As February 1st approaches, I noticed a renewed interest in Stress Down Day as people read my story on last year’s edition.
I thought it would be lame to serve a warmed up version of 2007 and in the spirit of that day did not want to work up a sweat over it either.
I was saved from both when I found out about The Idler which celebrates down shifting since 1993.
Its Editor, Tom Hodgkinson also penned The Freedom Manifesto (cover is my illustration) which describes itself as follows:
"The Freedom Manifesto draws on French existentialists, British punks,
beat poets, hippies and yippies, medieval thinkers, and anarchists to
provide a new, simple, joyful blueprint for modern living. From growing
your own vegetables to canceling your credit cards to reading Jean-Paul
Sartre, here are excellent suggestions for nourishing mind, body, and
spirit"
Going back to Stress Down Day (2008), if you would like your life to be the subject of a song, the up and coming British band Ben’s Brother offers to write it if you win the contest.
More down to earth happenings on February 1st in London include Free Massage courtesy of Neals Yard Remedies in Covent Garden.
I think the UK is still the only place where this ‘sane’ idea has bloomed.
Let me know if I am wrong.
Last year ‘sane’ post: Wear your slippers to work for ‘Stressed Down Day’