Medieval People Got Stressed Too!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- I'm stressed. We're all stressed. It's why I don't upload as much as I want.
But if you, like many people, think that being stressed out of your gourd is a modern invention, I've got a few people you should meet from 600, 700, and a thousand years ago. Did you know that in Henry IV, Shakespeare writes about work stress and insomnia (that's the word I forgot! Insomnia! It's the stress)? It's true! Stress and anxiety are nothing new, so forgive me while I brew up some medievally recommended chamomile, listen to some authentic soothing trickling water, and do some breathing exercises.
Chill out! Enjoy! Stay hydrated!
Bit of reading? Go for it!
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I love how we all, collectively, somehow, tricked the algorithm into tricking Jimmy into going outside and getting some sunshine, fresh air and greenery around him.
I love this. I’m autistic and it’s hard for me to feel connected to people, and one way I like to try to connect is thru research of history. I know there have been a million people like me throughout the centuries, stressed, autistic, feeling like they don’t belong.
Same,you put it so well
I'm not officially diagnosed, but more than one medical professional has assumed I'm autistic, too. I feel ya. You're not alone!
Might be autistic, might be not - I definitely differ from the norm in quite a few aspects so, I can relate to your coping strategy.
I have to re-examine the argument myself that autism is a social construct. I have autism, but someone told me once that even if the underlying conditions existed, the stressors were absent because society was not the same.
Now that I'm older and have received more historical context, I'm not so sure anymore. So many things were misunderstood at the time, either being generalized or hyper-individualized that it may have been hard to recognize a pattern of stressors that are more obvious with a larger pool of people.
It's interesting.
@@dvklaveren I mean, autism as a diagnosis is a social construct. The symptoms are in a way physical tho.
"I'm a watch guy now" with the same energy as "I wear a fez now, fezzes are cool"
I should wear my fez more…
This was the same vibe I got XD Glad someone else heard it too
Watches are oodles of fun, especially antiques Gruens and the like.
I love your openness and willingness to tell us what's going on. I also appreciate how deeply you care about history. Honestly, I see my contributions through ko-fi and patreon as funding my favorite academic.
I remember reading about a study about stress a few years ago. It was about CEO’s and secretaries. Their assumption was the CEO’s would be more stressed, but they weren’t. They found the person with the most stress was the one with the least control over their lives. The secretaries had little control over their hours, their work load or their days off. Even though CEI’s had more responsibility, they had less stress❤️🤗🐝
I remember that study from first year Psychology degree. In the one I read it was factory workers and the CEO. The factory workers on their assembly line could make no changes to their day. Everyday was the same, every task was the same. I found that idea so enlightening that it is the people who have the least number of options who are the most stressed. Sucks to have fewer options than others.
@@lianegordon971 Exactly, and it makes perfect sense. Most people can handle nearly anything if they have hope. It’s hard to have hope without options. It begins a dark spiral for some people.
People who have a score of other people to delegate unpleasant tasks to of course will be less stressed! Don't have to clean up after yourself , have people to cook for you, other people schedual your day? Then you can focus on the main focus like work and free time to travel and take vacation . Those who manage their days of course will take on more stress.
I definitely feel more stressed when I feel unable to control things in my life.
@@ambivertsorcerer5644 Me too. If you aren’t in control, you are left to the good will of others. Many times, their will isn’t so good.
Ironically enough, watching you ramble about the history of stress is a great way for me to unwind. Thank you for that.
Wind rustling the trees, water trickling over seashells, man in tweed on TH-cam… All good for stressful times. Thank you for sharing this. Hearing other people talk about their own stress helps me to give myself permission to acknowledge and care for my own stress.
“Quinctilius Varus give me back my legions” made me laugh too much. I had to pause the video and have a chuckle. I love it
I need to start shouting that every time my stress level gets too high lol
After horribly bombing a history test (lots of reasons why, one of them being that some jerks stole all the research textbooks we needed from the library, and it was PRE internet, so sucks-to-be-you time), I went to a large local park and sat next to a river where the water was gushing over the rocks. It was therapeutic. Yes, I did tell the prof that all the books were missing prior to the exam, so I think he gave some pity points. I passed the class and honestly, that's all I cared about at that point.
