Beat The Robotic Blues

 

The robotic blues -- no, it's not the latest style of music or the newest dance step, but a condition that can and I'm certain has happened to each of us. It's something that I have noticed has been happening to me quite frequently, especially in the chaos, hustle and bustle of the work week.

Monday morning I awaken, I am me - refreshed from the weekend and ready to take on the world. Then, as Monday becomes Tuesday, which fades into Wednesday, it seems, without my conscious knowledge or consent, a gradual metamorphosis of  the self occurs. I am no longer me - I am a robotic 'to do' machine. I travel blindly from one task to the next, measuring my worth by the deeds and tasks that I accomplish and the level of stress that I can endure. In the back of my mind, in the spare moment when I am between tasks, wistful thoughts run through my mind, hoping for time enough to write - to read - to breathe - even to simply feel.  By the end of the work week, I am in a state of nearly catatonic awareness.

When we become these robotic creatures, existing solely by the routine of tasks, to do lists, and responsibilities, we and those around us, begin to suffer. We lose sight of the most important and beautiful things in our lives. We cannot truly learn and grow, experience the beauty of our surroundings, notice or sincerely appreciate our loved  ones, or feel the wonder and magic that life really is.

We cease to be, and instead -- only exist.

I know that there is so much more than this robotic existence - we both know this. I feel it and experience its wonder quite often - when I don't allow myself to be weighted down by the Herculean 'to do list' in the sky.

We all have responsibilities and stress but they do not have to define our lives or create blinders to the magic and beauty of what is both within us and around us. We cannot ignore the requirements of responsibility, but we can find ways to connect with ourselves, our family, & the world around us.

There is a better way. I simply cannot accept that I will only 'exist' for seventy-one percent of my week, month, or year. I vow to beat those robotic blues!

What do you do to beat the robotic blues?

I have compiled a short list of thoughts and beginning this week, I will try to do one thing on this list each day to connect with myself and the world around me and I welcome you to join me.




Ways to Connect to Yourself

Keep a Journal - You may not have time to write a blog post, poem, or story that you will publish for the world to see, but even five minutes per day writing in a journal can open up your mind, relieve stress, and start the creative process flowing.

Take a bubble bath - complete with candles and music. Push aside all thoughts of responsibilities and simply relax

Take note of your feelings - several times a day, of your emotions and feelings. Connect with them and yourself.

Lose the negativity: say a daily affirmation

Learn and practice yoga - The practice of yoga brings you balance and focus, helps to relieve stress, and allows you to connect to yourself both physically and mentally.

Daily Inspiration - Choose a daily quote from an inspirational teacher. Spend 5 minutes before you begin each day and think about what it means to you and how it might benefit your life

Draw, Paint, or Photograph - open yourself creatively

Ways to Connect to the World Around You

Take a walk - Consciously take note of your surroundings and the beauty of nature around you. Take note not only of the big things, but also try to find the smaller, less visible signs of beauty

Bring out the photo albums - Spend some time with a family member and go through old photo albums. Nothing brings wonderful memories to the front of your mind like old photographs. It also can help you to connect with your loved ones, spend quality time, and not take them for granted.

Spend some time with a pet - they are loyal, ask only for your love, help to relieve stress, and can also be a ball of fun

Do a good deed - Be aware in your day to day life of others in need. By doing a good deed daily, you not only help another person, but also actively open your heart for yourself

Hug someone! - After all, you can't give a hug, without getting one in return.

Be Silly! - Nothing helps to relieve stress better than a good laugh. Visit, call, or even get online with a friend - have fun - be as silly as you want to be!