This subject is discussed in a recent article on the Times website. It goes on to say that those who grew up in urban environments may also need require a distinct balance between their daily work activities and their relaxing downtime. I must be honest, I couldn’t agree more.
You see, I was born and raised in Johannesburg...an exciting bustling city but not exactly the safest place in the world. Ironically enough I’ve also always been highly strung, have occasional OCD tendencies and find it difficult to relax.
When I first moved to New Zealand, I stayed a few months in a rented apartment about 200m from the city hospital. My friends thought I was crazy saying “how can you get any sleep with all the sirens and noise of the city?” It was all a difference in experience and perspective.
City life in New Zealand is almost totally different to city life in Africa for various reasons. Needless to say, during those early months in New Zealand I couldn’t sleep...it was too quiet! :)
I have since learned to relax and not take myself or life too seriously. However, I can understand how people who grow up in the noisy, bustling, crowded environment of the city can become sensitive to stressful situations.
Many people think that those who have experience prolonged elevated levels of stress can become immune to stressful situations…I disagree. Instead, stressful situations and/or environments can – at some point – become a trigger to even more feelings of stress and anxiety.
With this in mind, it’s more of a necessity than an option to seek out relaxing activities during your downtime.
For example, I’m an active relaxer...meaning I prefer to relax by doing activities I enjoy such as playing golf, cooking, surfing, fishing and recently I’ve taken up free-diving. Other people relax differently during their downtime...it doesn’t matter what you do, just so long as you find that balance between work and relaxation.
Ensuring I stay as healthy as I can does help....and not just from exercising but more importantly by keeping the body’s nutrient levels at an optimal level. You can do your best to relax but if your body doesn’t have the fuel and right ingredients to help you relax and rest your brain and nervous system, you’ll be wasting your time.
This is why supplements like Total Balance and Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil are so important for everyday living...regardless if you live in a city or in the country. However, if you feel you need to give your body a little extra support when it comes to relaxation, Serene Saffron may just be the supplement that helps you overcome any further feelings of anxiety or stress.
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