Do guys really worry about how soft and hydrated their skin is? I'm sure you've all seen these Dove bodywash black & white commercials with the popular guy talking about anything but having dry skin. Or the Old Spice commercials with the shirtless guy that says a bunch of random things and bounces around from place to place. You know, he says things like, "Look at me. Now, I'm a horse. Now, I'm underwater and swimming with mermaids. Now, I got your girlfriend two tickets to her favorite artist. No, wait...now, they're pearls." Yeah, that one. What ever happened to guys using a plain bar of soap and washing their hair with Suave or some other cheap shampoo?
Call me a simple man, but I only use a bar of Irish Spring soap and bottle of cheap shampoo. And I don't even wash my hair everyday. I dated a hairdresser for a while and she told me that it's better for guys to not wash their hair every single time they shower. That's it. No loofah, no rag, and certainly no scrub bar (whatever that Axe bodywash thingie is).
I don't see this as a problem, because, let's face it, who am I to tell someone else what's right and how to live their life? I just find it, you know, weird.
You may consider me an old-school type of thinker when it comes to guys. I think most guys should be able to: change their own oil, install window-washing fluid, replace brake pads and wiper blades, rotate their tires, and, God forbid, fix a flat tire; should know the basics of all major sports (goals are scored in hockey and soccer; runs are scored in baseball; and points are scored in basketball, football, and boxing); can fix a few things around the house (duct tape and glue definitely count...it saves money!); and doesn't need more than 7 minutes to take a shower. Yes, I have taken showers that lasted longer than 7 minutes, but those usually came after a camping trip, a long hike, playing a baseball/basketball/football game, etc. But, seriously, if you're a guy and you're in the shower washing and conditioning your hair, exfoliating something, you know what a pumice is and you actually use one, and you use a loofah or a scrub thingie...you're the reason that I'm writing this blog.
Now, I know that not every guy is alike and that some guys are, you know, "guys", and some guys are a "guys' guy". Maybe my viewpoint has a lot to do with the kind of men I was raised by (my father and my Mom's father). Even my Mom was a tomboy growing up and it definitely showed while she raised three young boys. I always remember camping (not the kind where everyone drinks themselves to oblivion and passes out in a random tent, but "real" camping), baseball games, and watching horror movies.
Maybe this is just a form of change and evolution of the male species. Maybe our gender is becoming less "hands-on", caring more about their physical appearance and spending time "maintaining" their looks, and, in a way, becoming lazier (just look at the time spent playing video games and the decreasing number of men in college). Now, I'm not trying to make anyone feel guilty or to rag on anyone. I'm simply stating my opinion...even if I'm alone on this particular viewpoint. This wasn't a calculated essay or something that I invested a lot of time in; it's simply a blog/idea that I had and decided to run with. Well, I'm going to go put on my work boots and my Carhartts, do some yard work, and then come back inside to take a 3 minute shower.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Applauding Colby Lewis
This blog is in response to the article written in the LINK below:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31751_162-20055731-10391697.html
Richie Whitt, a columnist, criticized Texas Rangers pitcher, Colby Lewis, for missing a scheduled start to attend the birth of his daughter in California. Below is a letter that I have written for Mr. Whitt:
Dear Mr. Richie Whitt,
You are, in every sense of the word, an idiot. Criticizing a man for skipping a start (or work) to attend the birth of his own child; have you no soul, sir? Do you have any idea how many single mothers and fatherless children there are that would love to have a man in their life that took fatherhood as seriously as Colby Lewis? I applaud any man that steps up and plays the "father" and "loving husband" role that many men are too much of a coward to play.
Major league baseball players spend a good part of their lives on the road and away from their friends and family. Many ball players, or any athlete, for that matter, are known to be promiscuous and/or monogamously-challenged. So, when we get a man like Colby Lewis, who makes the sacrifice to be with his wife and family during the birth of their child, you go out there and slam him for making the decision that most people wouldn't even think twice about. In fact, look at the poll on CBS.com which asks, "Was it ok for Colby Lewis to miss a start to witness the birth of his daughter?" Now, go ahead and vote "no" because we all know that's how you feel. When you submit your response, you'll notice that 98% of those that took the poll completely disagree with you and fully support Colby Lewis' decision to be home with his family during the birth of his daughter.
