The Unthinkable—an extra ditty
No, this is not some horror story descending into your email inbox on the wrong day!
It’s nothing so dramatic, and I apologise for the unscheduled extra email this week. I just wanted a chat.
Writing to you is neither procrastination nor an avoidance technique. I’m simply doing the unthinkable: sitting in the sunshine with a cup of tea, enjoying the day.
When did you last stop and go outside into the fresh air?
I had this conversation with a friend the other day, via messages back and forth, after she sent me a link to something on YouTube “on her break”. At the time, I said, “Oh, I hope that break includes some fresh air, maybe even a stroll around the block!”
She replied, “I love your optimism!” Laughing emoticons.
I try not to be evangelical with my friends. I really do. But sometimes I slide over into the “You know if you get outside into the fresh air and really breathe deeply, maybe go for a walk to get the circulation flowing, you’ll return with a clear head and be more productive” side of the preaching line.
So, I apologise to my friends for my inability to NOT preach. It’s hard. At the end of the day, we all walk our own path and do what we believe is best, and who the hang am I to poke my advice oar into their waters, albeit lovingly.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve also become pretty adept at not following my own advice, and my nervous system has let me know. I’ve been anxious and started the whole what-if scenario, doom-saying as only an experienced future-forecasting, ex-Type A control freak can. (I’ve mentioned this before, which says a lot about my need to use the tools I have continuously.)
Cattus-interruptus
In the early hours of this morning, Miss Kit-Cat arrived. She waltzed up my side, pressing as firmly as her slight body could manage on every soft spot she could find. I mumbled and rolled onto my back, which she took as an open invitation to treadle my chest, with claws, while pressing her flat face into mine to ensure I was fully awake and cognizant of my responsibilities.
Ignore her at your peril. She will continually push her face into mine, regardless of where I move it, while ensuring she’s getting her daily steps in by pawing with her crampons, on any available exposed flesh.
After I’ve finally woken fully and patted her for the time she deems necessary, she will walk down my body and deposit herself on my feet. (I am not unaware of how spoiled she is!)
Therefore, I was awake at 4 a.m. and instead of getting up, writing a few things down, returning to bed, and mindfully listening to my breath until I fell back to sleep, I lay there, head whirring.
Why do I regale you with this tale? I realised that my nervous system was still revved up despite taking time out yesterday to go hiking along a stunning coastal trail with my hubby.
Gloves off - no fight mode required!
Taking time in the sunshine with a cup of tea and chatting to you, my faithful subscribers, is one of the tactics I’m using today to bring my nervous system back into balance and out of fight/flight/freeze mode.
Other tactics are:
Taking my time—no rushing.
Noticing the beauty around me and being grateful. (I ran through my list before getting out of bed.)
Practicing yoga and eating a nutrient-dense breakfast.
Organising and cleaning my space. (Any HSP will tell you clutter drives them up the wall.)
Journaling—let’s put things into perspective!
Getting outside for a hike.
Will my to-do list take a hammering? Yes, but I know I’ll be far more productive once my nervous system doesn’t have me on high alert.
So, while I’m attempting not to preach, maybe next time you take a break, you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine. (Few of us get enough Vitamin D these days, dramatically affecting our mood and energy levels. Honestly, it’s the most impactful supplement I take, and I get more sun than most.)
If you’re spinning your wheels, chasing your tail, or feeling stressed out in any way, taking some time out to calm your nervous system will improve your mood, productivity, and health.
I know it’s hard to prioritise our needs in today’s hustle culture, and the cost to our health is evident. Eking out little moments, moving as often as we can, and nourishing ourselves with great quality, nutrient-dense food, joy, and gratitude will slowly transform your life.
And if it’s all too much? Start with deep breathing—just that.
Sermon over. Time for that hike around the hills!
Jocelyn
I’m developing a transformation programme based on the first step I took to transform my life radically. Grounded will be available soon. If you’re interested in becoming an inaugural member of the Grounded community, reply to this email. I’ll offer loyal A Balanced Life Substack subscribers several free spaces. You’ll discover whether being highly sensitive contributes to your life and health struggles, and learn how to manage your nervous system to find energy, live healthfully, and thrive.