Let’s face it, despite all our modern conveniences and technology, we feel like we have less time to relax than ever.  We are working more, and taking time to care for ourselves less.  Between high-paced careers, family, whirlwind social obligations, and a constant barrage of “noise” thanks to radio, TV, traffic, cell phones, and urban noise pollution, it’s no wonder that more of us are feeling increasingly frazzled!

Stressed? You’re Not the Only One!

For the last few years, research study after study has cited that an increasing number of Canadians lead stressful lives, with 76% of Canadians citing high stress levels, putting us only behind South Korea and Australia for the world’s highest stress levels.

As a backlash to the chaos of modern life, many people are now turning inward and retreating from stress by getting back to the basics and setting precious time aside to reconnect with themselves.  A few weeks ago, famous local yogi and lifestyle crusader Eoin Finn, and his band of cohorts hosted a protest of sorts with the Hammocks in the City event in downtown Vancouver.  In this pop-up art event, hammocks were strung up among the trees outside the busy Vancouver Art Gallery and passers-by were encouraged to take a few minutes to scramble into a hammock and just… be.

The Zen Moment

It was a gorgeously sunny day and if you cared to notice, the sky was full of the type of fluffy clouds that bring to mind visions of cotton candy and childhood afternoons running in grassy fields.  However, many of the busy pedestrians and impatient drives were too busy to notice, something that event founder Eoin Finn laments.  The first Hammock in the City event took place 3 years ago, but Finn vows that the events will continue more regularly.  In his quest to help others “find the best lifestyle for [themselves],” Finn strives to fight against the dominating Western drive for conquest and competition, by advocating a return to valuing relaxation and the concept of “taking in nature.”  This return to nature is one part of Finn’s top 3 tips for leading less stressful lives, which he promises will lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life

1. Listen to your bodily feedback: take a moment to concentrate on how your body feels – does it ache here, or hold tension there?  What makes your body feel good?

2. Appreciate nature: take time to notice your surroundings and to appreciate the beauty in small things, such as the way the sun shines on water, or the cool breeze on your skin
3. Activity: exercise is important, but avoid the desire to compete with others and even yourself.  Exercise to feel good, not to achieve some end goal.

Yoga is one way that Finn says you can reconnect with yourself and is a good step to incorporating his three tips into your daily life.  Spending an afternoon in a hammock is another.

Jordana Mah

Software developer by day, writer by night, Jordana works as a freelance writer for various online publications and blogs. You can usually find her glued to a keyboard either shopping online, blogging, or tweeting, but she occasionally ventures out for movies, food, shopping sales, and bubble tea.

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