What is it this week? The full moon waning? End of a quarter? Beginning of Autumn? Everyone seems exhausted. Me, too.
Honestly, not much is improving. The supply chain issues aren’t likely to be fixed for even more months. Raw materials just aren’t available in so many areas that no one is surprised when anything is late. In fact, we are delighted when we can get what we want when we want it. That is a new low, but it may not be the last.
Meanwhile, fingers crossed that the debt ceiling gets raised and the government doesn’t shut down. Is there anyone who doesn’t want some kind of infrastructure bill to address all these tired old roads, bridges, ports….everything?
So what can we do personally to feel less exhausted? I believe we must find a little joy each day in our own little world. We can hack our happy hormones: oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. How? Here are some suggestions that don’t include drugs:
Get outside in sunlight. Just sit in your garden or on your deck when you first get up and look at the world for 5 minutes ( not your bloody phone.)
Exercise. Walking for 30 minutes 5 times a week may be the magic health bullet.
Laugh with a friend. If Paul doesn’t show me at least one comic from the L.A. Times each morning I check to see if he is well.
Cook a favorite meal. Try one of your childhood favorites, or something new that requires all of your attention.
Listen to music. Close your eyes and really listen.
Meditate- 10 minutes – use the calm or headspace apps, really.
Have a romantic evening. ‘Nough said.
Get a good night’s sleep. Go to bed 1/2 hour early for 3 nights in a row.
Pet your dog. Bogie votes for that one.
There are so many ways we can keep ourselves healthy if we look for joy. Pick 3 or more and try them this week.
Image of Bogie and the garbage.