by Kim Diamond
Life is rough sometimes, and during especially difficult “seasons.” The world is fraught with chaos, uncertainty, and pain. Sometimes the best medicine is giving your brain a break and doing something simple and fun - like watching cat videos. The daily grind can leave you disheartened and ready to scream by the time the clock strikes five.
During a particularly rough time in my life involving PTSD and a lot of therapy, I stumbled upon a coping strategy that helped me stay positive and safeguarded my peace of mind before bedtime. I call it "After 5, It’s All Rainbows & Ponies." It's a commitment to filling my mind with only uplifting things after 5pm.
Whether I watch comedians or cats trying to fit into tiny boxes, or just intentionally not watch news in the evening, I learned that setting this boundary for myself made a difference. Having battled night terrors, this strategy improved my ability to sleep and function through my most challenging times.
March 2020, I came back from a business trip and fell sick with covid. Unfortunately, it became long covid, and my heart was impacted. In 2021, my recovery was compounded by a head injury that left me using a walker. I relied on my rainbows & ponies rules more than ever. It would’ve been easy to lose hope, and I did have some really hopeless moments. My potato pillow phone holder invention, PhoneSpuds, came out of this. I can’t help but think that this rule helped make my entrepreneurial journey possible.
I am at my best in the morning. By the afternoon, I feel like I’m holding on to life like it’s a living, breathing roller coaster bent on tossing me into the abyss. When you’re struggling, it’s easy to feel helpless. It’s a simple concept, but it’s a step forward any time you intentionally do things to help your mental and emotional state.
"After 5, It’s All Rainbows & Ponies" is also about consciously avoiding negative things after 5pm. I notice a significant decline in my tolerance for upsetting stimuli as the day progresses. By establishing 5 o’clock as a cutoff for exposure to distressing media – be it news, true crime, or unsettling narratives – I give my brain a break. By prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, we are better equipped to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. It's a small yet significant act of kindness we can extend to ourselves in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Of course, it's important to strike a balance and not rely solely on videos of dogs catching frisbees, capybaras swimming and funny things kids say as a coping mechanism. They offer temporary relief, but they’re not a substitute for addressing underlying issues or seeking professional help when you need it. For me, implementing the "After 5, It’s All Rainbows & Ponies" rule has proven invaluable in managing stress and pulling myself out of dark moments. In fact, I am working on a podcast called, It’s All Rainbows & Ponies: Bedtime Stories for Adults, that solely focuses on amazing, joyful life moments.
So, maybe the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or emotionally raw after a long day, consider pressing play on something that nourishes your soul. You may be surprised at the impact it has on your mood and mindset. There's always room for a little laughter and light, when you make it a priority.
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