Hi ,

It’s been a month now living in Zurich, experiencing life in Switzerland - and its left me with some valuable insights. 

The Swiss approach to daily life has a simplicity and focus that I find incredibly refreshing, and I wanted to share some of these habits with you:

There’s something about the Swiss love for the outdoors that’s truly inspiring. Whether it’s a walk by the river or a bike ride around the lake, getting outside clears the mind and invigorates the body.

• Evening Walks: I've been unwinding after work with a walk along the water. It’s a perfect way to decompress. Check out my river walks!
• Cycling: Explore your surroundings on two wheels. Cycling not only boosts your mood but also gives you a fresh perspective. My sweet new ride:

ps. This also explains why some of the gyms and fitness class options are severely lacking here... it's coz everyone pretty much spends their time outdoors in nature!

The Swiss are known for their punctuality and efficiency, and their workday reflects that.

• Early Start: My work day often begins at 8:30 am - which is considered late by Swiss standards - the streets here are buzzing with office workers by 7.30am(!)
• Early End: By 5 or 6 pm, most people have wrapped up their workday, making time for evening relaxation or activities.
• Lunchtime at Noon: Lunch is early and light, preventing that sluggish feeling later in the day (I'm still getting used to lunch this early, tbh).

As someone used to a much later start/end to the day, I'm still finding a rhythm to this one.

Staying active isn’t just about hitting the gym; it’s about integrating movement into your daily routine.

• Walking Meetings: Take your meetings outdoors, by the river if you can. It’s a great way to get fresh air while staying productive. Also: no screens.
• Varied Meetings: Schedule meetings on different floors or in different buildings to keep moving - especially if you're working in a big corporate spread across different floors/ buildings.
• Lunchtime Workouts: Whether it’s a quick run, a game of tennis, or a swim, find ways to stay active during your breaks.

A colleague has a "mini triathlon" in a day: cycling to work, lunchtime run, evening swim.

It's pretty extreme even for me, but hey - I work at a sportswear brand now so this is truly a lifestyle.

My office has implemented a "Meeting-Free Friday." It’s a dedicated day each week to focus on deep work without the usual interruptions.

• Clear the Calendar: While I haven’t achieved a completely meeting-free Friday yet, reducing to just 1-3 meetings is still a significant improvement from the usual 6-8 in a day.
• Finding the Balance: It’s only the first month, so I’m still adjusting. I’m eager to see if I can eventually achieve a fully meeting-free day and how it impacts my productivity and stress levels.

By carving out a day for uninterrupted work, you might find it easier to concentrate and get more done.

It’s worth considering if you’re looking to reclaim some focus in your work-week.

In a world full of distractions, it’s essential to keep your eye on what truly matters.

• Set Clear Intentions: With a clear sense of purpose, prioritizing becomes easier amidst the deluge of information you're processing in a day. Especially at the leadership level.
• Own Your Time: Everyone has their own agenda. Stay focused on your goals and be mindful of how you spend your time.

How much of what you're doing is fulfilling someone else's agenda versus your own?

Here are some journalling prompts to help you channel Swiss habits for better living:

If it helps keep you accountable, you're welcome to hit reply and share what you're working on. I reply to every email!

I hope these insights bring a bit of Swiss simplicity into your daily life. Here’s to staying focused, active, and at peace.