We are living in increasingly crowded times with a growing population & this can impact on our need for privacy and to have a sense of control. People working in open plan offices often suffer more stress even if there are panels placed to create the perception of privacy as this diminishes their need for control over their work & privacy to execute it. Children living in overcrowded houses and put into crowded nurseries often exhibit behaviour that is more aggressive and over stimulated. Unrest more commonly breaks-out when people are living in over crowded conditions. It Is a fairly common complaint among people who are incessantly ‘busy’ and parents with young children that there is no break between household duties and workplace, no downtime to digest & consolidate the days experiences, to self -reflect and ‘log off’ free of the demands of others. Self reflection takes use of our imagination & this is linked to a need for purpose and meaning which I will expand on in another post. This use of mobile phones email & instant messaging intrude further into our personal lives and create a climate in which is almost impossible to be unavailable. Have you ever wondered why boarding a train some people just keep a middle gaze and don’t make eye contact with anybody else? Is is in someway to preserve their sense of space control and privacy. This need will be more pronounced in some of us, usually the introverts among us will need to ‘refuel’ by being alone more. If we all understand that when we feel a pull to be away that this is natural and necessary & as long as it is met in balance is essential to wellbeing. Do you feel that you can obtain some privacy the you need it? Do you feel that your private belongings are respected? Do you have some private space you can take some time out in? Taking moments throughout your day to close your eyes and memory shift to a place you associate with calm and tranquility can help create a feeling of privacy especially if done so with the use of headphones & music. You could try this on the train or while taking a lunch break. Our imagination Is powerful so put yours to good use.