Being a "man" is not something that one can earn solely based on his age, his job, what he owns, how much money he has, or the number of women he's able to sleep with. Many attributes constitute what truly makes a "man" and I'm sure that I'll leave out quite a few of them. However, here are some of the ones that I think are most important: 1) assumes responsibility for his actions; 2) if he has children, he does everything that he can to give his children the life that he never had; 3) many men die alone and many take love for granted...so a real "man" recognizes that what he has is special and does everything within his power to make her feel loved, protected, special, beautiful, and needed; 4) does everything that he can to improve himself (academically, economically, spiritually, health-wise, etc.); 5) when a child that he helped create is born, that child becomes priority #1; 6) and he does everything that he can to help and take care of societies most vulnerable (elderly, single mothers, children, etc.)
You see, Mr. Whitt, many of the problems in society stem from the fact that "men" just have not been doing their part and have not been encouraging other men to do what is right. Young children enter gangs because that is the only love and support that they can find. They commit crimes because they didn't have a father at home to discipline them and to demonstrate morality. They abuse women because a real "man" wasn't there to show them how to properly treat a woman. Can you imagine what this country would be like if society didn't have those problems?
I am fortunate enough to have had two loving and motivated parents to raise me and that did everything in their power to give me the life that they never had. There were many times that we were barely scrapping by, drinking powdered milk, eating food given to us from friends and neighbors, wearing clothes from Goodwill or hand-me-downs from my parents' co-workers, etc. Despite how difficult it was for my parents, there was never a moment of despair, sorrow, or noticeable difficulty. Although it was hard for them, they did everything within their power to take us camping, celebrate every holiday, to see movies at the drive-in, take us to the park, to give us wonderful and memorable Christmases, and to teach us the power of love and of family.
I know all of the characteristics of a strong, single mother because I was raised by one. I know all of the characteristics of a strong, single man because I was raised by one. Even though our parents were divorced, my brothers and I never experienced the ills that plague many broken homes and divorced families. My father didn't have to stay in Washington, but he did. He stayed here because he knew the importance of a man's role in his son's lives. He was there every other weekend and every other Tuesday and attended all of our baseball games and school events; as did our mother.
There are many ways in which a man can earn the title of a "man". My Father had his way, your father had his way, you have your way, and Colby Lewis has his. I don't know what kind of an upbringing he had and neither do you. However, you and I can both recognize and acknowledge that he's doing what he feels he needs to do in order to be there for his wife and family, to be a loving husband, to be a father, and to, ultimately, be a "man".
It's important for men, like you and me, to encourage other men to be responsible and to be there for their families. Slamming a man for doing what's right reflects poorly on, not only you, but on all men. It sends out the wrong message. Colby Lewis did what he needed to do and we should be applauding him, not discouraging him.
Sincerely,
Matthew Thomas Cornwall
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31751_162-20055731-10391697.html
Richie Whitt, a columnist, criticized Texas Rangers pitcher, Colby Lewis, for missing a scheduled start to attend the birth of his daughter in California. Below is a letter that I have written for Mr. Whitt:
Dear Mr. Richie Whitt,
You are, in every sense of the word, an idiot. Criticizing a man for skipping a start (or work) to attend the birth of his own child; have you no soul, sir? Do you have any idea how many single mothers and fatherless children there are that would love to have a man in their life that took fatherhood as seriously as Colby Lewis? I applaud any man that steps up and plays the "father" and "loving husband" role that many men are too much of a coward to play.
Major league baseball players spend a good part of their lives on the road and away from their friends and family. Many ball players, or any athlete, for that matter, are known to be promiscuous and/or monogamously-challenged. So, when we get a man like Colby Lewis, who makes the sacrifice to be with his wife and family during the birth of their child, you go out there and slam him for making the decision that most people wouldn't even think twice about. In fact, look at the poll on CBS.com which asks, "Was it ok for Colby Lewis to miss a start to witness the birth of his daughter?" Now, go ahead and vote "no" because we all know that's how you feel. When you submit your response, you'll notice that 98% of those that took the poll completely disagree with you and fully support Colby Lewis' decision to be home with his family during the birth of his daughter.
