I was hoping I would be done and dusted with the challenges of the 2018. But who said 2019 would come with a guarantee card, of an easier life. I really wish I could write a more optimistic post, and not start the first line by ranting. But such is life at times.

I’m not giving up hope while life challenges me,  and I continue to look it up squarely in the eye and say, “Try me!” And here are a few things I am doing to keep my sanity intact, and my anxieties at bay.

I’m also abundantly grateful for all that I have, and not focussed on what I don’t.

Five ways I beat those blues away:

1. Music: If music be the fodder for calm, play on. Share on X

Forgive me for improvising this quote, but music can elevate my soul in an all exclusive way. It fills me with a sense of wonder . And when our living zone is filled  with various musical renditions, or when I plug in my phone to my favourite playlist, my heart leaps with unparalleled joy.

So grateful for the soulful, old Hindi music and some new ones too (lately Gully Boy. For the first time I seem to be enjoying rap. Guess it has to do with the brilliant cinematography and scripting.) Grateful for Queen- Freddie Mercury, Andrea Bocelli, Pavarotti, Lenon, Dan Hill and many others who I don’t name here.

Yesterday I discovered the sound track of A Star is Born. The DH and I played it on a loop. Loved this soul-quenching, lyrical rendition by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Didn’t realise these guys were so talented.

2. Decluttering: 

When I declutter my home, I also declutter my soul. Share on X

Last evening my best buddy (my DH) and I decluttered our bookshelves. We decided to give some books to the local library and keep the rest. In case you want to get a few books in good condition, you know who to reach out to.  I’m glad I found a few books, that I will be going back to again this year, and a few which have been in my “to be read” list. The shelf now looks radiant and inviting.

3. Creativity:

Writing- The best thing I love doing when I am anxious is pouring my soul into a paper, or my blog. I have done very less of the former lately, but I do hope to now on.

Art – Making art also calms my being like no other. I always get inspired by my 10 year-old who regularly indulges in art-craft and creative cooking. Last week I attempted to recreate some art, with an unsteady hand. I hope to be more regular, now on.

Cooking – An activity I enjoy doing once in a while, being a die-hard foodie. I’m parking my Thursdays as cooking days now, and on weekends if I am upto it. Got to do that carrot cake, once before the red carrots go disappearing.

4. Nature :

Nature is my first love. And being one with nature picks me up like no other. As spring bedazzles it’s riot of colours upon us, it is the perfect time to be outdoors. I consciously try to step out to inhale a fresh doze of O2. The days I am feeling tad overwhelmed, hugging a tree lends a magical solace. I’m also working on cultivating green fingers, by nurturing the plants in our terrace and balconies, and the indoor ones too.

My friend Sridhar Ramakrishnan always emphasises on the therapeutic benefits of connecting with Mother Nature by walking on the grass, and gardening, where we use our hands to ground our selves with the earth.

5. Exercise, Prayer and Meditation: This quotient has been patchy in my agenda of life, but  I’m working on bringing it back as a ritual every day. I do chant regularly, except weekends where I get lazy and take a sabbatical of sorts. I’m working on building a meditation, prayer and exercise routine, without derailing.

 

I wrote this post to inspire myself as I get back on track. Anxieties of the mid-40s and the seasonal blues can go take a walk, while I elevate myself by imprinting these five life lessons in my daily schedule.

What do you do differently to uplift yourself? How do you beat those blues away, or do you give them a sweet send off? 🙂 Would love to hear your thoughts. Pour them out please. 

 

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Linking up with the amazing Corinne Rodrigues for her #MondayMusings prompt