Self-Improvement Motivation Personal Development
  1. Rejection can hurt, even when you expect it. It's normal to feel down after being turned away, but it's important to keep moving forward.
  2. Reflecting on your 'why' can help regain motivation. Understanding the purpose behind your ideas can provide clarity and strength to persist.
  3. Sharing your feelings about rejection can be helpful. Writing about experiences can lead to self-reflection and new ideas for improvement.

Introducing "Energy"

32 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Well-being Personal Growth Life Coaching Self-care
  1. The blog is now focused on energy because it's essential for overcoming challenges and improving mental health. Everyone should understand how to improve their energy levels.
  2. The author acknowledges they've been hesitant to write about energy due to fears of being misunderstood and wanting attention. Now they've decided to be more honest about what truly matters to them.
  3. It's important to change how we think about well-being, as energy levels impact how we feel. We need to talk about this openly to help ourselves and others.

One year of Talks

18 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Fitness Mental health Public Speaking Well-being
  1. Public speaking can be daunting, but sharing your experiences can build confidence. Starting with small talks can help you find your voice.
  2. It's important to prioritize nutrition and sleep for better performance in work and sports. Managing energy makes a big difference in success.
  3. Reflecting on your journey can help you realize the value of your experiences. Sharing those lessons can inspire and help others in their own challenges.

Labels

21 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Wellness Practices Lifestyle changes
  1. ADHD and anxiety are often misunderstood, but they don't define you. It's possible to change habits and improve your situation if you believe you can.
  2. Burnout can build up without you noticing, like carbon monoxide. It's important to recognize early signs like fatigue or irritability to prevent bigger problems.
  3. Having a personal 'canary' to detect stress can help monitor your wellbeing. Knowing when to take a break or recover is crucial for avoiding burnout.

Feeling good

65 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Exercise Community Sleep Food
  1. Transitioning from one chapter in life to the next can be exciting and full of new opportunities
  2. Building a strong community and support system can lead to successful events and collaborations
  3. Balancing fun and work while prioritizing self-care elements like rest and exercise can contribute to overall well-being

A open letter from Daniella

54 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Mindfulness Grief
  1. Cancers can have causes beyond lifestyle choices, like genetics or unknown factors. It's important to raise awareness and fund research for rare cancers with no clear causes.
  2. Even in tough times, focus on cherishing every moment and finding joy in the little things. Enjoy life and don't let anyone steal your happiness.
  3. Express gratitude for the love and happiness in your life. Embrace the people and things that bring you joy, and remember to spread love and positivity.

What is well-being?

7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Wellness Nutrition Fitness Self-care
  1. Well-being is really about how much energy you have. It can range from feeling great to feeling very down.
  2. Many activities like exercising or eating well can boost your well-being, but they're not definitions of it.
  3. Focusing on simple and sustainable ways to feel better is more effective than chasing quick fixes or trends.

A human recharging station

10 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Community support Exercise
  1. The community running events help people recharge and feel more energized during the week. It's like a charging station for humans instead of cars.
  2. Participants often leave feeling great after exercising and socializing, which boosts their mood and energy levels. It's a fun and supportive atmosphere.
  3. The initiative also invites volunteers to help create a supportive network for those facing tough times, promoting a mission for mental well-being in the community.

Free 24/7 Help

43 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Well-being Self-care Stress
  1. Consider seeking help from AI chatbots for immediate support when feeling overwhelmed and unable to wait for a therapist.
  2. Reflect on the importance of mental health routines during stressful times and remember that temporary disruptions can be managed.
  3. Prioritize brain health by being proactive, staying organized, and seeking professional advice when necessary.

What I really miss in retirement

40 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Retirement Mental health Community Teamwork Happiness
  1. Being part of a team striving towards a common goal brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment in retirement.
  2. Belonging to a community or family and contributing to something greater than oneself is vital for health and happiness.
  3. Connecting with others and slowing down to be part of a team can lead to long-term satisfaction, unlike pursuing individual success hastily.

R4R turns 5!

7 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Community support Exercise Resilience
  1. Running for Resilience (R4R) started when a person named Matt wanted to help those struggling with mental health after personal losses. It began as a simple event and turned into a bigger community effort.
  2. Exercise has been really helpful for the founder during tough times. Even when he faced challenges after retirement and lost loved ones, running with friends made a big difference for him.
  3. R4R is now five years old and has grown to include many runners each week. It's a celebration of staying active and supporting each other's mental and physical health.

Modern life's energy crisis

43 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Physical health Energy Levels Self-care Addiction
  1. The global human energy crisis is on the rise, impacting work and life due to various factors like pandemic acceleration and modern lifestyle changes.
  2. Low energy levels can be attributed to factors such as increased access to food, sedentary work, and excessive screen time, leading to physical and mental health issues.
  3. Tired brains and cognitive decline contribute to emotional decision-making, decreased focus, social division, and a rise in addiction, causing a general sense of fatigue and dissatisfaction in life.

The best shot I can take today

47 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Well-being Self-Improvement
  1. It's important to address difficult issues instead of avoiding them as it can take a toll on mental well-being.
  2. Sometimes, it's best to take a step back, assess the situation, and take a safe shot instead of risking it all.
  3. Imagining addressing our own problems as if helping a friend can lead to more objective and less emotional decision-making.

"There's no failure in sports"

47 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Athletics Lessons Mindset
  1. Sports is not about failure, but about disappointment and lessons learned.
  2. Winning is not the only measure of success in sports; it's also about trying and learning.
  3. Viewing sports as a journey rather than just focusing on results can lead to personal growth and confidence.

A bit of a mix

40 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎾 Sports Nutrition Reading
  1. Long-time coach Laurie Fisher retires after 30 years in Rugby
  2. Alfred app uses various data sources to track meal calories accurately
  3. Author shares favorite article of the week to provide value to readers