Published at 24 March, 2025 11:30.
I wrote this coffee break with Stress Awareness Month in mind and wrote it as a song about trying, even when we may not feel our best selves. We can still achieve things when our goals may seem out of reach. Today can still be the day to go for it and quit smoking! For me, writing is good for my mental health and one of the ways I support myself if I am feeling a little in the dark and need to shine a little light of hope for me and others. Singing can also be a stress buster; you don’t have to be a soprano or baritone or in a choir to sing. Singing lowers cortisol and relieves stress and tension. Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels so instead of reading it, why don’t you try singing it to whatever tune you like!
Carrie at Yorkshire Smoke Free Wakefield.
When the clouds are looming over, I ask what can I do?
Look inside my heart, when I'm feeling so blue
Wake up, wake up is the sound in my head
Maybe today is the day, I’m sure going to try my best
If I lead with love, it will be alright
Show myself compassion and give a little light
And others will follow, this will be my guide
The cause to my stress, I am now aware
These feelings need to be tended to, and then I can share
All that is sorrow, anger and a tear
It’s time to show I mean it and let go of the fear
If I lead with love, it will be alright
Show myself compassion and give a little light
Let us really listen to stories needing told
Be true to myself, be brave and be bold
To talk about it is a problem shared
I know I’ll feel better when someone has cared
If I lead with love, it will be alright
Show myself compassion and give a little light
Stress is a two-way street, and I walk in both directions
Some good, some bad with all my imperfections
Feeling with empathy when emotions are expressed
Now I am feeling self-cared for and caressed
It starts with my voice
Expressing how I feel can then give me a choice
How can I choose a different way
That does not harm me every single day
If I lead with love, it will be alright
Show myself compassion and give a little light
Stress will still be there when I’ve have smoked the cigarette
Let`s find another way, but let us not forget
When the thunder clouds are overhead
Don't have that smoke, it won`t solve my stress
It will still be there, and I’ll still be upset
Change my reaction, what can I do?
Perhaps talk to someone, what`s right for me will be different for you
Be active, take some “me” time, take control
Choose not to smoke is the best thing after all
If you lead with love, it will be alright
Show myself compassion and give a little light
