We know the consequences of bad habits. But stress at our doorstep represents a clear and present danger in the here and now. If your brain doesn’t cave in under the strain, maybe your heart or immune system will. When a fire is raging in the brain, when the entire infrastructure of our being is in danger of collapse, there are no good or bad tools, just tools.
Naturally, eliminating so-called “crutches” is desirable. Likewise, so is ditching “managing stress” as an excuse for persisting with a bad habit. But we are human. Changing from what is bad for us to what is good for us will always be a work-in-progress.
Future articles will focus on practices that are “good” for us, such as yoga and meditation. But they may not be right for you. Fortunately, you probably already do a number of things that are, such as:
A long soak in the tub, a drive in the car, a short walk, reading a book, doing a jig-saw puzzle, slowly sipping herbal tea with your feet propped up, weeding the garden, folding laundry, or chopping onions. Maybe you’re happy just popping bubble wrap. The list goes on and on. The common denominator is that you have “Do Not Disturb Signs” posted around the peripheries of your brain. This is your quiet time, your precious “me” time, and chances are you need a lot more of it.
And maybe you indulge in a wine while you soak in the tub. Maybe you suck on a cancer stick while reading a book. Maybe you help yourself to some chocolates while sipping your tea (oops - busted!).
Maybe one day your quiet time - your precious “me” time - will be smoke-free or fat-free or whatever else constitutes a model of right living. But don’t discount the net value of whatever you do right now to help you get through the day or to allow your battered psyche to mend. We’re all survivors, and we’re getting smarter and stronger by the day.
Stop and smell the roses. Smoke if you have to. Well, uh, you may have to stamp out that butt to smell the roses. Well, you know what I mean ...
