Does the plate spinning ever stop? How do some people give the impression that they are gliding through life with grace and control, even though they may well be paddling like crazy beneath the surface?
Most of the world closed down between Christmas and new year for the Christmas ‘break’ – which, if it works out, is a great chance to re-set and recalibrate. I deleted all social media apps before Christmas in an effort to make the most of the down time and drown out some of the unnecessary noise.
When the recalibration during a bit of time off goes to plan, it feels incredible. Once you hit that sweet spot of contentment and calm, you want to bottle it and take small sips when required as the year progresses.
The feeling of being rested is soon booted into touch the minute the routine kicks in and the plates start spinning again.
As I write this column, my Christmas tree lights are still twinkling. I will be very sad to de-Christmas the house on January 6. The sparkle of the lights have most definitely made a long, challenging winter more bearable. Sparkling lights are a stress buster for me – but I can’t leave them up all year round, can I?
Apparently, beating stress will be a priority for many this year. Most of us feel that we are existing, claiming victory if we just get through the day. There is never enough time, too many things to do, so much pressure, and never time to break from it.
Speaking to friends and family before Christmas, they were exhausted, beleaguered, fed up and in need of a serious break. Is this feeling the direct impact of the pandemic years, as the enormity of what happened starts to catch up with us? Is it brought on by the stress of constant cuts, being asked to do more work for less money or a lack of political leadership and no plan for this place we call home? Is it all of the above?
Apparently, beating stress will be a priority for many this year. Most of us feel that we are existing, claiming victory if we just get through the day. There is never enough time, too many things to do, so much pressure, and never time to break from it
Whatever the reason, we are burnt out. I have spent some time over the last few days reading up on ways to reduce stress, and giving fewer ‘you know whats’. Worry, stress, anxiety, over-thinking are all for the bin this year.
This year I want to be the ultimate stress buster. ( As I write the ‘ultimate’ I remind myself that setting huge, unachievable targets is not the smartest way to go about making meaningful changes in life...)
January is a time for sowing seeds for the year that is to come, a time to take things slowly, and not run back to the gym after a three-month gap, or to try to lose three stone in a month, or do dry January only to over do it the rest of the year.
A quick search online for dealing with stress, throws up reams of ways how to fix yourself. I don’t subscribe to this. Stress can be good for us, but like everything too much of it is not good, and it needs to be managed. Everyone has to take responsibility for that.
There’s stress at home, at work, at school, on the roads, in shops. The manifestation of stress can be ugly, harsh and damaging. Keeping it in check benefits ourselves and everyone we come in to contact with.
The wellness waffle is in overdrive at the minute. Trying to wade through it all, and make small changes that will really benefit your outlook, mindset and ultimately your life is not easy. Our vulnerability makes it a booming industry.
All this effort to find... headspace. It is the holy grail. A bit of ‘me time’ or a ‘self care’ day won’t cut it. To be beneficial to us, headspace needs to be part of the every day routine, not just the early days of January each year. We have let life become busy again and finding time for stillness and quiet is something we have to teach ourselves.
I know what I have to do. I need movement. I need to stop talking about meditation and build up a practice. I know that I need to go to bed earlier and get up earlier (yet, I am writing this column in bed at 11.30pm...). I know that I need movement. I know that I need less time on socials.
No more excuses. How will you de-stress your life?
