The heaviness of the times we live in can feel all-consuming. Tier 2, tier 3, keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands… Disparate beliefs causing surreal responses. Lack of civility, sanity, and empathy. My way or the highway. Love thy fellow man…. unless he’s too stupid and disagrees with me. Let’s try some down time with no CNN or FOX News, no insincere pontificators or social media trolls, no COVID counts for a while.
What we need are more diversions, simple things that get our heads out of the crisis du jour and into a different space, even for a short while. Even in heavy times, we should seek enjoyment and pleasure as essential and therapeutic.
Things need to be taken seriously, but we really mustn’t take ourselves too seriously. Diversions can provide moments of escapism, however brief. We’ve heard plenty about how the pandemic and the political realities seem absurd, even surrealistic. So let’s dive into chosen escapism more often, diversionary dips into the ocean. Invigorating, sobering, cleansing.
Playfulness is not just for kids. We all need more levity and non-chemically induced releases. Watch an old sitcom; create a crazy recipe. “Airplane” or “Home Alone” viewing might give you a 90-minute high. Just get away from the daily grind, for eventually you will return, perhaps a bit more conscious of that ancient adage- “this, too, shall pass”. You might not see the clear light at the end of this tunnel, but diversions may help keep you from crashing into the tunnel’s walls along the way.
We are a resilient lot, who live in, arguably, the nicest place imaginable with the nicest people around to ride out this pandemic, but the oppressive reality gets to everyone in some way at some point. So play music, eat shave ice, play Twister, visit somewhere you’ve not been in years (but, um, stay in your car).
Diversion. It might help build your creativity and even boost your mood, says psychology professor René Proyer at Germany’s Martin Luther University. No, I don’t know him, but his name and school sounded cool. Even writing down playful thoughts like that can help. Playfulness might allow you to reframe things; and you choose how and what to play. You’re in control. Find diversions and perhaps you’ll find more happiness. It’s worked for eons on kids, and it works for adults.
Think about it…