Being a "man" is not something that one can earn solely based on his age, his job, what he owns, how much money he has, or the number of women he's able to sleep with. Many attributes constitute what truly makes a "man" and I'm sure that I'll leave out quite a few of them. However, here are some of the ones that I think are most important: 1) assumes responsibility for his actions; 2) if he has children, he does everything that he can to give his children the life that he never had; 3) many men die alone and many take love for granted...so a real "man" recognizes that what he has is special and does everything within his power to make her feel loved, protected, special, beautiful, and needed; 4) does everything that he can to improve himself (academically, economically, spiritually, health-wise, etc.); 5) when a child that he helped create is born, that child becomes priority #1; 6) and he does everything that he can to help and take care of societies most vulnerable (elderly, single mothers, children, etc.)
You see, Mr. Whitt, many of the problems in society stem from the fact that "men" just have not been doing their part and have not been encouraging other men to do what is right. Young children enter gangs because that is the only love and support that they can find. They commit crimes because they didn't have a father at home to discipline them and to demonstrate morality. They abuse women because a real "man" wasn't there to show them how to properly treat a woman. Can you imagine what this country would be like if society didn't have those problems?
I am fortunate enough to have had two loving and motivated parents to raise me and that did everything in their power to give me the life that they never had. There were many times that we were barely scrapping by, drinking powdered milk, eating food given to us from friends and neighbors, wearing clothes from Goodwill or hand-me-downs from my parents' co-workers, etc. Despite how difficult it was for my parents, there was never a moment of despair, sorrow, or noticeable difficulty. Although it was hard for them, they did everything within their power to take us camping, celebrate every holiday, to see movies at the drive-in, take us to the park, to give us wonderful and memorable Christmases, and to teach us the power of love and of family.
I know all of the characteristics of a strong, single mother because I was raised by one. I know all of the characteristics of a strong, single man because I was raised by one. Even though our parents were divorced, my brothers and I never experienced the ills that plague many broken homes and divorced families. My father didn't have to stay in Washington, but he did. He stayed here because he knew the importance of a man's role in his son's lives. He was there every other weekend and every other Tuesday and attended all of our baseball games and school events; as did our mother.
There are many ways in which a man can earn the title of a "man". My Father had his way, your father had his way, you have your way, and Colby Lewis has his. I don't know what kind of an upbringing he had and neither do you. However, you and I can both recognize and acknowledge that he's doing what he feels he needs to do in order to be there for his wife and family, to be a loving husband, to be a father, and to, ultimately, be a "man".
It's important for men, like you and me, to encourage other men to be responsible and to be there for their families. Slamming a man for doing what's right reflects poorly on, not only you, but on all men. It sends out the wrong message. Colby Lewis did what he needed to do and we should be applauding him, not discouraging him.
Sincerely,
Matthew Thomas Cornwall
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Unemployment: Roller Coaster Ride Part II
In exactly one week I will have been unemployed for three full months. Due to my somewhat large tax refund, I've been able to still pay all of my bills while staying at my father's place. However, that refund has slowly dwindled away and I feel as if I'm slowly slipping into the dark emotional void that enveloped me for 3+ months after my graduation from the University of Washington in August 2009.
However, I swore to myself that I wouldn't allow that to happen again. Thus far, I've been fairly successful. Sure, I have my difficult days and sometimes lie in bed at night wondering about how bad it could possibly get. I wish that I could spend more time with my friends and family, but going out, driving (with high fuel prices and no car insurance), and paying for things just cut into my dwindling savings account.
I recently read that individuals that are currently unemployed are more susceptible to stress-related depression and heart attacks. Knowing that and knowing how I felt the first time around, I planned ahead and constructed a daily planner. I hope that some of you who are going through something similar to me find what I say to be helpful and use it to keep yourself mentally sharp, motivated, and not depressed.
My Daily Tasks:
1) Watch something that makes you laugh. For me, it was random stand-up comedy clips off of YouTube or Netflix or entire episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Google Video, Hulu, and/or Netflix. It may seem that you are "wasting time", but, more than anything, you're helping yourself by increasing your endorphins and starting your day off on the right foot.
If it's not something humorous, I watch inspirational videos. They have clips of them on YouTube. Most of them are from movies and a few of them are from motivational speakers (my favorite being Nick Vujicic...truly inspirational). The key to this entire period of your life is to maintain a positive attitude, to stay hungry, to believe in yourself and your abilities, and to know that there truly is a "light at the end of the tunnel".
