“Sometimes I feel like I'm actually on the wrong planet. It's great when I'm in my garden, but the minute I go out the gate I think, What the hell am I doing here?” So said George Harrison in the 80s.
Many of us will relate to this sentiment, home feels safe & the world outside is crazy. But we have an additional problem today, which is that we all have a small computer in our pocket that brings the outside world to our garden, our bed, our sofa at all hours of the day and night. The boundary of the garden gate has dissolved & our safe space has been invaded.
Without that safe place, humans struggle. Our bodies are built to be able withstand stress for short periods of time & afterwards need to withdraw, rest & replenish. We all know what happens when we don’t: prolonged stress causes high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, heart disease, over-eating, weakened immune systems, IBS & insomnia. We don’t want any of this.
Happily, our systems can be hacked in the opposite direction. We can raise levels of the neurotransmitters & hormones that help to reduce stress & anxiety, regulate mood, increase feelings of pleasure & overall well-being. We can choose to feel better.
It’s simple, it’s free & it’s not strenuous. A lot of it is fun. But it does require a little self-control. You are going to have to consistently make a few good choices.
They’ve deliberately designed apps, websites, notifications & games to be as addictive as possible. Click click clickety-click. But you’re rebel & a yogi, I know who my money is on.
Love,
Sarah x