http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/society/11388406/In-praise-of-pootling-why-we-should-all-slow-down-stop-pushing-ourselves-and-spend-time-doing-nothing.html
A really short post today as this article says it all. I was signposted to this by a comment on the Down to Earth blog. It really sums up how I feel about the benefits of slowness and taking time out to just be.....I'll let you read it for yourselves preferably with a cuppa, perhaps a home made biscuit and no time constraints.......... X
I made myself really ill many years ago pushing on too hard. I've always been a busy person and we had just taken on our first mortgage (when interest rates rose to 15% in a few months so we had very little money to eat well and lots of financial worries - my husband to be was a full time student and not earning). At the same time I'd taken a big career move involving lots of hours and stress, and a move a long way from our home area. On top of that, I was studying in the evenings for a degree course, helping nurse my dying father in law at weekends, trying to do up a house and organise our wedding on a tight budget. I started catching virus after virus but didn't have time to rest. After numerous doctor and hospital tests, nothing could be found wrong with me, despite having got to the stage where I couldn't climb a flight of stairs or hold a hair dryer up to dry my hair in the morning due to weakness. The doctors told me it was flu and that it would go away - just keep going but give up partying late at night (ha ha - I was in bed by 6pm!). I eventually collapsed and had to give up work and our lovely first home. We went back to live with family and the family doctor discovered that I had contracted glandular fever, but that I was already suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Because I didn't slow down when I was ill, I have never recovered. It's all about managing and pacing now. Yes, I totally agree that we can push ourselves too hard. Our bodies and minds need rest and recovery time. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteHeavens! When I read that, I was thinking what a miracle is that you survived that prolonged intense stress at all! Such a shame that your body had been irrevocably damaged before you were able to take your foot off the gas! I knew I was struggling with my health both physically and mentally so when the opportunity came for me to stop, I took it, but it felt 'wrong' for someone, who like you had always prided herself on being busy and getting stuff done. I found myself justifying my arrival move and there were many who couldn't understand it. Thank you so much for sharing your experience - it is a very strong lesson to many out there who pride themselves on always pushing their limits, not realising the long term damage it's doing. I'm so glad you have been able to adopt a slower way of life now x
DeleteI think we should all listen to our bodies and I think you did the right thing by stopping work. My son is at secondary school and it's shocking how many of his teachers have been off long term due to stress. Some have returned but many have moved to different jobs or given up teaching completely. And most of them have been incredibly hard working and conscientious teachers. Yes, you do feel very guilty when you give up work but there are other ways to contribute to the family income through hard work in the home. I managed to work a few hours a week for 6 years recently, but I could feel myself beginning to fall apart again so I stopped working again. It wasn't fair on the rest of the family and they were beginning to worry about me which isn't good.
DeleteOOh this is such a good topic. Luckily I was able to take early retirement last October at age 50 from my job in the NHS. Over many years this job, along with running a family home, looking 3 children, pets, gardens, etc (with hubby's help of course) had left me feeling drained, exhausted and with little enthusiasm left. So I decided to take the plunge and stop work. I was surprised when several colleagues enquired "but what are you going to do all day? and how will you manage financially?, etc., etc. If only I could tell them to slow down and have a pootle! I feel much better in myself. I am able to take better control of my diabetes and now no longer dread getting up every morning. Pootling is my favourite thing these days.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that middle stage of our lives can be hugely stressful. Always so much to think about. I now have my mother as well - true 'sandwich generation'. I am thankful every day, that I was s able to step off the treadmill and I know that I am now so much better placed to care for my family, home, friends and indeed myself! Long live pootling :)
DeleteYou have such an interesting blog. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your posts. All the best for your future blogging journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much and a very warm welcome. Let's hope I can continue to write about points if interest to you!
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