We are so fortunate to live in a time when we have so much information and technology at our fingertips. But is life easier?
Somehow I believe the more ways we are able to communicate with each other the busier we feel. All of this busyness can lead to mental and physical overload. The more overtaxed we become, the more chance we have of becoming demotivated and disconnected. We can then become depressed and find it difficult to get anything done.
So what do we do to avoid getting to this level of overload? Some might say that medication is the answer, allowing you to eliminate the worry, obsessive thinking and depression. But is medication the way to go in order to cope with the busyness of life? I don’t think so. Others may say to just slow down, but what does that mean and how do we do it?
I think what we really need is a nice big dose of common sense and a return to the basics. If my grandmother were alive, she would say that I should eat a good meal (her specialty was pasta and roast chicken), sit down and talk awhile, hug, take a nice walk outside in the sunshine, and stop and smell the roses. She might also tell me to relax with some knitting or embroidery in hand. Her advice would be aimed at helping me feel peaceful and relaxed.
Eating a balanced meal and exercise keep the brain and body functioning smoothly. Exercise energizes. It increases metabolism, depresses the appetite and helps maintain your ideal weight. Touch is also important. Through touch, our heart rate and blood pressure normalize, immune function improves and our mood stabilizes. Being touched makes us feel happy and peaceful. My grandmother didn’t know all of those details, but in a very common sense way, she knew taking those actions would make me feel better.
The busier we’ve gotten, the less connected we’ve become to the common sense approach to living and sensing what our bodies need. When we ignore balanced eating, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, communication and touch, we deprive our minds and our bodies of the basics that make us feel good!
So this week, use some common sense and listen within. Ask yourself, “What would my grandmother encourage me to do?” Also check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. Ask yourself some very basic questions: “Am I feeling hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Lonely? Agitated? Overwhelmed? Depressed?” Based on your answers, then determine what actions would help you feel better. Maybe it’s time for a delicious, well-balanced meal. Or a nap. Or some outdoor activity in the sunshine. Maybe you’re needing some hugs or a nice back rub. Maybe a face-to-face conversation with a close friend or relative is what you’re needing.
Whatever you discover, make sure you give yourself time and opportunity to savor the experience. And…be sure to stop and smell the roses as well as the coffee. There really is enough time to feed your mind, body and spirit.