Argh 😑 Sounds like distant cousins of the idiots who set fire to portaloos in our street after the earthquakes, when the whole neighbourhood was reliant on them thanks to no drainage... 😣 (I can only assume booze or drugs involved in that kind of brilliant decision?)
@anna_in_aotearoa3166 I know this is almost a year old, but my mind is blown that y'all call them portaloos instead of portapotties. I never would have even thought about that. Were the vandals ever caught? If I were a judge, I would have sentenced them to digging latrines for the village, lest they face the oubliette. It'd be one of those oubliettes where waste falls down, too-- a "poobliette" as I like to call them.
Love you like a mother, Jimmy, so a bit sad that you are so stressed. All will be well, you know.
You'll laugh at this suggestion, but here's what effectively helps me to de-stress: I crawl under the blankets (head covered, too) and just exist in the quiet, dim, very limited world of the covers. Stay until you are quieted (20 mins.?), then come out to a more refreshed you. I call this retreating to the "small world."
Sending my very best wishes to you -
Another similar suggestion. Pillow forts ! ;) No rule says you can't!
Life can get too serious. Be a kid at heart when you can.
Perhaps you can shoe horn an hour each week for a bubble bath ? Phone off !
Your body needs rest.You'll figure it out, you are clever ! 😉
There's research that shows that resets like this do help! My doctor recommended I do something like this after work every day because I have a family history of hypertension and hyperthyroidism (which can be aggravated by hypertension). It isn't always feasible, but I try to do it as often as I can.
Patreon was created for people like you and I do think you deserve it. Your work is appreciated and informative without being overwhelming and boring. Love it. And the writing on your palm is a wonderful sight. To see other people going through that, and even writing on your hand helps you feel like you're not alone. Love this channel.
Another commenter, Lyndsey, made a good point. These videos are rewatchable when there are gaps. That is true. You retain more of the info the second and third time around. just space them out a bit and then you have plenty of fresh content. Especially those that ask questions that you didn't even know you had until you saw a title. Such as stress in medieval europe.
Thank you, madame! I always have to write reminders and lists on my hand :) Memory like a goldfish!
@@TheWelshViking with patreon, people are paying for you to have a safety net. Everyone who subscribes loves what you do and would hate to see you disappear from the internet, but they are more invested in your well-being!
@@k80_ Agreed. It's why I interact quite so much around here. Sacrificial offerings to the Algorithmic Gods (both the old and the AI), so to speak...
Mr. Jimmy, you do very, extremely good, very very good work. "Because NO artist should be a starving artist". Me and Mister Husband used to do an annual fundraiser for the local food bank featuring musicians and writers every December. That was our event tag line.
Same goes for scholars who willing to put themselves in the way of what the Incel kids are trying to do with the mythology and time period your studying... Well. Done. Have fun with the Patreon adventures!
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
@@TheWelshViking I am notorious for writing on my hand and, on occasion my arm, when I run out of room on my hand. 😂 Also, I have rewatched plenty of your videos. You have great content that is well worth multiple viewings. That's a fact!
@@k80_Absolutely! The “starving artist” is a bad model! Don’t starve (or stress out) your artists! We make such safety nets for just such occasions! Much ❤ 🫂
I stress easily, the brain fog and muscle pain that it causes prevents me from doing things sometimes. You're not alone
Appreciate the openness Jimmy, remember us patron folks love you. And get a lot of enjoyment and value from rewatching old videos too when new ones are further apart. :)
You’re just the best, Lyndsey :) Diolch
The poor lambs in the wolf experiment. Science sometimes is really brutal.
I am currently 8 years into my 4 year PhD programme so... I live in a permanent cloud of stress 😅 We'll get through it eventually and be able to enjoy correcting everyone with "it's Doctor, actually".
Appreciate that you still make the time to do videos, if the comments section is anything to go by you can at least not stress about what people will think about your videos!
