By Tammy Toor
Happy new year!
I hope you all had a great holiday season. The Department of Parks and Recreation has been using the tagline ‘Take a Moment’ to encourage residents to take a bit of time now and then and do something they truly enjoy.
I have been feeling a bit frazzled lately, so perhaps I need a reminder on what it means to take a moment with the start of the new year.
Maybe you could use a reminder, too.
Do something you love – We all need moments that are just for us. For example, I love hiking in the forest. This particular activity reduces my stress, and I am always much more efficient and clear-headed when I return to my office or my home.
Reduce and simplify – No matter what stage of life we are at – single, parent of a young family or retired – there doesn’t ever seem to be enough time or energy to get things done.
Taking a moment means planning and doing an inventory of those tasks to determine their priority.
For example, does it matter if the dishes don’t get done right away after dinner when I can instead take the kids to the family swim at the pool? My kids love swimming, and I think it’s important to create special moments whenever I can.
Slow down – If you’re like me, you constantly feel like you’re on the run and always in a hurry. After all, there are deadlines, schedules and commitments to keep.
Perhaps this is a good time of year to consciously slow down and enjoy things more fully. For example, stop to appreciate nature, eat so you can really taste your food, and pause from what you are doing to give the people around you your full attention.
Life moves fast enough on its own without us living life in a rush.
Taking a moment is different for everyone, but for me it is going for more walks, reading more good books, meeting up with friends for those overdue visits, planning and participating in more family activities, keeping myself healthy and experiencing new things with the hope of acquiring new skills and hobbies.
Find some ideas of your own ‘moments’ by visiting our website at www.nanaimo.ca or through our Fall and Winter Activity Guide.
This year, I wish you many great ‘take a moments.’
Tammy Toor is a communications specialist with Nanaimo parks and rec.