If, like me, you are looking for ways to reduce stress, find new ways to relax or simply get some peace from this worry-filled world, this post might help.
I’ve been working hard on distraction ideas for over a year now, but there’s been some research for personal purposes only, rather than finding solutions to post on here. But I’ve realised my selfishness – many of these relaxing ideas could work for others, not just me. In response to this, I’m posting a more detailed selection of relaxing distractions that sometimes work at home. My hope is that they’ll work for you too and because they are so simple, you’ll have no reason not to try them.
Kids are experts in relaxing
My life seems to be focussed on finding was to live positively around my limitations. As my Creative Coping Strategies and Stress Hacks pages show, I’ve discovered many ideas along the way. Knitting, writing a naughty limerick, listening to retro songs and helping my daughter learn a dance routine are just a few that I’ve tried and passed on to you as recommendations.
But recently I had a bit of an epiphany that I felt compelled to share, and that’s the reason for this more detailed post.
Bluey is a cartoon dog that’s travelled all the way from Australia across the world. This wanderlust-fuelled Blue Heeler Pup is getting to more parts of our planet than Phileas Fogg, and everywhere she goes she seems to be getting a warm reception.
Here in the UK, Disney Plus is the home of the latest series (the third series, only just released) and housing it there should give you an idea of the reach and popularity of the show. In the world of young kids minds Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are seriously HUGE.
If you only look at the pictures and don’t bother to read up more about the family of dogs, you’d be forgiven for assuming this is just another popular kids cartoon that’s likely to cost us parents a re-mortgage in order to afford the merchandise we’re regularly pestered for.
Yes, the merch can be expensive, as with all popular cartoons.
But there’s more to Bluey than meets the eye. This is a cartoon that can be so distracting you start to get engrossed and find some enjoyment. How?
Yes, any old cartoon might help in this way. The reason I’m pointing you towards Bluey is the high level of innuendo and grown up ‘easter eggs’ the creators have hidden in the animation, which trust me, makes it incredibly tolerable. In fact, I enjoy it. I’ve even laughed out loud!
Pixar were the founders of this type of work, deftly creating animations primarily aimed at kids, but hiding jokes for ‘adults only’ that the children won’t even notice. If this was one of the reasons you enjoyed Toy Story, Bluey could work the same way.
The mild blue in Bluey
In an episode called ‘The Claw’, Bluey and her sister Bingo are playing with an imaginary claw machine (you know the ones, you pump in coins to try and get a crane to grab a toy, it grabs one but fails to deliver…frustrating, but highly addictive). Their dad is pretending to be the claw machine and using a robotic voice as he goes. At one point he jokes that
‘Magic Claw has no children’
then continues
‘His days are free and easy’.
A naughty reference to the stressful, busy lives led by parents.
But you don’t have to be a parent to appreciate the jokes.
In another episode Dad (real name Bandit) is being treated in ‘hospital’ by Dr. Bluey and Nurse Bingo. As he’s asked questions about his ‘injuries’ he remarks…
“Is there some game where I can lie really still on a comfy bed or something?”
We can all relate to adult tiredness.
Apparently, there’s even an episode where a Unicorn leaves a poop behind. Honestly, who doesn’t want to laugh at a unicorn pooing??
I have no idea what the quips and cheeky remarks will be in series 3, but I’m genuinely looking forward to finding out.
So, if you’re feeling strained and in need of a distraction, sit down, relax and get your Bluey on. You don’t need a Disney Plus subscription either, if you’re in the UK the first 2 series are available FREE on BBC iPlayer.
This isn’t just a good way of relaxing, this is something new to try, something to fall asleep to, something other people won’t ruin for you and something you can watch, guilt-free, whenever you want.
This is THE BEST form of modern hangover TV I can think of.
Enjoy!
The picture
Yes, I have once again decided to draw a Bluey scene – no surprises there.
This hand drawn pic shows Bluey and her sister Bingo in a happy autumn scene, reminding us all to relax.
I’ve made this one a poster though, so you could save it and use it on your computer screen if you wanted.
A fun reminder that we all need to ‘take it easy’ from time-to-time.
Thanks for reading!
Creative Steph 