PJEndicott

Take up a new hobby
Every so often we need to look again at our lives and renew our sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm. Taking up a new hobby of any sort can achieve this. Choose wisely and perhaps be a bit adventurous. A few years ago I took up horse riding again. I had ridden a little as a child but not in my adult life. I found that hacking out over open countryside with friends offers companionship and relaxation, being around horses (such wonderful animals) is always a pleasure and riding a couple of hours each week certainly kept me very fit. The speed of a good canter or gallop can be quite exhilarating and refreshing after a busy day at work!

Juggling:
Some years ago I taught myself to juggle - only the basic stuff, no tricks! What I found was that in order to juggle there is a need to concentrate solely on what one is doing; once the mind drifts onto other things down go the juggling balls and one has to start all over again. That, in itself, is frustrating but what I learnt from this was the ability to close off my mind to my worries and to be able to concentrate on just the matter in hand. This ability quickly becomes transferable – and can be used equally well in order to switch off when it is time to go to sleep.