Working is stressful. Moving is stressful. Your outfit is excellent. Take care if yourself
Oh Jimmy, my heart goes out to ya. Stress is the WORST. I really wish I could help. Please get help as you need it, even taking breaks. You matter more as a person than a student and/or content creator. I hope you can find some relief.
Jimmy needs an intern!
I'll add my voice to the plethora of people saying that we are happy with every video you put out and all we wish for is for you to be healthy and happy. We understand a PhD is a massive undertaking and is a huge part of your life. So enjoy the trees, breath the fresh air and we will be here to support you, always.
My husband just said and I quote "That was one of the best videos Ive seen in a long time" while being teary eyed and happy to see a male talk openly and articulately about their feelings and mental health. I agree. Thank you. sending lots of non-stressy, energy vibes your way to help get through the bonkers academia stress!
My Masters degree was some of the worst, darkest years of my life, I can't even imagine the Ph.D stress. Imposter syndrome in academia is ubiquitous, and there really needs to be more conversation about mental health! Love your content!
Thank you for this comment. I am right in the middle of it and had really lost sight of the fact that 1) I am not alone 2) this too shall pass.
Right now it feels like a personalised mobile entrance to hell has opened up just for me.
Yep that sounds about right haha but you've got this! Have you heard of golden road syndrome? Remember that all the people who are putting that extra pressure on you and making you feel like you aren't good enough probably got where they are because of an incredible confluence of lucky external circumstances, not always the grind that you're going through!
@@samuelrybiak4564 Thank you for reply and recommendation. Necer heard of golden road syndrome, but will certainly look it up now.
Waah, I cracked and flunked out of my master’s (100% online, 2 other jobs), so I can’t even imagine how stressful a doctorate is! Best of luck and love! Deep breaths, drink water, we gotchu.
A major loss, like that of your father, can knock a person sideways for a couple few years. Folks don't always realize that. And EVERYONE has been traumatized the last few years, by the last few years. THANK YOU for a video like this.
We've lost several close family members this year and each time, the sheer physical effect on their closest loved ones just shocks me? 😳🥺 It's like you see them age ten years overnight. And the mental effects on concentration, resilience, anxiety & memory can be equally severe & startling.
In each case I've seen those affected gradually move back towards baseline, thankfully, but it can take considerable time, and definitely isn't always a steady line.
We tend to mock the Victorians for their highly formalised year of mourning with its very set customs, but honestly, I think the modern pattern that expects people to just attend a funeral and then snap back to normal is the more unrealistic approach...? Hope people feel able to cut themselves more slack than that, even if the world around them does not do so 😔
I loved your comment. "You must be stressed or you would not be watching a man wearing tweed on You Tube." This totally made me laugh! And yes. I am stressed to. You read when you are stressed. I sew. Recently I have made 3 quilts and several outfits. In any case....as I ramble....thank you for being here. I enjoy your tweed and videos.
yes, we like you to get your solar vitamins when you can :)
that picture of the welsh viking team was amazing XDD we really love the team 💖
Thank you. I needed to hear this, and have a brief moment to be told that I am not alone, and to remember it is an overall health issue, not “merely” in my head. Stress over long periods of time, no matter what station in life or type of occupation, is something we need to be more responsive to.
You’re neither alone nor imagining it. Stay safe and remember you can reach out for support when you need it :)
"I'm a bit too overwhelmed for new rabbitholes" what a fkn vibe that is
It's really comforting and grounding when I hear people from long ago confirming that the human animal hasn't really changed all that much over the centuries. Then as now, hearing the movement of water or wind in the trees is a salve to body and soul. It's just nice to know we have that in common with each other as far back as humans go.
I hope your stresses get less, and I hope you get the support you need while the going is still rough. 💜
As a long term patreon, don't stress about us. Happy to kick in. Your videos are some of my go tos when i need help sleeping because... wait for it... I'm anxious. So take care, we're here when you can get us a lovely video like this ones.
you may be stressed, but you LOOK great. thanks for taking us outside for our talk!!!
I am not okay. But it’ll get better.