2) Check job advertising sites. When you check job advertising sites, make sure to search for jobs that you know that you're definitely qualified for, but look for others that you may be interested in or might find something that you'd like to do if and when you don't have much success in your primary field. Make sure to save your searches. This will keep your searches shorter and more precise. It will also cut down on sifting through jobs that you know that you wouldn't want or aren't qualified for. For me, these particular jobs were IT and computer programmer positions.
3) Exercise is very important. Looking for a job is a full-time job. However, you don't expel as much energy looking for work as you would if you were to actually be at work. It's important to use up your body's energy each day. This will prevent abnormal sleeping habits and keep you feeling as though you accomplished something during the course of the day. It may not seem like much, but, trust me, it is. It'll definitely help your self-esteem and will help you feel more accomplished.
4) Eating healthy and avoiding a "roller coaster diet". A "roller coaster diet" is anything that is high in sugars and/or carbohydrates. Anything that gives you a sudden rush of energy. The downside of this is that you will eventually have to come down and, at times, you may find yourself "crashing". This could ruin an entire day for you. It's important to eat foods that keep your metabolism consistent and not to consume things that your body normally doesn't need.
- Things to eat: fruits, vegetables, wheat bread, fruit juice, yogurt, oatmeal, cheese, etc.
- Things to avoid: soda, sweetened coffee, anything with noodles, fast-food, bagels, white bread, crackers, etc.
5) Maintaining a "normal" social life without spending money that you really can't afford. Visiting family, playing softball/basketball with your friends, going to see a movie (try seeing matinees and avoid purchasing soda/candy/popcorn...sneak it in), going to the library/bookstore, striking up conversations with random people (if you see someone in line with something that you might buy or a product that you enjoy...say something to them...make them smile), and spend time with children (nieces, nephews, sons, daughters...if possible). I'd advise hanging around schools and/or playgrounds. haha. I have also found a social group that has the same interests as me. I visit Meetup.com and find topics that I'm interested in, groups that already exist, and find the ones that are closer to me, so that I don't have to travel too far. This will help you find ways to get out of the house, to engage with other like-minded individuals, and to feel the accomplishment of filling your schedule with something constructive and social.
6) This may be something that only I do, but I like to find ways to remember the difficult times. I have definitely had my "ups" and "downs" over the past few months and I have made sure to find ways to remember them. To do that, I like to keep a journal or a blog. Now, I know that I haven't blogged much in the past few months and that is because I have been writing down so much. These "personal blogs" are primarily for myself to read at a later date. For example, if I'm having a particularly difficult day, I write down what happened (didn't sleep well, overslept, etc.), what I did, how I'm feeling, and what I think will happen in a few months (measure my levels of optimism/pessimism). When I finally land a decent job, I will read back on these during difficult times with the new job or in my life and see that I have been through more difficult times and that I managed to see my way through them. It's important to remember the hard times in life because, in my opinion, it makes you truly cherish and appreciate the good times in your life. It also helps you realize that, although a situation looks and appears to be difficult, that you have been through tougher times and managed to get out alive and on top.
Spending too much time on tasks or things that consume large gaps of time might be worth setting aside until you get things back in line. For example, I was watching the X-Files and trying to finish up all nine seasons. When I left Montana, I was in season 5 or 6. I've only managed to watch a few since getting home and I've done that because I have the tendency to become distracted (I've had ADD my entire life...I know myself almost too well) and I might spend an entire day watching nothing but episodes.
If you're having difficulty falling asleep at night, I'd recommend reading something fun. Or, as I like to call it, "candy reading". Read something that interests you or that doesn't make you feel as though you're back in college or school. For me, I avoided most non-fictions (foreign policy, history books, etc.) and I began reading books on the zombie apocalypse. Now, I know that may sound funny (and I've attempted to explain my obsession with horror movies and zombies my entire life and I've managed to get, pretty much, nowhere), but I enjoyed reading them and I managed to doze off after a while. The eyes slowly begin closing and you start trying to find a page that ends with a "period" or where a paragraph ends. This is a good spot to mark your page and finally go to sleep.
Reading books is another way to keep your mind active and to make you feel as though you've accomplished something during the course of the day. That's one of the most important things that I cannot stress enough. Making goals for yourself to accomplish, although small, are very important for you and for those around you (kids, spouse, parents, etc.).
