After 5 It’s All Rainbows & Ponies
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
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.
Connect with kim
コメント