Listening to you ramble about medieval stress while the wind blows in the trees helps. 😂❤
My heart goes out to you 🧡 I’ve been in therapy for 8 years now, recovery from a nervous breakdown and only recently have managed to get back into work. I learned the hard way that you shouldn’t push yourself to breaking point because - surprise - you break. And it takes a lot to put you back together. I hope you can take some space and time away from the pressures of your life to just be, you deserve all the good things. Also love going through your back catalogue, we are NOT short of wonderful Jimmy content to indulge in
Isn't that the truth? Doing a PhD while already struggling with my health, both physically and mentally, left me disabled, very likely permanently. I finished the degree, but what for? Mostly I can serve as a negative example now, in the hopes it prevents others from overworking themselves to that degree^^
@@ulrike9978 gosh, I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve gone through. I hope things can improve for you going forward, you absolutely deserve it
@@charleston1789 Thank you! I'm still hoping I can get the mental part back under control at least. The physical side of things though ...
@@ulrike9978 if it helps, I was barely mobile during the worst parts of my mental illness (couldn’t stand long enough to cook, used sticks or a wheelchair to move), the pain was excruciating. But, once I’d started therapy and spent a couple years working on my happiness and well-being, the pain got better! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still physically disabled, but I can walk without aids most of the time, and my really bad episodes are MUCH further apart! Wasn’t expecting it, but very very grateful. The brain affects the body in a huge way
@@charleston1789 That does help to hear - thank you!
" I'm stressed a lot of you guys are probably stressed as well otherwise you wouldn't be watching a man in Tweed on TH-cam " - Nailed it Jimmy.
As someone with ADHD I can completely relate to memory issues. Not helpful as a college professor, but, after a while, the students get used to it. Know that this too shall pass. You'll finish your disertation, graduate, and head on to new and exciting stresses! Keep reading and researching and know that there are others who are a part of the Welsh Viking Nerd Squad who find those activities relaxing, too. You've got this.
Over the years, between personal/professional/academic life, I've experienced panic attacks, hives, and what essentially amounted to a nervous breakdown on top of lifelong clinical depression and anxiety. Although everyone's situation is vastly different and personal, I very much empathize with what's you're dealing with. And also fighting against the frankly bizarre notion that middle ages folk very just happy-go-lucky or had it easier (in some respects, sure. In several others, nope) than modern peoples. And in entirely unrelated things, your manner of dress lately has been fantastic lol. Hopefully your program goes well and things calm down for you in the future
You reminded me of a moment from the IT Crowd. "Stress!!! Stress is a disease, people, and I am the cure!". Thank you Reynholm. If only it were so simple.
Fashion Influencer Jimmy makes me want a nice wool tweed for myself...
Great subject, well told, lovely work as usual!
Stress related health issues (both mental & physical) are the result of not being able to fight or flight from whatever is causing the stress response. It's interesting that a medieval writer wrote about syn (sin) & moderation in connection to stress since many maladaptive behaviors like drinking too much, eating too much, sexing too much (avarice) are often coping mechanisms in response to stress/anxiety/depression that can lead to addiction.
Sainte-Foy sounds like a chaotic good character and for what it's worth, you look great in tweed.
I love your historical perspective on stress❣️ You’re always teaching us and it’s a beautiful thing❣️ I have CPTSD and struggle with anxiety always, Take good care of yourself and know you are appreciated ❣️
You're OK not being OK. Learning is so much fun. Study where you have to produce documentation of what you've learnt can be really stressful and all consuming.
Be kind to yourself. Remember to take some time off and have fun - a walk in the trees, fireside with a book, or a re-enactment weekend. Sleep when your body wants sleep regardless of what your watch says. Pushing through leads to breakdown.
It's not the work, it's the relentlessness of it. Deliberately shut the door on it now and then.
Hugs.
Best instant DE-stressor of all time: the silent scream - basically, 'whispering' a scream. Look it up and learn how to vent asap. :)
Lmao, I never though I would learn about people from my city.
One of the hospitals in Montpellier is now called Arnaud de Villeneuve.
And I live 10 mins away from the very old medecine university, it looks like Hogwarts basically and you can visit it.
