University of Kent Occupational Health and Wellbeing Manager, Brenda Brunsdon<\/p>\n
There is a phrase that is known to many of us: \u2018May you live in interesting times\u2019.\u00a0 As it is recounted to us, it is referred to as an ancient Chinese proverb.\u00a0 It is also described as a curse; this is because \u2018interesting times\u2019 usually mean unpredictability, change and unusual circumstances.\u00a0 For most humans, such conditions mean one thing more than any other, lack of control of our destiny.\u00a0 And this leads to feeling stressed and anxious.<\/p>\n
At a substantial level, the period we are living through has all the hallmarks of unpredictability, change and unusual circumstances.\u00a0 In this, it fits the definition of \u2018interesting times\u2019.\u00a0 However, we are simultaneously cooped up in our homes with our mobility and liberty to move round substantially curtailed so it also represents the opposite of \u2018interesting times\u2019 and the essence of boredom.<\/p>\n
But we can all agree that we are experiencing the stress that comes with the curse of \u2018interesting times\u2019.\u00a0 Anxiety about our own and our family and friends\u2019 health and existence is very real.<\/p>\n
There is no single, guaranteed way to stop these feelings of anxiety.\u00a0 Each of us has to approach this challenge with knowledge of ourselves and work with our strengths and weaknesses to deal with this situation.\u00a0 We should be reassured that, although our emotions are unique to each of us, we are dealing with a shared problem underpinning these anxieties and it is a natural human reaction.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the things we can all do to help ourselves through this difficult time:<\/p>\n
Incidentally, \u2018May you live in interesting times\u2019 is not ancient or Chinese.\u00a0 It appears to be a Twentieth century adage and is probably Western in origin.\u00a0 More information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Wellness Wednesday is part of Kent Sport\u2019s\u00a0 #KentSportStayWellAtHome series of daily blogs and vlogs to keep you positive during these unusual times. To be sure not to miss our updates, Like us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and follow on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0@UniKentSports \u2013 we hope you enjoy and join in!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"