Like a lot of people we were snowed in today. It was great to see the kids having fun - me being the competitive dad built a 9.5ft high snowman! Good simple fun and I have to admit for the next two hours I felt stress free. I forgot about work (well nearly) and had good kid fun.

When we came in I felt exhausted. My strength levels are a fraction of what the used to be. So I laid on the settee, I think I started to sleep but then got two annoying ‘sales’ calls which wound me up. Now I’m all jittery and just can’t switch off and relax. I get so bored and up tight but I don’t seem to have the motivation to do anything about it.

I know that all sounds pathetic but relaxing has always been a problem for me. It’s a shame because being a creative person I could sit and draw, design, paint or make but I think I need to relax to enjoy the activity when maybe it should be the other way round.

I’ll make a coffee and try…..I’ll report later!

Steve

Still struggling with the relaxing bit - two games of rugby though this afternoon so hope that will relax me.

I did actually start a bit of modeling yesterday - no nor airfix stuff! I am making scale models of things that I then go on and build for the garden!

Someone suggested baths are good for relaxing buy I can’t stand them - give me a hot shower any day.

Anyone tried massage? I did once but it didn’t work at all, I was too self conscious I think.

Hello Steve
Its funny isn’t it that we seem to have to work so hard to relax.
It really doesn’t come naturally.
As to massage if your not happy with it then you can’t relax but maybe an indian head massage or reflexology might be better for you.
Personally I love a massage when I can get past the guilty feelings of “time wasting”.
Trouble is with depression we are our own worst enemies.
The things we need to do are the very things we resist doing.
To everyone out there have you looked on the government time to change website its quite interesting.

Steve how are you Xx
I read this The guardian tuesday 5 Jan 2010 - Mindfulnesss Three minute exercise
mindfulness is described as a way of paying attention to feelings ans emotions so that they can be managed. It involves meditation , yoga and breathing techniques.
’ three minute breathing space’
1. ask yourself what is my experience right now ? and notice any body sensation, thoughts or feelings you are having without judging them.
2. place your attention on your breathing following the in-and-out breath as it naturally occurs.
3. Expand your awareness to the whole of your body continuing to notice any thoughts feelings or physical sensations that occur without judgemant.
Hope this helps you help a friend :0) xx