Commuting Concert

Image curtesy of ChatGPT when we asked for an image inspired by the blog

Starting my day by letting go is really helpful for me, especially if I’ve got to go to placement or a lecture.

For those who do not know, I’m a mental health nursing student, which can be stressful at times, and taking a break from that is so important.

Talking about it is not enough...

My lecturers and nurses preach about ‘not taking work home with you’ and ‘switching off’. They don’t suggest how to do this or even give us space to do this; Working twelve and a half hour shifts, getting up like a zombie from the previous shift and needing to quickly switch your brain on as soon as you wake up, thinking what you're going to face today. 

For me putting music on in the car and having a concert helps me to ‘switch off’ but what does that achieve? I’m just not thinking for a bit, I’m not necessarily ‘letting go,’ which in turn positively boosts my mental and physical state.

Spontaneous SHOOP®...

I like my music pretty loud, mostly to drown out my terrible singing. I was having a car concert while parked up the other day and an older gentleman using a mobility scooter came up beside the car and started dancing. He was smiling with me and we both had a little bit of a dance. I turned the music up and put the window down, we didn't have to talk we just danced and had a sing, for maybe a minute, tops. 

We both went away smiling. I noticed my heart was beating a little faster, and I was out of my comfort zone. I JUST SHOOPED! I didn't even have to plan, I just let it happen.

Now I make the invitation...

I have started to notice people interacting with me, dancing, smiling, singing along when I’m in the car stopped at traffic lights. The nicer weather means I have my windows down (student finances don’t allow for air con) I am actively seeking people to SHOOP® with in this way.

For me sometimes cameras/photos can be a barrier to taking part. Most of these experiences so far have been really quick and impulsive, not planned and there have been no cameras due to being in a car. For me I am truly able to LET GO and SHOOP®. 

I would like to encourage you to try this, driving or just listening out for cars that pass with music on and maybe have a dance or a sing.