#PV - De-stressing

By John R. Nocero & Sandra Abell

John: You know I am not really a holiday guy. In fact, I am not a big celebratory guy. I get so focused on the next thing after I accomplish something, that I do not take time to step back and celebrate wins. It is always the next thing. I am getting better at this though – finding time at the end of the day to recharge and pick me back up; put the energy back into the tank and get ready – deliberately for the next day.

My new go-to is Impractical Jokers. It is a TV show on TruTV that is a modern day candid camera. The cast consists of four friends – Joe, Murr, Q and Sal – who are competing in various contests to embarrass each other. Each man wears an earpiece and they compete in various challenges, where each of them acts out what the other guys are telling him. If they can’t, they lose. The loser of each episode has to suffer a “punishment” – that is not really a punishment as much as it is funny. It is all in good fun – no one really suffers. For example, as punishment for losing an episode, Murr had to dress up as Dracula and sing in a church choir. The guys knew it would be funny and it was. He made the best of it though and did some James Brown routine that left the guys impressed. He owned it. And I laughed. HARD.

It is absolutely a method for me to watch something funny on purpose every day and use it as a recharging technique. You may do the same thing. It doesn’t have to be the Jokers – maybe it is a funny movie, funny TV show, or YouTube video. You can pick any sort of medium. The important thing is that laugh on purpose.

Sandy, what about you? How do you beat the fatigue? Do you unplug – maybe not completely for a day but for an unplug break? Do you watch something funny like I do? Do you reduce your tasks to preserve your energy? Maybe you listen or read interesting stories? Or maybe you fill your time with people who fill your soul? What do you do to distress a little and refill your cup?

Sandy: This is so important John. It’s terrific that you’ve found a way to unplug and destress. Of course, laughing is great therapy. It releases all kinds of good chemicals in your body, and makes you smile, which is also wonderful.

My way of destressing is to get outside and move around. We live in a beautiful place so I love to walk around our neighborhood, or in the near by woods. While walking I’m very much in the moment. Focusing on the beauty of a tree, the smell of the crisp air, the feel of the breeze on my face and the songs of the birds. It keeps me present and allows me to let go of whatever else is happening in my life. It also reminds me that there is always so much good in the world, once we get away from the “shoulds” and pressing needs and just breathe.

As you said, I also fill my time with people who fill my soul. Connecting in a variety of ways with the people I love is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and remember that life is really wonderful.