Take a Break

Are you finding others a little less joyful lately?  Do you find people to be a bit snippy or sarcastic at the moment? I certainly am.  I am finding the intolerance of others is starting to show.  And quite frankly, I completely understand why. 

It’s very refreshing to go away and take a break, to clear your head, and just get into something else… Francois Nars

What is your daily routine?  How do you start and end your day?  What is your work or home environment like?  These questions are key in finding your peace. Reclaiming your joy. 

Here is an idea of what my daily routine looks like:  
  • Wake up and read a devotional
  • Work out or head off to work depending on the day
  • If I am working out, I DO NOT watch any of the TV’s at the fitness centre (if they are on, they tend to be tuned in to the news channel).
  • At work, I try to make everyone’s day by welcoming them, smiling at them (even under my mask – you can tell I am smiling from my eyes), and encouraging them.
  • I come home and eat a delicous dinner
  • I call my Dad
  • Go for a walk with my husband
  • Check out my social media, but with limitations
  • Read a book
  • Prepare snacks, dinner, or lunches for the next day
  • Watch a funny or inspirational show on either Apple TV, Prime, or Netflix
  • Go to bed

You will notice that I DID NOT SIT DOWN TO WATCH THE NEWS.  The news channel does not come on our TV’s. We actually just cancelled cable, so we are unable to tune into any of our local news programs.  I have also deleted the ‘News’ app on my phone.  This step in my daily routine saves my sanity.  It restores my peace.  It keeps my calm.  

Remember the old Kit Kat Jingle?  

Give me a break – Give me a break – Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar.

Maybe you are in need of a break?  Are you in the habit of turning on the morning news first thing?  Clicking onto News at Noon during lunch?  Oh, and the six o’clock news is even better (that’s where the mainstream newscasters are on with their dramatic voices, tailored suits, and impeccable hairstyles).  Do you get home delivery of the newspaper? Or better yet, does Apple immediately give you the news updates on a regular timely schedule throughout the day?  

If you answered yes to any of these – you may be in need of a break. 

You see; the news is very strategic.  News channels know how to tap into that part of the brain that keeps you craving for more.  Especially now with the current events going on, mainstream media is unconsciously providing your brain with fear driven messages.  The more you watch, the more fearful, anxious, depressed or nervous you will become.  

In the 1960’s, the KGB did some psychological experiments.  They learned that if you bombarded human subjects with fear messages nonstop, in two months or less most of the subjects are completely brainwashed to believe the false message.  To the point that no amount of clear information they are shown will change their mind.   

Case in point – turn off the news.  Take a break.  You need a break.  You deserve a break.  Your mind be more clear, your anxiety will lessen, your heart rate will decrease, your blood pressure will decrease (heart rate and blood pressure rise in times of fear), and you will sleep better.  The news isn’t changing anyhow right now.  There is only one thing on mainstream media right now and it isn’t new.  I guess the world just isn’t having any traffic issues, celebrity weddings or births, or acts of kindness anymore.  

Need something to replace the time you were watching the news with?  Here are a few ideas:
  • Read a book.  I just read The Christmas Party by Karen Swan.  And I loved it.  It incorporated a bit of Christmas (which is my favourite holiday), Ireland (which was one of my favourite vacations), and it had a good story.
  • Go for a walk.  My husband and I have lovely walks after dinner as the sun is setting.  Great for the mind and soul and you get to reconnect with your loved one as well.
  • If you need to have something to replace the time you spent watching the news, tune into Some Good News on YouTube.  John Krasinski (Jim from The Office) has created such a heartfelt program. Some episodes will have you in tears of joy, but mostly they will leave you with a heart full of compassion and love.
  • Read or listen to Joyce Meyer.  She is down to earth and real about life, worries, fear, happiness, joy and love.  You can find her online HERE, the YouVersion Bible App for a variety of devotionals, or Chapters to read in-depth on different topics regarding life.  

So, do me a favour.  Take a break.  Eat a Kit Kat even.  Your brain will love you and your stomach will love you for the treat.  

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