Wendel AbelWendel Abel
HAVING PROBLEMS in your relationship? Do you feel stressed? Feeling frustrated on the job? Not realising your goals? Why not take some time out to reflect on your life. Caught in the rat race? Is life worth all the hustle and bustle and the struggles to pay your mortgage, drive the prestigious car or to maintain a particular lifestyle? Decide what matters most to you. The rat race may not be worth it. At the end of the day it is all show.
Slow down! Many persons are beginning to see the merits of slowing down. Studies have shown that men who work 60 hours per week are at greater risk for heart attack than those who work 40 hours per week.
Find time for family and friends. Many persons are surrounded by the material things of life and are still not happy. Are you one of them? They do not have time to enjoy life; nor do they have time for family, friends and their communities. These are things that matter most in life.
A BALANCED LIFE
Start this morning. Get up early and exercise. Find time to have a good breakfast and listen to your favourite talk show or music on your way to work. Turn off the cellular and resist attempts to be working in the car.
Have a proper meal today. Avoid high caloric intake, imported and processed foods. When last have you had lunch with your significant other, a best friend or a co-worker?
Get a hobby. Have you been taken up with work lately to the extent that you have not pursued your hobby? Do you even have a hobby? Find time for rest and relaxation. Pursue a hobby and hang out with friends. Dominoes, jogging, riding, hiking, and gardening. These are some favourites.
TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER
Has your spouse been complaining that you haven't been spending quality time with him/her lately? This is a serious cry for attention. Never take your relationship for granted. People need to spend time with each other to share ideas, to communicate their needs and fears and to dream together.
So you are unhappy because your partner does not have time for you. Get a life! Why accept an unhappy life, after all you are responsible for your own happiness. Do not sit and expect others to make things happen for you.
Manage stress: Feeling stressed out? Try one of these for a change yoga, meditation, and reflexology. Have you ever treated yourself to a therapeutic massage? When you pick up your next pay cheque treat yourself to one. It is worth it!
Take a trip: You don't have to travel away from Jamaica. Explore new places and try some exciting ones. All-time favourites still include the Blue Lagoon in Portland, Murphy's Hill in St. Ann, Little Ochi in St. Elizabeth, the Almond Tree restaurant and the Ruins in Ocho Rios. Check them out!
Hang out sometimes: This is especially for those of us in Kingston. Find time to hang out occasionally. Why spend hours in the traffic? Stop by one of the favourite spots in the city and hang out with family and friends. Try these spots. The Grogge Shop it is hot and exciting! JamRock still an all-time favourite. The Indies Restaurant great to get away and unwind. Cuddyz, I have never been there but I hear it is great. Star Apple Restaurant, great setting and the meal is great.
Spiritual growth: Find time to connect with that greater power whoever you consider him or her to be. Spiritual growth and development is important. I wish for you an unhurried, relaxed and productive life. Yours to enjoy.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior
lecturer, University of the
West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
