The Hangout: Confessions of a Parktown Prawn

Does anyone else feel like they’ve slowly turned into a Parktown Prawn over the last few years?

Well, I definitely do. I feel like I harp on about this pretty often. Sorry if it sounds like I’m a broken record. 

Life has always come with its ups and downs and the occasional curveball. That has been the case since the beginning of time. But I sometimes feel like those challenges used to arrive a little more gently, with enough breathing room in between for us to figure things out. These days it feels like they’re coming at us hard and fast, and we’re expected to keep leaping over bricks every five seconds like we’re stuck on level five thousand of Mario Brothers.

Also, if I’m being honest, I don’t really want to get any stronger, thanks.

Whenever something terrible happens, someone inevitably says, “Don’t worry, it’ll make you stronger.” The last time I checked, though, my life goal was never to become a world champion boxer or enter the WWE. And yet here we are. I feel like I’ve reached maximum strength and could probably wrestle a bear at this point. I’m that strong. 

Stress is not a vibe for anyone and it’s certainly not great for our health. So I think we all need to try our best to find ways to deal with the stress monsters that keep us up at night. Easier said than done, I know.

I’m no doctor, so I’ll simply share a few of the little things that help me deal with the bumps in the road. Maybe one or two of my tricks might help you jump over a few hurdles and Parktown Prawn just a little less.

Vitamins are quite important and when my memory cooperates, which isn’t all the time but I’m working on it because I’m currently taking Lion’s Mane for that, I try to take them regularly. Ask your health practitioner, or that one friend of a friend who seems to know everything about medical things, about Ginseng, Vitamin B6, Lemon Balm and Ashwagandha. You’re welcome. Kind regards, Dr Kerry Anne.

Let me also share a few other tricks I’ve found helpful for keeping those little stress gremlins at bay and turning my frowns upside down. Use them, don’t use them. The choice is yours.

1. If you can afford it, try your best to treat yourself to something you enjoy at least once a week. A little bit of you time at the spa for a massage or even a full spa day. Go on. You deserve it.
2. If the spa isn’t really your thing, don’t forget about your hobbies. Those are wonderful little escapes from the chaos of everyday life. Pottery classes, yoga, cooking classes, go karting or even rock climbing can do wonders for clearing the mind.
3. I find going to shows is a great way to give your brain a holiday for a few hours. See what’s happening at the theatre, what’s showing at the movies or, most importantly, what’s happening at your favourite local live music venue.
4. A peaceful drive out to Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit can also be incredibly calming. You can light a candle, spend a little time meditating and enjoy a delicious veggie soup or some dumplings while you’re there. It’s also simply one of the most beautiful places to visit.
5. Another thing that really helps is getting outside for a proper walk. Fresh air, a bit of sunshine and a change of scenery can work wonders for your headspace. Even if it’s just a wander around your neighbourhood or a quick stroll through a park, it can shift your mood more than you might expect.
6. And finally, try doing something kind or thoughtful for someone you love. Send a message telling them how much they mean to you, drop off their favourite treat, or simply spend some proper time together without phones or distractions. Love, in any form, has a remarkable way of softening even the toughest days.

Kindness wins. Always.