When you told the story of St Foy, it made me think about the books : Guide de la Provence mystérieuse and Guide de la Bretagne mystérieuse. It's about old legends and historical facts but very centered around the region of France discribed in the books, if that interests you. They are very funny, creepy and interesting.
I sort of collect old books, especially when they are a bit weird.
Take care, you're already doing your best.
From a stressed student looking forward to the finishing line
Never thought of the word 'stressed' as short for 'distressed', nifty! Thank you for the video! Please take your time, with both the videos and the PhD. 💜
Wow. Okay, this was super interesting and informative and actually kind of what I needed to hear today. Much love. I'm off for a stress mitigating walk bc that was darn good advice.
Something relaxing about seeing a man in a tweed jacket and vest sitting in the grass with the wind blowing through the trees behind him.
Don't worry, Jimmy, we're not mad at you for uploading less videos. When it comes to stress, insomnia, etc., there are many of us, right there in that same Viking long 'boat' with you. I agree that the sounds of nature are a great way to help calm the mind and I too turn to books and research when I'm stressed (which seems to be always) - and even when I'm.... less stressed.
Jimmy, it's alright for you to take whatever time you need to destress, replenish your energy, and nourish your soul, or whatever else you need to do. You are a truly genuine person, with a warm and wonderful personality that absolutely shines. You are very hard on yourself, as are the rest of us - we are each our own worst critic, and I want you to know that it's ok to give yourself room to breathe. Just breathe. Thank you for your openness and for speaking on a topic that is becoming ever more concerning in our world. I'm wishing you the best of everything. Peace, love and blessings. 🌱
Working on my MS in chemistry right now, and I'm definitely feeling the stress. I will say, it has been IMMENSELY helpful to have a PI who understands *and gives a damn*. He's also been great about trying to encourage me to be realistic in terms of what can be accomplished, what we can actually learn, etc, rather than trying to insist that I produce More, NOW. He and I recently decided to shift the completion date of my thesis out a semester. I would have liked to finish "on time", but I like not feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown trying to accomplish a near-impossible task even more.
It has taken me a fair portion of my life to be able to recognize when I'm getting stressed. So often, it feels like everything is fine, until it very much is NOT. Thankfully, my husband has been able to help me recognize when things are getting too stressful, and he is able to take some things off my plate. Having a good support system is essential!
Heh, good to know that stress isn't a modern invention. Or is it...
Jimmy, I sincerely hope you find balance in your life that lets you do not only the things you need to do, but also the things you WANT to do. I hope that for everyone.
My bachelor's degree in the 90s could have been a case study in stress, every person I knew knew someone exhibiting each symptom of stress. And we were expected to just deal. A lot of us didn't, or came out with really unhealthy coping mechanisms, so I'm NOT gonna say that "back in my day we just sucked it up" was in any way a healthy attitude. And the pandemic brought me whole new levels of weird stuff to deal with, including a new need for self-care that is way beyond anything I ever required before.
This channel gives me life! I sometimes even put videos I've already seen and play them to relax and de-stress. The video of the Irish shoes lulls me to a peaceful slumber like no other. I hope you son can find the solace you've given me. Good luck to you.
I'm sure that random people giving you advice is essentially no help at all, but I hope you realize that most of us understand exactly how harsh stress is on your system. We love what you do (I leaned heavily on your information for a recent broadcast about the historical/mythic King Arthur), and I think the majority of us are happy to wait for your episodes as you are able to make them. You are loved, my friend! ❤
I had a lovely, stress releasing moment by a local resivoir once. I decided to go there for a walk. The sunshine, the cooling breeze, the sound of the water on the shoreline. A little boy is fishing off the dock. How serene and peaceful.......
Only to have the lovely moment ruined by the little boy and his sister, who is about 50 yards away, deciding to carry on a conversation by screaming back and forth at each other.😂
I'm 72, most of the things I've worried about never happened. Crap did happen and it hurts to this day. Life is so good and so hard at the same time. Take care of yourself. The only advice I can give is be kind to yourself, seek help from others, and get a pet. Dogs are the best but even fish help.
