I’ve been pretty quiet on here for a while – but wow, 2019 is intent on flying by before I have a moment to just breathe and take it in.

Mindfulness is a word that gets thrown around a lot. It means to be cognisant and aware of the moment you are in, rather than dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. In our hyperconnected world, this is something that can only be achieved through conscious effort. Wherever we look, there are a million distractions, a thousand reasons to divide our attention or to focus on things that are unimportant. It is so very difficult to shut out all the noise and distraction and simply appreciated he moment that you are in.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I have a lot of things happening at the same time. This means that it is almost impossible for me to simply focus on the thing in front of me. I have to be aware of all the other things that are going on. This also means that most days I rush between tasks and am really busy, but a the end of the day I do not have much to show for all my busyness.

I feel rushed. I feel unproductive. I feel dissatisfied. And sometimes I feel anxious about all the chaos. Not only is it my own hectic schedule that makes me feel this way – the world still take 24 hours a day to spin around its axis, but in that time, there are so many other things vying for our attention. Not only do we worry about what is happening in our neighbourhoods, but we are drawn into the dramas that play out worldwide. We are made to feel as if we are a part of every crisis.

As much as I am tempted to delete Twitter every day, it is through the fortuitous retweet by someone I follow that I heard about Matt Haig. He is a thoughtful and insightful wordsmith whose book “Reasons to Stay Alive” has been an inspiration (and lifesaver) for many people struggling with their mental wellbeing. I am currently reading his book “Notes on a Nervous Planet” which addresses exactly the kind of anxiety our over-connectedness provokes. In this book, Matt uses examples from his own life, research, and good old common sense to put modern living into perspective and provide helpful suggestions to keep healthy boundaries in place (for your own sanity).

If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the world and the frenetic pace of society, both online and in “real life”, then I would sincerely recommend that you give “Notes on a Nervous Planet” a read. Not only will it keep you from checking in on your latest “insta-post” for a few minutes, but it will give you a whole new, healthier perspective on balance and living in a way that is better for your mental well-being in this digital age.

You can find more about this book and Matt Haig here

 

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