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SpunOut.ie Blog
Reality check
Take a moment to enjoy life.
I’ve been taking driving lessons recently and I would describe the experience as my own self-inflicted form of hell! A month into the learning process I often still experience a full hour of nerves, cursing and sweaty hands. I’m looking forward to the day that I’m fully in control of a car however, in the meantime I dread every lesson almost as much as the thought of repeating an Oral Leaving Cert exam.
This morning, I hopped into the car for my driving lesson and the instructor told me he had a surprise for me. Oh no, I thought –what is it? Bigger and scarier roundabouts? More time on the dual carriageway? I could visualise loads of stressful situations that I would much prefer not to be surprised by.
Well, he had no intention of telling me so off we went – me behind the wheel, juddering and shaking through the gear changes as usual. We joined the morning traffic and took our usual route towards a HUGE roundabout that leads onto the dual carriageway. But this morning, instead of following all the grumpy drivers going to work, we veered off the roundabout onto a much smaller road.
Within a couple of minutes the scenery changed completely. We were no longer in an urban jungle of crazy traffic and beeping horns (yes, I do cause road rage in other drivers). Instead we were driving through green fields that rolled off on either side into magnificent views of the countryside.
We spent the next half hour cruising on country roads, doing some ‘learning’ stuff but also enjoying the views, the wildlife and the calm that had descended on us once we left the dual carriageway. By the time we returned to the town and I started work, I was buzzing with feel-good factor, all brought on by the sight and silence of the countryside.
It made me remember just how important it is to take a moment out of our busy lives and relax in the way that suits each one of us best- be that listening to music, going for a run or having a chilled out evening with a good book.
With so many ‘have to’s’ dictating our every moment it’s easy to forget about the simple ways to be happy. If you need inspiration there’s a Chill Out Section here at SpunOut.ie, with loads of chill out tips from young people as well as info on dealing with stress, exams and anxiety.
So what are you waiting for?! Take a moment to stop what you’re doing –disconnect from life’s worries– relax –and enjoy!
By: Anna Lally, SpunOut.ie Editor
What’s your favourite feel good music or chill out tip? Let us know in the forum!
