The recent death of a giraffe in Fota Island Wildlife Park brought to mind that, many years ago, I took my now 17-year-old son to see a newly born giraffe in the park. The new-born ruminant was sitting on the grass.

I asked my then very young son what he thought the new arrival was doing. “He’s having a think!” he replied.

Sometimes, we forget to take time just to ‘have a think’ – or not to think at all – particularly when we are stressed, overthinking things, or under pressure.

Overwork and stress

Christmas week 2017 saw me at the funeral of an accountant in Cork. He was 57. ‘Tragic’, ‘too young’, ‘a heart attack’ were the comments that abounded.

By all accounts, overwork and stress were responsible for his early demise. No doubt clients – duty done by attending the funeral – moved on.

For his wife and teenage children, however, dealing with his loss will be difficult, and the challenge of healing will take a long time.

Taking time

In 2016, I was hospitalised with ulcerative colitis, brought on by stress and overwork. I lost two stone. It knocked me flat, and it took months before I was back on an even keel. Since then, I’ve learned to take the time to ‘have a think’.

I do what I can for people, within reason, but not to the point where I end up overworked and overstressed. I have refocused my work.

Now, I try to concentrate more on mediation and alternative dispute resolution – helping people who are ‘rowing’, often against the tide. Helping people resolve problems is very satisfying work; helping people resolve disputes even more so.

Exercise

I now take exercise at weekends, which involves spending time with a four-person crew doing some actual rowing – in currachs on the River Lee.

Both are good for the body, good for the mind, and good for the soul. I have met a whole new group of friends. I have time to read, write, enjoy a meal or a film, and spend time on what is important – family, first and foremost. I’m taking the time to ‘have a think’.

Try it, before the opportunity passes you by.