With everything that’s happened in the last year or so – goodness, has it really been that long?!? – it’s not surprising that many people are struggling, despite a little light finally appearing at the end of a rather long tunnel. Are finding themselves in a pit of “doom, gloom and despondency” without even realising it. 

 

From personal experience, not to mention many conversations with Clients, friends and family over the years, we know just how difficult it can be to start turning things around. To feel more in control of our lives. Let alone experiencing those elusive feelings of contentment or happiness. 

 

Regardless of how dire things may seem – and this may sound completely counter intuitive – realising that we’re in the pit of “doom, gloom and despondency” is good news. And, yes, we know this may sound like a rather strange thing to say. It may even have you wanting to throttle us for suggesting such a thing but, please, bear with us. It’ll all make sense in a minute. Yes, it will! 

From time to time we look back at the ever growing list of our Blog posts – over 300 to date (!) – and are surprised we haven’t covered a particular topic. This week’s is a very good example of what we’re talking about, particularly as it’s something we can virtually guarantee that everyone has experienced at some time or other. 

 

Despite this, it tends to be thought of as just “one of those things” which will usually disappear as quickly as it appeared. Although, often, it’s a gentle reminder we haven’t been looking after ourselves quite as well as we thought. Or, perhaps, have overstretched the mark. 

 

Have you guessed what we’re talking about yet? Headaches. 

Like us, you’ve probably been amazed – and amused (!) – by just how creative people can be with their reasons for doing something. Ironically, it’s often something they admit they’d be better off not doing in the first place… 

 

Or, perhaps, it’s for not doing something. And, again, a large dose of irony is often involved; as this usually comes straight after them saying it’s something they really want to do. 

 

Talk about sending out mixed messages, both to ourselves and the world around us. 

 

And, while we smile at some of the things children come out with, we’re not talking about them here. Rather those well into adulthood who really should know better. 

How times change. Not long ago, any mention of the Pelvic Floor was made in hushed tones, usually in connection with the mysteries of pregnancy. For some reason, there seemed to be an assumption it only applied to women (!), leaving men immune and blissfully unaware. Which always makes us smile, given its important supportive function. More about this in a minute. 

 

So, having dispelled the most common myth – that men don’t have one (!) – let’s shed a little more light on this potentially confusing topic. 

With our increasingly technological lives delivering just about anything we want, when we want it – and we’re not just talking about Amazon (!) – it’s easy to forget there’s much more to life than going full steam ahead all the time. The popular “busy, busy, busy” approach to life which can, all too easily, degenerate into being more like being a bull in a china shop. 

 

Not only is it quite natural for our lives to ebb and flow, it’s essential they do. 

Having talked about diet a couple of weeks’ ago and why “rubbish in, rubbish out” doesn’t just apply to computers – click here if you missed it (!) – we’re going to continue on a similar theme this week. Sadly, it’s another example of our natural survival instincts inadvertently working against us. However, having said that, there can also be various emotional factors at play, such as comfort eating, even if we tend not to be aware of them. 

 

So, what are we talking about? Our naturally sweet tooth. 

And, yes, before we go any further we know this simple question is going to touch a raw spot with some people. But, as usual, we’re not trying to send anyone’s blood pressure through the roof or be provocative. Merely give you a different perspective on something we all take for granted. We’ve mentioned it in passing on a number of occasions and, with the increasingly hysterical nature of mainstream reporting, thought it was time to make it the topic of the week. So, if you need to, take a deep calming breath – or two (!) – before reading on. 

Diet is one of those topics we come back to again and again, both here on the Blog and with Clients. What never ceases to amaze us is how little thought – or planning – seems to go into what many people are eating each day. Whether on their plates or, increasingly, on the go. And, while most people are ready to accept the maxim of “rubbish in, rubbish out” as far as their computer is concerned; for some reason this logic often doesn’t seem to stretch as far as their bodies. 

 

Why is this? 

 

Well, we’d love to say there was one very simple answer but, unfortunately, this isn’t the case. From our perspective there are many different factors at play accompanied by a large dose of irony. And, if that sounds a little strange, let us explain. 

Welcome to the first post of 2021, a shiny new year beckons. Hurrah! So, it must be time for our – almost traditional (!) – different perspective to start the New Year. Well, more accurately, on how to avoid starting it with a series of over optimistic / completely unrealistic / alcohol fuelled (!) resolutions. Which are equally quickly followed by them being broken or not having the desired results. Not forgetting all the guilt and other negative emotions that entails. Deep calming breaths all round… 

 

Instead, let’s focus on three simple things, the importance of which we were reminded about during the rollercoaster that was 2020. They require no financial investment. No complicated or expensive equipment. Only as much time as you want to give them. Despite this, they can all be seen as investments, in the broadest sense of the word. 

Well, it’s THAT time of the year again. One that’s guaranteed to send stress levels rocketing through the roof. And that’s without the current madness, which is all we’re going to say on that particular topic (!). 

 

So, it seemed like a good time for a little reminder of a saying that’s become our mantra for the year. Looking back, it featured in a 2019 post, although it’s really come into its own during 2020. You may even have found yourself saying – or thinking – it about yourself or those around you.