Time to relax
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 5, 19 July 2024, page 30.
Retirees are supposed to “stop and look at the flowers,” but do they really take the time to do this?
Many of us are involved in groups and activities that we didn’t have time for when working, so in some ways the stresses of working have now been transferred to our new responsibilities. It is said that a degree of stress is good, but too much is detrimental to our health. Even following sporting pursuits involves a certain amount of stress if we take it too seriously.
For those moving into looking after younger or older relatives, stress levels are always present. The Department of Social Services helps to support seniors through development of programs, services, benefits, payments, and through grants for organisations providing services for seniors.
The department also helps to support Australians’ mental health. One of the areas mentioned in its literature is mindfulness. Body attention exercises start with focusing on the feet, followed by a “body scan” up to the head. During the body scan, one looks for any place where pain or tension is held. The thought exercises involve allowing thoughts and distractions to pass through the mind without dwelling upon them. One notes the thought or feeling and then simply returns the attention to the present moment. In the beginning, it is common for the mind to wander, and it takes time to learn not to judge thoughts and feelings and to stay in the moment.
Mindfulness does not imply “zoning out".Instead, it is the practice of purposefully being aware of the surrounding environment and paying close attention to thoughts, feelings, and the body. The important part of this is the aspect of non-judgment. Dwelling on judgments tends to create negative feelings. Mindfulness is about letting go of what doesn’t help solve the problem.
It is pleasing to read that some schools are investigating mindfulness and the benefits it can have for children and their learning. Teaching these techniques will have lifelong benefits.
No matter what your circumstances in retirement, just remember this little poem.
Retirement is a time
For feeling glad to be alive,
A time when friendships blossom
And enthusiasms thrive.
A chance to do the special things
You always wished you could.
Retirement is a special time
For knowing... life is good.
A small group of members enjoyed the Indigenous walk through the streets of Brisbane, finding artwork and other interesting aspects of the city they didn’t know existed. Another interesting activity coming up is the trip to the Mathematics Museum at Mt Mee. More details will be included in the Newsletters.
In August, the QRTA AGM will be held in the QTU building in Graham St, Milton. All members are welcome. Please notify the events committee (qrtaevents@qtu.asn.au) if you can attend.