Keep Busy

Good afternoon and welcome back to yet another blog. It feels like I am constantly coming up with new ideas for these which is great. There are hundreds of topics and questions out there just waiting to be addressed. For those of you who are regular readers will have read an entry called 'Declutter Your Mind' on the 19th June. For those of you who haven't read it (you really should), it's basically about trying to keep your mind clear and have as few thoughts as possible when you are stressed. Lots of people agreed that it's best to give yourself time and space and to be by yourself. However, I received a number of comments suggesting that they prefer to stay busy and fill their minds so they are not thinking about the difficult times. I promised them a part 2 looking at that perspective, and here it is.

For me, the most relaxing thing that I could do is listen to music. You don't necessarily need to sing at the top of your lungs or dance like a nutter around your bedroom (unless you're god at those things), but just sit and listen to the lyrics. Listen to songs that are memorable to you or a song that matches how you are feeling. If you want to be uplifted after a long, hard day at work then something along the vibe of The Killers or Abba is probably beneficial. If you're in a more sombre mood then Someone You Love by Lewis Capaldi is the better option. And of course, if you've been through a break-up, it's got to be Taylor Swift's All Too Well (you knew it was coming). Whatever it is you choose on Spotify, just sit there and listen.

If you are one of those people who enjoy the outdoors, or if you're a health and fitness guru, then play sports. This could be as simple as going for a walk down your local park, going for a swim or meeting some friends for a round of golf. Whether it takes 30 minutes or 5 hours, everyone enjoys spending time outdoors. The fresh air is god for our body and mental health , and especially this time of the year when it is light until 9pm. Go outside and enjoy yourself - in the winter you will be desperate to leave the house.

If you are after something a little more long term focused, choose a project. This is your chance to really throw yourself in head first and hone in on that quality work you are after. It may not sound like it but hard work can be very enjoyable and certainly makes the time pass by quicker. Maybe you are co-ordinating a future event that you need to focus on. Or maybe you have a classic car banged up in the garage that you've always been desperate to fix up. Well now is your chance to do that (especially with the whole Covid situation not going away any time soon.

Or you could use this chance to teach yourself a new skill. That could be learning to play a new sport, taking an online course or learning to play a musical instrument. And you can do this from the comfort of your own home. You can do your own internet research, watch YouTube tutorials or take the trial-and-error approach. You can work at your own pace and listen to music or watch TV whilst you are working. It could be a pressure-free environment where you can really maximise your concentration to the fullest. What better way to develop or educate yourself?

Finally, exercise exercise exercise. I know I have briefly mentioned this earlier but it really does help. And it's such an easy way to keep busy. Even if it is raining you can do an online fitness workout from home. Again this can be as short or as long as you want it to be. And there's so many long-term health benefits to exercising. I assure you that you will feel better for it. Just never get too lazy to exercise. Next time you are sitting at home laying full length on the sofa, watching the TV and munching on a bag of chocolate buttons (that does sound really good to be honest), grab the remote, turn the TV off, put the buttons back in the cupboard and do some press-ups. Or some star jumps. Or even just jog on the spot. Anything is better than nothing. And it keeps you busy.

It is always an interesting debate whether it is better to declutter your mind or to keep busy when you are stressed. Truthfully, I don't think it matters. If I had to advise then I would encourage you to keep your headspace as clear as possible, but I won't say this is right or wrong. You need to be you. Do what is right for your life. Life is too short not to (previous blog self-promo there). 

Have a good week, stay safe from Covid and come back on Friday for another blog on a topic which I am yet to decide.

Connor
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