By Gloves Club Founder Tony Riddle
What is it with this fear of time - why are you in such a rush?
I see it "time and time again" on my commute into London from my home in Windsor. People speed walking to the station with no time to spare. Queuing for the ticket machine and pacing up and down like they are just about to butcher a kindergarten! When arriving at Paddington station, the panic is heightened as the Chronophobes have lost all self control and their perception of another being has been demonised.
Pushing and shoving to get down the escalator in order to join the wave of zoo-mmuters for the next zoo-mmuters still fight tooth and nail to cram onto the first tube that arrives.
In theory they could be on the next tube, and would have a more pleasant environment to exist in. But no, they'd much prefer the armpit or breath of their new inmate all over them. Then again, if they didn't have that armpit or that breath on them, what else would they have to complain about to their fellow inmates when first arriving at the office?
The whole ordeal is enough to give anyone adrenal fatigue. What a ridiculous way to start your day. What do you think the effects of this are having on you? What is it you are trying to achieve? A huge over stimulation of that sympathetic nervous system, that's what. You can forget about your digestive system, your hormonal system and immune system for a while. They will be on lock down to support your plight! Prep yourself before you wreck yourself.
Here's ten preps you should consider to take the lion's roar out of your commute:
1) Prepare for the next day Have everything you need ready to go. Not enough time for breakfast in the morning? Then boil some eggs and pack some fruits and nuts the night before. The better the night prep, the better the sleep. You won't be preparing for your day whilst trying to clock up the zzz'ds. Giving you some good old fashioned dream time!
2) Switch the lights down low and turn off the artificial suns (TV's, laptops, iPads) in the house by 10pm. This will aid rest and digest, switch them off and you'll switch off too!
3) Get to sleep on the best side of 11pm Use a rest and digest breathing technique if you feel that this is too early for you. Rather than counting sheep, count breath: 4 seconds in, 2 seconds hold and 6 seconds out. Before you know it, you'll feel the wave of what has been artificiality stimulated pass and the wave of relaxation will be upon you.
4) Wake 20 minutes earlier than your previous ridiculous commute. Choose an alarm clock that wakes you up gradually with increasing light. The light cues your body to set a healthy sleep cycle, get up and to feel alert, refreshed with more energy.
5) When showering consider hydrotherapy and gradually adjust hot to cold showers. For many, a drastic change in temperature would be too much of a stressor. I would recommend turning the water to cold for the last 30 seconds to a minute of your shower. If it's good enough for Vincenz Priessnitz it's good enough for me. Benefits included: strengthened immunity, improved blood circulation, regulated temperature, promotes weight loss/increases metabolism, alleviates depression, improves lymphatic movement, deepens breathing, keeps skin and hair healthy, increases energy, well being and increases hormone production.
6) Take a parasympathetic walk to the station (stroll) You now have 20 minutes more, relax and take in your surroundings. Say good morning to your fellow commuters and enjoy!
7) Avoid sitting down Sitting is so last year and is considered as unhealthy as smoking. The majority of us are obsessed by weight loss, but can't wait to sit down at the closest opportunity. Instead, choose to stand mindfully with your bodyweight evenly planted on the planter surface of your foot. There really are so many other options than sitting. Don't be lazy, get off your butt and use the whole commute as a part of your gym routine.
8) Avoid the paper Fear, doom, gloom and decay! You have a choice; read something positive, motivational, educational, learn a new language...All of the above, minus the paper of fear, doom, gloom and decay, will have a positive affect on your journey, not just your commute but your whole journey through time!
9) Use your tube experience as a training programme If you're capable, choose the stairs not the escalator. When on the platform stand and calmly breath whilst waiting for the tube. If the tube is rammed like a can of sardines, avoid looking it and wait for the next one. 2 minutes wont kill you but the sardines might!
When on the tube, smile, smile, smile and smile more. Smiling is contagious and will have a positive ripple. Stand on the tube, focusing on your bodyweight weight on your base of support and try to avoid holding on; forget the nonsense power plate. You can't beat a bit of tube surfing.
If you have space, try a bit of hanging: grip the bar above you, like you want to break it in your hands, lift your feet off the ground and hang on it. If you succeed in this, try and hang on whilst the train is moving and once it halts place your feet back on the ground. You can then mix this up - stand and surf in motion and hang in rest. Please don't worry what people think. Go with the mentality that they are the crazy ones, not you. "I'm not crazy, I'm just not you "
10) Share, share and share alike Tell as many of your fellow inmates about the positive effect that this is having on you and they too will "have a good day"!
Please don't worry what people think. Go with the mentality, that they are the crazy ones, not you.
