I tried to get an appointment to see my doctor for the first time since the pandemic hit. That was an experience….

• First listen to the 3 minute recorded message about the pandemic,
• Then listen to another recorded message about the importance of wearing masks,
• Now listen to a message about the doctors and nurses avoiding making unnecessary face to face contact with patients,
• Then join the queue for a receptionist,
• Finally a real person. Need to describe any symptoms and the reason for calling. I can have a telephone appointment for later in the day,
• Doctor calls and basically says that it is currently unsafe to bring patients in for appointments. Much safer to stay at home and avoid crowds. A few questions and then it’s a quick medical opinion. Time for stress busting, relax, have a break and hopefully things will sort themselves out. Probably been trying to burn the candle at both ends since 2016.

Having a break is not happening so it’s stress busting time.

• Eating healthily – well I will try……
• Mediation – I really must get my head round this, more free apps downloaded…..
• Mindfulness – I thought that was mediation, free apps downloaded……
• Yoga – the mind is willing the body is less inclined to bend…..
• Plenty of sleep – I’m trying, been trying for ages……
• Go hill walking – not going to happen this side of Christmas, tempted to add 2022……
• Calming and relaxing music – I guess that rules out metal then…..
• Make time for friends and doing fun stuff with them – I certainly will……
• Find more time for reading – it would be great if I could……
• Herbal teas – ok I can do this one……

In a nut shell I will try to improve things but need to recognise the current life limits. Maybe the secret is to be grateful for the life I have and to smile. Yes smiling more is a good start.

Sometimes the penny drops….