I have to admit, it has been a rough week.
Circumstances and my own head are getting in the way of my creative abilities and even writing this article has been a ‘job’ that I have been pushing to the end of the week when it is usually a joy for me to write. I have written before that stress inhibits our creative flow and this week I have experienced this phenomenon first hand.
What is the prescription for the ‘blahs’ – not to be confused with the ‘blues’ which is a far more serious issue.
Nope, just the blahs – change in season and weather, temperature and dark mornings contribute to the feeling of ho hum-ed-ness. Knowing that this is not a productive place for a person in my creative line of work to be in, I took (almost) immediate action. I gave myself a Wednesday which means I slugged and whined for Monday and Tuesday and by Wednesday I had a list of what needed to be accomplished – things certain to chase my blahs away.
I began with walking my dog, this always cheers me up and lifts any stress away.
After our walk I gave him a bath, scrubbed him white and enjoyed many snuggled moments in his soft clean fur. During the day I tackled the big linens – blankets and throws, giving everything had a spring fresh smell which combats the look of decay I see outside my window every morning!
I also bought amazing smelling hand soaps for my bathrooms to grab a quick pick me up, besides it’s the perfect time of year for my favourite scents of spicy pumpkin deliciousness.
Some women bake or clean the blahs away, I’m more of a look and feel sort of person.
If I have wonderful fresh blankets, a clean dog and new soap or shampoo in my home that is more than enough to lift my spirits.
There is something in those small details for me that allow me to relax and enjoy being at home, much like organizing a sock drawer or spring cleaning will do for some people. Now don’t get me wrong; I love a clean organized home but I love the finished product – not the steps to get there. Cleaning my house definitely does not leave me feeling refreshed and I leave that task to the experts but like most of you I spend a few hours tidying up before she gets here!
The other bit of therapy I recommend is your home on wheels, show some love to your car and you will be amazed at how much lighter you feel driving from place to place. I used a few hours on Wednesday to dust and shine up my vehicle, get the oil changed and run it through a car wash. Today when I jumped in to go to work I just smiled, took a deep breath and headed into my day feeling very refreshed!
Sometimes the small tasks can help with your mindset as much as or more than a large, daunting task. Freshen up and put a new shine on ho-hum items that you look at every day – you will be amazed at the lift it will give your spirits!
New tea towels, a fresh tube of lip gloss, a hot new nail lacquer shade or a heavenly scented soap – you deserve a little boost!
Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.
