What’s in your head?

I love the English language. Every now and then I’ll come across an interesting new word while reading and I write it down in a notebook because I’m a language geek!

Today, I discovered the word “Aphantasia” – the inability to visualise mental images – and its opposite, “Hyperphantasia” – the ability to see extremely detailed and clear mental images.

It’s absolutely fascinating stuff – I did a bit of reading on the subject and the term “Aphantasia” was coined in 2015 by Adam Zeman, a professor of cognitive and behavioural neurology at the Uni of Exeter. He says that aphantasia can be beneficial to those who work in science and maths, while hyperphantasia is more useful to creative types, according to an article on Sciencefocus.com. Visualising images is also a big part of memory, so you can recall an image of a place or a person when remembering things. As a creative person myself, I agree it is easier to be creative when you can visualise images in your head. Ironically, I can’t image what it’s like to not see mental images, but I guess if you don’t have them in the first place, you won’t miss it!

I do wonder if being an aphant affects the ability to dream and see those weird images when sleeping?

This also reminds me of something I discovered a few months ago: that some people don’t have an internal monologue. As a person who does have an internal monologue, I find it mind-blowing that not everyone has it! I find it useful for thinking things through before I say them out loud, although it gets annoying when I can’t get my brain to shut up when I’m trying to sleep!

What’s on my mind today: The future. I had an appointment with a careers advisor in a bid to try and get myself back on track this year.

What I’m currently reading: I’ve just finished reading “The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell – I thought it sounded good and it was intriguing, but it jumped around a lot between the different characters’ viewpoints and I was disappointed by the ending. I feel like there was a few chapters missing – just as it got interesting, it sort of fizzled out. It’s the first time I’ve read a disappointing book for quite a long while!

What I’m watching: “The Celebrity Circle” on Channel 4 – I watched the last series of the non-celebrity version and thought it was a bit of fun, so I thought I’d give this charity version a go. I’m not sure I’d call them all “celebrities” (I think we need a new word to describe them) but it’s been something to pass an hour! Plus, it’s the perfect lockdown show because the contestants are all in their own flats and aren’t allowed to interact in person, only through social media! I’m also watching “Masterchef” because it’s a great cooking show and I love seeing people from all walks of life and how they interpret cooking briefs.

Have a lovely week!

Snow and positivity

Another Monday, another week in lockdown #3.

I’ve woken up feeling more positive today, after a couple of days of feeling bleak. It’s probably because I got a decent night’s sleep last night and it’s clear and sunny outside today. We had snow over the weekend, although it didn’t really settle in town, but the fells and mountains look pretty and white. It’s nice when it doesn’t cause the whole country to grind to a standstill for a change, because most of us are stuck at home anyway! I quite like sitting by the window and watching it fall outside, although this time I had to go out in it to go food shopping. I didn’t mind though, it makes a nice change from rain, and it felt quite magical being surrounded by swirling snowflakes.

What’s on my mind today: I’m determined to get some of my To-Do list today because it’s bugging me, and there’s a few things that need to be sorted before the end of the month. How is it already a whole month since Christmas?!

What I’m listening to: I’ve had Spotify on constantly over the last few days, listening to my own “Chill” playlist. My current favourite songs are:

• “You should be sad” by Halsey
• “Wings” by Birdy
• “O Children” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

What I’m currently reading: I’m re-reading “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and I’m a couple of chapters into “In Case You Missed It” by Lindsey Kelk. I haven’t really read much in the last year and certainly very little newness. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve felt that reading my old favourites has been quite comforting in these difficult times.

What I like today: A positive message from a pack of self-care cards*: “You are not a commodity, you are a human being. You are valuable for what you might or could humanly do.”

Take care of yourself today!

_{*Disclaimer: I’m not paid to advertise them, but in case you’re interested, this quote came from a pack of cards created by the Blurt Foundation, who provide help and support for depression. More info about Blurt and the cards can be found here.}

Lockdown: an introvert’s paradise?

With the UK currently in a third national lockdown, I’ve come to find that I quite like a lockdown (in a weird way). Don’t get me wrong, being in a lockdown is rubbish, but I’m just trying to make the best of a bad situation while doing my bit to help us get through this rubbish time.

Here are my advantages of being in lockdown:

• I’m an introvert – I like a quiet life at home and with less contact with people, so this is the perfect situation for me.
• I don’t really like ‘people’. Full stop.
• Less contact with strangers – I don’t like people invading my personal space, and now no-one comes near me when I need to venture out!
• I don’t really like going ‘out’ out.
• No attending awkward social events, like work Christmas parties.
• No annoying drunk people outside or inside pubs/bars (because they’re shut and everyone is drinking at home.)
• I feel better knowing people are more likely to have washed/sanitised their hands recently before touching things like shop doors.
• Less walking across the office to discuss things face-to-face with people – I’ve always preferred to just send emails instead.
• If I’m having a bad face day but still need to go to the supermarket, it doesn’t matter because I’m wearing a mask anyway and no-one cares.
• If there’s a day (or a week) where I want to hibernate and not see people, I’m at home anyway.
• Pyjamas are acceptable daywear (unless on video chat, then just the bottoms).
• I don’t have to wear make-up all the time (not that I ever wore that much to begin with).
• My hobbies are now considered cool, and give me something to talk about with friends – painting, reading, baking, etc.

Of course, it’s not all good news:

• When this is over, I’ll have forgotten how to interact face-to-face with real people.
• I live alone, so I haven’t seen any friends in person for months (but thankfully I’m in a support bubble with my parents so I can still see/hug them).
• I’m pretty sure I’m going to die alone because I can’t go out and meet new people or potential future partners.
• The bookshops are closed – I miss wandering around Waterstones on a weekend and browsing for my next read.
• Television is now mainly just repeats or rubbish reality shows.

Do you agree or disagree? Is there something you’re enjoying? Or not enjoying?