“We ran another successful Hope Cafe event at the end of January. Costa Coffee,
Leighton Buzzard was full again, some coming by invitation and others just
walking in off the street. The theme this month was 'Tips on Stress Busting"- a
light hearted look at stress with some practical tips including a hand out with
Stress Busting Tips and a review of some helpful books. Colin Johnson,
community worker, was the host. Colin introduced the theme with some
thoughts on why we get stressed suggesting that 40% of what we worry about
never happens and only a small percentage of what we get stressed about are
real concerns. Live music was from local musician singer song writer, Andy
Humphries. Each table was given questions on how stress affects each
of us in everyday life with a prize to the winning table. We also interview
someone each month to get a personal view on the topic and this time we spoke
to Debra Goss, a local Pilates teacher. Debra shared how singing, exercise and
getting a right perspective on life really helps to keep stress under control. Each
table came up with some stress buster tips, ideas included gardening, walking,
good book, punch bag, prayer,hot bath, and faith. One person visiting Hope
Cafe for the first time said, "it was interesting and thought provoking,
touched on the spiritual but not in a preachy way. I will come again".
Look out for the next Hope Cafe, Costa Coffee, Leighton Buzzard.