When you're unemployed, another important thing to do is to take a shower first thing in the morning. I have had days where it would be nearly 2pm or 3pm and I'd still be in the shorts/sweats that I slept in the previous night. It's important to make your body and your mind feel as though you're still in a routine and still getting up at a reasonable hour and getting ready for the day. Even though you may not plan on going out, running errands, or coming in contact with people it's important that you get yourself into a comfortable routine.
Another thing that I try to avoid are late nights. The weekdays are easier than weekends, obviously. I always try to be in bed by 9pm or 10pm on the weekdays and I try to get up around 6am. On the weekends, however, I feel that it's important to allow yourself a little "wiggle room" or to allow yourself to make an excuse for bending and breaking the rules a little. This is a way to reward yourself. This is important to do because rewarding ourselves is something that most of us like to do after we get paid or feel like doing something nice for ourselves after a difficult day/week.
During the weekends, I like to plan on watching a movie or to go out for breakfast with my Dad and stepmom. If they offer to take me out for breakfast and since I'm already up and ready to rock n roll, I accept their offer. This provides a healthy breakfast experience (at least in my family). We sit around the table, discuss politics/movies/family/etc., drink coffee/orange juice/V-8, and we start our brains off on the right foot. In my opinion, it's important to get your brain going.
Another thing that I like to do in the morning is to read the news. After the NY Times started limiting my number of free articles to read to 20, I've had to go elsewhere to find things to read. Being that I'm a political junkie, I like to read articles/blogs on POLITICO, Huffington Post, American Thinker, Washington Post, News Tribune/Seattle Times (always have to get my local news "fix"), The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Council on Foreign Relations, BBC News (it's always good to get a non-American view of world news...makes you feel as though you don't live in a "box"), FOXNews, and Al Jazeera English. I admit that I find myself visiting The Onion and finding something funny to read and laugh about. Like I said, laughing is very important during this process and could be the difference between a good day and a bad day.
During the course of the day, I also like to drink a lot of water. Doing this will, obviously, increase your daily visits to the restroom. This is a good thing. Having to get up, move, and relieve yourself (I know it sounds gross, but trust me) is a good way to take a minor "break" in the day and to get your blood circulating.
From all of my days in school, I have taken courses in social sciences (political science, sociology, etc.), mental health (psychology, public speaking, etc.), nutrition (weight training, basic physical education, anatomy and physiology, etc.). I feel that having taken these classes, I have gained a very good understanding on how the body works. I know what foods are good for me and which ones aren't; I know ways to maintain your body's energy throughout the day and burn the excess energy so that you don't have too much when you're trying to go to sleep; I know specific workouts that target a specific and/or a particular part of the body; I know that engaging in conversation with someone new is almost always a positive experience; I know that laughing and finding moments to be immature are okay and are healthy for you because endorphins are secreted in the brain during laughter and endorphins help fight stress; and I know how to reward myself while, at the same time, being productive.
Now, I know that this won't be helpful for everyone, but it's my hope that this will reach a few people that struggle with trying to see "the light at the end of the tunnel" or to maintain an optimistic view of the world and of their life. Going through a difficult time, such as this, can weigh heavily on your physical health, your relationships, and your mental health. It's important to find ways (either mine or finding your own) to keep your body and mind operating on levels that were similar to when you were working and not having to worry about bills. It's important to maintain a daily routine, to laugh, to inform yourself and to stay informed, to not get caught up in expensive things (financially and/or time-wise) that may end up hurting you more than they help, to socialize and rediscover the healing power of meeting new people, to embrace your innocence and immaturity for moment or two each day, to keep a record of your successes and your struggles, and to, ultimately, steer clear of becoming pessimistic, unhealthy, and depressed. This has worked for me and I hope that you find something helpful in it as well. Thank you.
However, I swore to myself that I wouldn't allow that to happen again. Thus far, I've been fairly successful. Sure, I have my difficult days and sometimes lie in bed at night wondering about how bad it could possibly get. I wish that I could spend more time with my friends and family, but going out, driving (with high fuel prices and no car insurance), and paying for things just cut into my dwindling savings account.
I recently read that individuals that are currently unemployed are more susceptible to stress-related depression and heart attacks. Knowing that and knowing how I felt the first time around, I planned ahead and constructed a daily planner. I hope that some of you who are going through something similar to me find what I say to be helpful and use it to keep yourself mentally sharp, motivated, and not depressed.
