Stress Of Stressing – When Do You Intend To Start Enjoying Life?

They say stress is essential for survival.

When was the last time you did anything for the first time?

Don’t you like how that sounds?

But think about it. Stop reading this, close your eyes and think about those twelve words. If it’s not too much, think of them as letters of fire blazing across your screen. I want to have a small bet with you; you most likely cannot remember.

Life creeps up on the best of us, holding shocks and surprises within the confines of a regular everyday life. We make all sorts of plans, have all sorts of dreams – and then something unforeseen comes along and changes the course of our lives.

It’s crazy, right?

The craze that this life is almost discourages us not to plan because the best laid plans become unraveled by “happenstance” or “providence”, depending on your religious leanings. But there are things we can still control, things that are our responsibility – whether we like and accept them or not.

Like taking the time out to do something new.

I recently did a self-poll and I found out, to my great shame, that I have only visited ten of Nigeria’s thirty-six states. That’s not a very encouraging figure for someone like me who professes to love travelling. So I resolved to travel more this year – even though up till now I’m yet to do anything about it.

Shame. I know.

But don’t be like me. The truth is if you need reasons to not do something you’ll find as many as you want. And if you need motivation to do something too, you’ll find as much as you need. It’s all a matter of perspective.

So, when was the last time you did something for the first time?

Things get stale pretty quickly. We get too comfortable with routine, and, truly, with all the issues we face on a daily basis it’s easy to understand why no one in their right minds would want any extra stress.

But, aren’t we hurrying ourselves to an early grave by refusing to change?

A lot of us sit behind our desks in front of our computers and the only time we get away is when we’re on social media. We go from home to work and back home, and then maybe on weekends we take some time to exercise.

Good.

I think exercise is good – after all no one wants to die of heart failure at fifty. But then, does it occur to us that our minds need as much exercising as our bodies – if not more?

If you’re not clear on why I would say our minds need more exercising than our bodies, let me ask you this: have you ever gone to bed and slept for eight hours, and woke up still as tired as you were before you slept?

If your answer’s yes, that’s stress. And it cannot be taken care of by sleep.

This stress manifests itself in many ways. For example, a common disease a lot of Lagos residents suffer from is road rage, which itself is an expression of stress. We need to defuse as often as possible – every weekend if grace allows. But no, there’s a wedding to go to on Saturday, church on Sunday and then the circle starts again.

These things weigh and prey on the mind.

It’s always necessary for life and living to take time off to chill and not do anything. Rest and relaxation are key. They are a very important way to let go of all the weight and issues we accumulate. Getting away is good; shut down the system, leave the laptop and phones if necessary – and just go. Go somewhere you haven’t been before. Walk in the sun, run in the rain and experience the sea and wind. Or if forests and wildlife are your things, there are places in Nigeria that cater to those.

It’s essential that we hit the refresh button, not every once in a while when we remember to, but as often and regularly as is possible. Life is hard enough without adding the challenges that health issues bring.

So take my advice. Grow and learn to put your feet up. Life is short, so pray tell, when do you intend to start enjoying it?

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