Wyss: Summer’s a good time to de-stress
Sometimes the mind becomes so fixated on tasks that we think demand our immediate attention that we ignore – at our peril – what’s truly important, even as it dwells right under our misdirected noses.
Take, for example, when a loved one is trying to speak with you when you’ve just discovered some intensely distracting life challenge, such as when your home computer has devoured an application that you depend upon, in part, for your livelihood.
Snapping at the significant other – no matter the clanking cowbells of panic going off in your head – probably isn’t the best way to cultivate the relationship.
That tunnel vision driving your focus toward attempting to locate the lost application right now might make all the sense in the world to you. But to the mate, it translates something like this: “Hey, this glowing screen in front of me is far more important than you are, so ...”
Yeah. Moments like these, if permitted to multiply, probably can lead to being alone a lot longer than it takes to fix the computer glitch.
If that’s not the desired outcome, it’s time to recall what’s truly important, and redirect the focus right now.
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Speaking of cultivating relationships, summer’s a perfect time to get back in touch with many key people in our lives. And although this might seem to conflict with the preceding message, it’s important to include ourselves on that list.
Remember the you who enjoyed an occasional bike ride? A walk? A swim? The one who wasn’t too serious to drop everything for a fresh air break? She (or he) was probably healthier and happier and might even have related to others in a less high-anxiety fashion.
Reclaim that person. Forget about the disorganized garage for a bit. Say hello to your neighbors. Wave to them from your bike.
Just do it, and feel the stress subside.
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Looking for some stress-relieving fun this weekend? Opportunities for free and low-cost fun abound in and near McHenry County.
The 25th annual Cardboard Cup Regatta sets sail at noon Saturday on Crystal Lake. Head to Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, to witness the water warriors. Entry is $3 a person, with special rates for families.
Or head just across the Lake County border for the Long Grove Strawberry Festival, which starts today and runs through Sunday. Yummm.
And on Sunday in McHenry, spend some time at Petersen Farm, on the north side of McCullom Lake Road, west of Route 31. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., step into the 1800s and enjoy games, an Abraham Lincoln re-enactor, hay rides, and demonstrations of period activities such as canning, spinning and weaving.
Life is short.
Enjoy.
• Cyndi Wyss is a Northwest Herald community editor. She can be reached at 815-526-4534 or cwyss@nwherald.com.
