The Inability To Relax

[lupestripe]

I think I am going stir-crazy. Two days of eating, drinking and watching TV would make most people relaxed and contented. Unfortunately, I just get restless and pine for something to do. It's something that has always been incumbent in my psyche - I need to be doing things to feel I have achieved stuff and, in turn, to feel like I haven't wasted the day. I know relaxing is not necessarily wasting a day but this is something my brain just can't tune into. I can't switch off, have never been able to switch off, and I guess this is one of the roots of previous psychological problems that I've had.

All the shops were closed again yesterday so no Christmas Dinner for a second day running. Considering we live in a capitalist society, I find it odd that most places close for a festival that has pretty much lost all religious significance in this country. Ah well, not to worry. The corner shop stocked Pringles and Guinness so I was happy. And I got a packet of Custard Creams for 35p. I guess the fault is our own for not getting stuff in - I am sure if circumstances were different, I would quite like the fact that the world of retail (and the Western world in general) has taken some time out of the manic pace of modern life.

Going out for a few drinks with some furs in Leeds tonight - should be fun. Until then, the job search must resume.

Comments

[slinkat.livejournal.com]

"Considering we live in a capitalist society, I find it odd that most places close for a festival that has pretty much lost all religious significance in this country".

To be honest, I don't think the majority of folk ever attached any religious significance to it anyway. Look at the most popular aspects of it - presents, turkey and a decorated tree. Nowt there remotely linked to the Christian side of it. I'm sure that most shops would be open the whole time is they could be, as there would doubtless be demand. I'm old enough to remember when nothing opened on Sunday, yet it now feels more busy than Saturday.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

I remember non-Sunday opening too. It changed in 1994, when I was 11/12 years old. I remember Sunday being a day of torturous boredom back then. I certainly prefer it the way it is now.

I agree with you - in the UK we have lost all semblence of religious significance about anything. Or at least the Christain majority has. It's not necessarily a bad thing, which is why I was wondering why all the shops were closed. I guess now we just look at it as an excuse to have a party at the darkest and most depressing time of the year. No shame in that.