eSCAping Type 1

While ignorance is not bliss, sometimes a little distraction from the world’s negativity is essential. And guess what? Turning your brain off for a few minutes from whatever is stressing you out does not make you any less passionate about the issue at hand.

Whether it’s a chronic illness, your job, your family, social media, current events… It’s really helpful to remember to breathe, take a step back, and THEN keep on fighting the good fight.

So, here’s a really random mix of what I personally do when I need a break from, well, whatever that particular day entails. Plus some quotes that I just enjoy.

Obviously not every suggestion here is going to float your boat –  if playing video games or crocheting or doing puzzles or baking or whatever is more your thing, then do it! – but the underlying message of self-care is what’s important here. (In other words, please don’t judge me!)

 

Instagram Therapy

Remember, you choose who you follow and which posts you see… So if you don’t like Instagram, guess whose fault that is? This app can be a pure stream of positivity, if you want it to be. I recommend following accounts like 

@myeasytherapy –  Dr. Michaela Dunbar, a Clinical Psychologist, whose cute posts and thoughtful captions “help [people] like you break free from anxiety, stress, panic or depression to step into a life they love.”

@mytherapistsays – a hilarious meme account that I relate to all too well…

@the.holistic.psychologist – Dr. Nichole LePera, whose posts encourage “self-healing” and help followers “consciously create a new version of yourself.”

@brianandreas – an author and artist who publishes witty, inspiring sentence-long stories every day (some of which are featured throughout this post).

 

Candy Crush

Every time the game loads, there’s a tagline like “Relax & Play with Candy” or “Swipe Your Stress Away” – which is exactly what I do. It’s particularly great because it’s not timed in any sense and really requires no true brainwork. (Which is why I prefer it over Tetris and Sudoku, though I do love those too.) Plus I tell myself it’s good fine-motor-skills-work, making my 643 level status a true accomplishment.

 

YouTube ASMR

When I was younger, I used to be nervous that my hairdresser could see the bumps on my scalp whenever I got “tingles” as she cut my hair. Now, I watch YouTube videos to purposefully recreate that “euphoric” feeling.

According to Wikipedia (does my blog really need valid sources?), “Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), signifies the subjective experience of “low-grade euphoria” characterized by “a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin”. It is most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli. A genre of videos which intend to stimulate ASMR has emerged, of which over 13 million are published on YouTube.” 

Some people prefer tapping sounds, or eating, or role plays, or whispering, or just find it all way too weird to get into. To each his own, but don’t knock it till you try it! I recommend watching Karuna Satori, Latte, and/or Trinity J, but there are literally hundreds of ASMartists to choose from.

 

Music Video

Obviously listening to music is a known stress reliever. But this song in particular… Whether or not you like “The Black Keys” is kind of irrelevant; I bet you smile and have a sudden urge to dance while watching this:

 

Netflix: Queer Eye

I think non-viewers assume this show is all about some gay guys just telling straight men to wear skinny jeans and patterned tees. But, honestly, it’s so much “more than a makeover” (ah, another great tagline). Each feel-good episode features an everyday person whose life gets transformed by The Fab 5 in one week… with plenty of inspiration to make positive changes in your own life, too.

But don’t take my word for it! The Premiere, starring a whiskey + Mountain Dew drinking bearded truck driver from Georgia, is my favorite and entirely worth an hour of your time.

 

 

Adult Coloring Books

Even though Ataxia has stolen my fine motor skills, coloring used to make me so happy and relaxed that I just had to include it. I swear there’s nothing better than a new box of 64 Crayola crayons with the built-in sharpener. (Though colored pencils work well, too.) The intricate designs force your undivided attention in the best way possible, so that you truly only think about what’s right in front of you for however long you want.

 

Wine

I am NOT promoting excessive alcohol use, but I’d be lying if I didn’t include this.

SIDE NOTE: People with Ataxia are often, unfortunately, understandably accused of being drunk. You know how alcohol affects motor skills, like your ability to walk in a straight line? That’s one noticeable aspect of our diminishing cerebellums, without any drugs at play. Therefore, a lot of Ataxians choose not to drink, since it intensifies those symptoms.

However, I, personally, enjoy a nice glass of chardonnay. I know I sound like an alcoholic saying this, but drinking makes me feel, well, “normal.” My brain accepts my body not being able to do stuff because it can blame the alcohol, not my disease. In a way, it makes me forget I have Ataxia. Almost. Plus, I know I’m not alone in saying a glass of wine at night definitely helps me relax.

Again, please don’t take this as me encouraging drinking. You do you. But if you have Ataxia (or a dog…) and want to enjoy wine without potentially spilling it, I do recommend using one of these lidded wine glasses.

 

Mom Advice

Random advice, but it legitimately saved part of my sanity: Do not feel like you need to teach/entertain your baby every second you are together. If they are contently staring at a wall, let them stare at that wall as long as they want! And go ahead and play some Candy Crush as they do…