My Daily Tasks:
1) Watch something that makes you laugh. For me, it was random stand-up comedy clips off of YouTube or Netflix or entire episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Google Video, Hulu, and/or Netflix. It may seem that you are "wasting time", but, more than anything, you're helping yourself by increasing your endorphins and starting your day off on the right foot.
If it's not something humorous, I watch inspirational videos. They have clips of them on YouTube. Most of them are from movies and a few of them are from motivational speakers (my favorite being Nick Vujicic...truly inspirational). The key to this entire period of your life is to maintain a positive attitude, to stay hungry, to believe in yourself and your abilities, and to know that there truly is a "light at the end of the tunnel".
2) Check job advertising sites. When you check job advertising sites, make sure to search for jobs that you know that you're definitely qualified for, but look for others that you may be interested in or might find something that you'd like to do if and when you don't have much success in your primary field. Make sure to save your searches. This will keep your searches shorter and more precise. It will also cut down on sifting through jobs that you know that you wouldn't want or aren't qualified for. For me, these particular jobs were IT and computer programmer positions.
3) Exercise is very important. Looking for a job is a full-time job. However, you don't expel as much energy looking for work as you would if you were to actually be at work. It's important to use up your body's energy each day. This will prevent abnormal sleeping habits and keep you feeling as though you accomplished something during the course of the day. It may not seem like much, but, trust me, it is. It'll definitely help your self-esteem and will help you feel more accomplished.
4) Eating healthy and avoiding a "roller coaster diet". A "roller coaster diet" is anything that is high in sugars and/or carbohydrates. Anything that gives you a sudden rush of energy. The downside of this is that you will eventually have to come down and, at times, you may find yourself "crashing". This could ruin an entire day for you. It's important to eat foods that keep your metabolism consistent and not to consume things that your body normally doesn't need.
- Things to eat: fruits, vegetables, wheat bread, fruit juice, yogurt, oatmeal, cheese, etc.
- Things to avoid: soda, sweetened coffee, anything with noodles, fast-food, bagels, white bread, crackers, etc.
5) Maintaining a "normal" social life without spending money that you really can't afford. Visiting family, playing softball/basketball with your friends, going to see a movie (try seeing matinees and avoid purchasing soda/candy/popcorn...sneak it in), going to the library/bookstore, striking up conversations with random people (if you see someone in line with something that you might buy or a product that you enjoy...say something to them...make them smile), and spend time with children (nieces, nephews, sons, daughters...if possible). I'd advise hanging around schools and/or playgrounds. haha. I have also found a social group that has the same interests as me. I visit Meetup.com and find topics that I'm interested in, groups that already exist, and find the ones that are closer to me, so that I don't have to travel too far. This will help you find ways to get out of the house, to engage with other like-minded individuals, and to feel the accomplishment of filling your schedule with something constructive and social.
6) This may be something that only I do, but I like to find ways to remember the difficult times. I have definitely had my "ups" and "downs" over the past few months and I have made sure to find ways to remember them. To do that, I like to keep a journal or a blog. Now, I know that I haven't blogged much in the past few months and that is because I have been writing down so much. These "personal blogs" are primarily for myself to read at a later date. For example, if I'm having a particularly difficult day, I write down what happened (didn't sleep well, overslept, etc.), what I did, how I'm feeling, and what I think will happen in a few months (measure my levels of optimism/pessimism). When I finally land a decent job, I will read back on these during difficult times with the new job or in my life and see that I have been through more difficult times and that I managed to see my way through them. It's important to remember the hard times in life because, in my opinion, it makes you truly cherish and appreciate the good times in your life. It also helps you realize that, although a situation looks and appears to be difficult, that you have been through tougher times and managed to get out alive and on top.
Spending too much time on tasks or things that consume large gaps of time might be worth setting aside until you get things back in line. For example, I was watching the X-Files and trying to finish up all nine seasons. When I left Montana, I was in season 5 or 6. I've only managed to watch a few since getting home and I've done that because I have the tendency to become distracted (I've had ADD my entire life...I know myself almost too well) and I might spend an entire day watching nothing but episodes.
