Boredom can leave you feeling defeated when physical limitations force you to change your activities. To guard against boredom-induced despair it’s important to shift your mind and to realize you always have that ability.
Over this winter there have been a lot of nasty colds and viral infections floating around, so I elected to create a bubble for myself and not go out and mingle and mix with ‘germ carriers’ – meaning other people. It’s difficult to admit it, but my ability to cope with respiratory infections weakens every year. So, in an effort to take the bull by the horns, I decided to minimize my risk and exposure to colds and flu entirely.
My partner, of course, comes and goes, and occasional visitors pop in, but other than that my time is my own. Luckily for me, boredom has never been a problem. The only time I feel it is when I am nearing the end of being really sick and on the threshold of being well again.
Once I consciously decided to isolate myself and viewed this as a positive choice, I knew I needed to fill my time with an exciting distraction. Hmm, what to do?
This felt like the perfect time to learn something new and to take that learning to the next level and create something useful. I rummaged through my project folders and decided to dust off a former project that has been on hold for a few years. It occurred to me the former project was the perfect partner for my current efforts with the Living Well When Unwell project.
Curious?
Before I unveil the mystery, allow me to set the stage.
Living Well When Unwell focuses on the internal experience of facing (unwanted) health changes and the challenges that manifest as a result. Some might call this the psychological impact, or intangible aspects.
This is important, but our external environment is equally important when we are challenged by change. It’s a two-sided coin.
Let’s say, for example, your arthritis has progressed to the point where a walker has now become a staple in your life and stairs are a problem. Suddenly, your two-story home with its five-step entry is no longer your safe haven. Clearly, a difficult decision needs to be addressed.
In fact, everything about your environment now needs attention. Maybe you need supportive aids to help you at work or in the kitchen, and, wouldn’t it be great to know ahead of time if a holiday resort was accessible.
Tangible things and space are on your radar like never before and you realize that accessibility matters.
Some time ago I hosted a community radio show called “Accessibility Matters“. Due to a bad spell with illness, I had to mothball it for a while. NOW is the perfect time to bring back the essence of that show and make it available as an informative website.
So there you have it, I’m introducing the Living Well Podcast.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with health changes then you might find this to be an informative resource because, well… accessibility matters.
Go take a look and let me know what you think. More exciting news will be following soon.
Busy, busy …boredom is for babies.
