From learning the value of quality rest and protecting his energy, to embracing gratitude and practising self-kindness, Jason shares how his journey has reshaped the way he thinks about living well.
In this honest reflection, he opens up about the habits that have positively impacted both his physical and mental wellbeing, and the lessons he’s still learning as he takes healthier steps forward, one day at a time
The best mindset for your health is consistency
AIA Vitality is built around small, sustainable habits over time. Over the past year, I’ve really tried to embody that by making consistency my word of the year.
Sometimes we go through phases of eating really well and getting to the gym, and then there are phases where we’re far from it; and that’s okay. On the days I’m not feeling my best, I’ve learned to pause and ask: “What have I done – or not done – to get here?”. That simple question helps me prioritise what needs my attention.
We’re all on a journey of trying to be the best version of ourselves, and one of the biggest mindset shifts was learning not to be so hard on myself when I fall short. The consistent thread through all of it is staying kind to yourself by picking yourself up again.
The art of resting well
Over time, my definition of what is considered ‘being healthy’ has evolved, even more so after a year with AIA Vitality.
I’m an energy person, and anyone who’s met me knows that! I give a lot of energy to my day-to-day work. But I have started to see some clear patterns: a distinct lack of sleep and proper rest, and my body’s inability to deal with stress. Having had a heart attack back in 2017, I’m more tuned in to those signals now.
I have been incorporating a few habits into my daily routine, and the one that has made a noticeable difference has been prioritising getting good quality sleep.
Meditation is another way I get quality rest. Whenever I have pockets of free time in my day, be it in a green room after a speech or on a plane, I take the time for myself, with a cup of gumboot tea, and reflect on my gratitude moments for the day.
That’s my reset moment. It’s not glamorous, but it works!
On managing your energy
I do a lot of workshops, presentations and keynote speeches. During this time, I don’t just talk, I perform. I tell big stories, I throw myself into the emotions, I talk about my mum and how much I miss her, and then I’ll have a laugh in the next breath.
I have to remind myself: “Hey, Jason, you now need to reset”.
There is a finite amount of energy we’ve got to give, and after many years in the game, I’ve gotten much better at recognising when a lot of energy has gone out and what I can do to bring it back up again.
A small way that you can practice being mindful of your energy is by reframing the way you look at your weekly calendar. Rather than asking, “What events have I got on this week?” look at it and ask, “Where is my energy going to be focused this week?”.
That simple reframe has changed how I plan, how I show up, and how I recover.
Creating a moment when engaging with others
I’m grateful to wake up to a job I love. I’ve had a long, busy career in media and television, and my job description is continuously changing.
After a long career in television and radio, I started Easily Said; a communications coaching business to help others find their voice. But really, what we do is help people show up as the best version of themselves and find the confidence to speak from the heart, wherever they are, be it at home or in the workplace.
Our words have the ability to make or break someone's day. I always say to people not to just talk to someone, but to connect with them. Ask yourself, “Am I creating a moment here?”.
You can’t build a great culture or be a great communicator if you’re exhausted. You can’t truly connect with people if you’re running on stress and anxiety. You can’t create a moment if you’re not fully present.
That presence starts with embracing a healthier, more balanced life and by looking after yourself. Otherwise, the message you’re trying to convey might as well just be an email!
Where to start, if it all feels overwhelming
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That all sounds great, Jason, but I don’t even know where to begin”, here’s some simple steps I’d suggest:
Start a gratitude diary, and every night before you go to bed, list three things you’re grateful for. Over time, this practice fosters a glass-half-full mindset that will change your perspective on how you experience the world around you. I genuinely believe that if you give your mind good ingredients before bed, it’ll bake a beautiful cake by the time you wake up in the morning.
The second is to keep your goals simple with the aim of building them over time. For example, if you’re keen to get into running, you wouldn’t set yourself a goal of daily runs if you haven’t laced your shoes up in months, would you? One small thing, done consistently, will compound into big lifestyle changes in the long run.
My final tip is to keep being kind to yourself by making it simple. This past year with AIA Vitality has reminded me that health isn’t a destination. It’s a daily practice where some days you nail it, and some days you don’t. What matters is that you keep showing up. For yourself, and for the people who need you at your best.
