How do we live in today's world without being overloaded?

Life feels confusing at the moment… in the news; Brexit, modern-day slavery, the rise (or acknowledgement) of mental health struggles of all ages, benefits and the challenge of universal credit are all making headlines and that’s even before we look at our own lives and situations. Maybe we are in a period of relative calm where relationships are going well, we have good health, enjoy our jobs or activities and are financially secure, or we may be going through the mill.  We all experience ups and downs in life, so how do we harness the good times and use that to get us through the tougher times?  How do we manage life without being overwhelmed and yet not retreat within ourselves and have a duvet day (or longer!)?

I’ve been interested to listen to some of the views of Johann Hari who talks about depression partly being caused by ‘junk values’ that have been adopted by our western society, the rise of looking at the individuals rather than being community and all supporting one another. How well do you know you your neighbours?  Your community?  In helping others, we often gain many benefits ourselves, not that that would be our motive for doing it.  For me I can only do my bit so I look for a few causes / areas that I am passionate about and find ways to engage with them. I aim to smile at people, welcome new people to the neighbourhood with a cake or similar, choose to slow down and engage with those around, rather than just rush through with my head down. Not much in the scheme of things but every little counts. How about you?

Check out Johann Hari here- I’d love to know what you think?