If you're having difficulty falling asleep at night, I'd recommend reading something fun. Or, as I like to call it, "candy reading". Read something that interests you or that doesn't make you feel as though you're back in college or school. For me, I avoided most non-fictions (foreign policy, history books, etc.) and I began reading books on the zombie apocalypse. Now, I know that may sound funny (and I've attempted to explain my obsession with horror movies and zombies my entire life and I've managed to get, pretty much, nowhere), but I enjoyed reading them and I managed to doze off after a while. The eyes slowly begin closing and you start trying to find a page that ends with a "period" or where a paragraph ends. This is a good spot to mark your page and finally go to sleep.
Reading books is another way to keep your mind active and to make you feel as though you've accomplished something during the course of the day. That's one of the most important things that I cannot stress enough. Making goals for yourself to accomplish, although small, are very important for you and for those around you (kids, spouse, parents, etc.).
When you're unemployed, another important thing to do is to take a shower first thing in the morning. I have had days where it would be nearly 2pm or 3pm and I'd still be in the shorts/sweats that I slept in the previous night. It's important to make your body and your mind feel as though you're still in a routine and still getting up at a reasonable hour and getting ready for the day. Even though you may not plan on going out, running errands, or coming in contact with people it's important that you get yourself into a comfortable routine.
Another thing that I try to avoid are late nights. The weekdays are easier than weekends, obviously. I always try to be in bed by 9pm or 10pm on the weekdays and I try to get up around 6am. On the weekends, however, I feel that it's important to allow yourself a little "wiggle room" or to allow yourself to make an excuse for bending and breaking the rules a little. This is a way to reward yourself. This is important to do because rewarding ourselves is something that most of us like to do after we get paid or feel like doing something nice for ourselves after a difficult day/week.
During the weekends, I like to plan on watching a movie or to go out for breakfast with my Dad and stepmom. If they offer to take me out for breakfast and since I'm already up and ready to rock n roll, I accept their offer. This provides a healthy breakfast experience (at least in my family). We sit around the table, discuss politics/movies/family/etc., drink coffee/orange juice/V-8, and we start our brains off on the right foot. In my opinion, it's important to get your brain going.
Another thing that I like to do in the morning is to read the news. After the NY Times started limiting my number of free articles to read to 20, I've had to go elsewhere to find things to read. Being that I'm a political junkie, I like to read articles/blogs on POLITICO, Huffington Post, American Thinker, Washington Post, News Tribune/Seattle Times (always have to get my local news "fix"), The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Council on Foreign Relations, BBC News (it's always good to get a non-American view of world news...makes you feel as though you don't live in a "box"), FOXNews, and Al Jazeera English. I admit that I find myself visiting The Onion and finding something funny to read and laugh about. Like I said, laughing is very important during this process and could be the difference between a good day and a bad day.
During the course of the day, I also like to drink a lot of water. Doing this will, obviously, increase your daily visits to the restroom. This is a good thing. Having to get up, move, and relieve yourself (I know it sounds gross, but trust me) is a good way to take a minor "break" in the day and to get your blood circulating.
From all of my days in school, I have taken courses in social sciences (political science, sociology, etc.), mental health (psychology, public speaking, etc.), nutrition (weight training, basic physical education, anatomy and physiology, etc.). I feel that having taken these classes, I have gained a very good understanding on how the body works. I know what foods are good for me and which ones aren't; I know ways to maintain your body's energy throughout the day and burn the excess energy so that you don't have too much when you're trying to go to sleep; I know specific workouts that target a specific and/or a particular part of the body; I know that engaging in conversation with someone new is almost always a positive experience; I know that laughing and finding moments to be immature are okay and are healthy for you because endorphins are secreted in the brain during laughter and endorphins help fight stress; and I know how to reward myself while, at the same time, being productive.
Now, I know that this won't be helpful for everyone, but it's my hope that this will reach a few people that struggle with trying to see "the light at the end of the tunnel" or to maintain an optimistic view of the world and of their life. Going through a difficult time, such as this, can weigh heavily on your physical health, your relationships, and your mental health. It's important to find ways (either mine or finding your own) to keep your body and mind operating on levels that were similar to when you were working and not having to worry about bills. It's important to maintain a daily routine, to laugh, to inform yourself and to stay informed, to not get caught up in expensive things (financially and/or time-wise) that may end up hurting you more than they help, to socialize and rediscover the healing power of meeting new people, to embrace your innocence and immaturity for moment or two each day, to keep a record of your successes and your struggles, and to, ultimately, steer clear of becoming pessimistic, unhealthy, and depressed. This has worked for me and I hope that you find something helpful in it as well. Thank you.
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