Most of us feel a little crazy from time to time. Periods of high stress can make us feel like we’re losing it, as can being surrounded by people whose values are very different from our own. The symptoms of our state of mind can range from having no recollection of putting our keys or mobile phone where we eventually find them to feeling completely drained. For most of us, the key to survival at times like these is to step back, take a deep breath, and regain our composure. Then we can decide what course of action to take.
I have been approached by premium skincare, bodycare and make-up brand Vichy to test their new creme “Slow Age”, their most powerful probiotic skincare specifically designed to counteract the effects of internal and external aggressors (such as sun exposure, pollution, stress) and clinically proven to slow down the appearance of ageing signs.
In this context I have been thinking even more about our fast lives and what “slow age” really wants to tell us. In my first job after university I experienced what it means to feel “burned-out” after working 60 – 70 hours per week for two years. Today I can say I am grateful that I already then had the possibility to learn the signals of my body and to draw a line when it’s definitely enough. The main purpose of such a wake-up call is to let us know that something is out of balance. Everything in life is a learning process though and nowadays I am still trying to find the perfect way to find this ideal steady state. Sometimes a time-out does the trick. I take a day off from whatever is making me feel crazy and, like magic, I feel in my right mind again. Talking to an objective friend can also help. At other times, if the situation is particularly sticky, I need to seek professional help. Another magical approach is to spend time in nature (ideally doing sports). It nourishes the soul and renews you by attuning you to the earth’s natural rhythms. Yoga and meditation are from my point of view also excellent ways to slow down and to nurture body and mind so that our physical self can continue to be the wonderful vessel it is. Last but not least traveling makes my mind forget daily duties and worries and focus on something completely new.
The Dalai Lama actually says that you should go someplace you’ve never been before once a year. Hence, I can not express my anticipation to spend some days on several Greek islands very soon. To step back. To take some time out. To slow down.
In this context, please consider the opening hours of our shop in Hollandstraße 9, 1020 Vienna, in June:
Friday + Saturday, June 1st + 2nd: closed
Tuesday + Wednesday, June 6th + 7th: opened from 12 to 5 pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, June 8th – 10th: closed
Friday + Saturday, June 16th + 17th: closed
Apart from that we are open according to our normal opening hours.
Photo credits: Vichy Austria. Read their interview with me here.
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