Except when the dog eats a chicken (happened this morning). LOL now we are all stressed and have to rethink fencing options. However, that is life. Dealing with what is thrown at us, one day at a time. Seriously, I love my little dog and even though she is a chicken murderer (she was also chewing on a small wallaby yesterday) the love she gives is worth every moment of having to solve ways of dealing with the new 'hunting' behaviour that has just popped up.
It's never a bad choice to watch a man in tweed, on TH-cam or elsewhere. 😉 Thank you for your humour, empathy, and vulnerability. And for your rapidfire sharing of historical info treasures that both keep my mind engaged, and able to focus better on work whilst listening to you. I understand the guilt over not being up to snuff enough to post, and request you take care of you, much the way you'd tell a mate to take care of themselves were they not feeling up to snuff. Too often, self care is the hardest. But you're not alone.
Dang I feel you!
When I was after my degree in Biotechnology I was constantly stressed. PhD is another level.
As my Doctor once said: You can either finish you degree on time or stay healthy.
Best wishes!
Stress, in one form or another, has existed as long as living things have existed. Really cool to hear about how long humans have been studying stress & its effects on us.
I love that how this iterates people have always been people, and life has always been life.
You may be stressed, but you look fugging marvelous!
It's nice to hear that nothing is new, not even stress.
I recently learned that I'm gonna become an uncle this year. You are the type of example I want to set for my nibling. Open, secure in your manliness, and brave.
Thanks 💜
Thank you for putting stress into historical context -- soooo often people act as if stress is a product of the modem age.
I remember a friend of mine was over-ambitious in her PhD completion, and wound up 1) going to a counselor and then 2) replacing her schedule, which to get great shock het advisor was perfectly happy to do.
I remember as she was updating me on all this, she mentioned that even at that moment she was feeling guilty and weird and stressed because she wasn't working on her thesis right that moment. It was a great relief to see her work through and past that.
Thank you for making these videos. My teenagers and I enjoy them greatly. They have started many a debate of true history versus interpretation. It also fills many of the gaps left by school teachings. Take care and many thanks for all of your hard work.
While I can't speak to the rest of the Patreon, I can say I really don't mind the delay; you're very clearly putting in a lot of effort, and you're easily one of the best history TH-camrs out there, and 10-14 days a week is not a problem to wait. Its more important that you keep up the quality, which you've more than done, and the most important thing is that you take care of yourself. We love you here, and just want you to keep yourself in a good place. For anyone out there under a lot of stress, remember there are people rooting for you, and we want you to be ok; take care of yourself, and that you are valuable and we care about you. Take care of yourselves, and if you need, take some time for yourself.
Thanks for the video, keep up the great work, your channel is amazing!
You’re amazing!
@@TheWelshViking Aw geez, I appreciate that! Your channel is a huge inspiration to get me to keep sewing.
Well done for being so open and honest about being stressed, the 'I'm fine, actually I'm not' needs to be said by more people, in particular British men when our normal interactions are : 'You alright?' 'Yeah, you?'
It is warmer here. I have enjoyed my day. Yes, pushing as hard as you can all the time is bad for a human, it is bad for a factory machine to not have time for maintenance. Rest as you need to rest.
It feels quite therapeutic to learn about how people have been trying to understand and alleviate this suffering for such a long time, so thank you!
Also, the patreon is so you can keep doing your thing, which includes doing it at a healthy pace.
My brain: Jimmy's cosplaying as a documentary narrator
On a less silly note, your videos have helped me deal with a lot of mental and physical stress in the last year as I have dealt with excreting a human, going back to work far too soon after excreting said human because I live in the US and my family's health insurance was tied to my employment (god I hate this country's health system), the spouse creature having two major surgeries, working full time and being my spawnling's primary caregiver because the spouse was recovering from surgery, and the spawnling managing to break a collarbone the day before his dad's second surgery. Glad to say this year is much less stressful because I dropped my work load to part time. Thanks for what you do. It matters.
I've been binge watching my way through your channel, among several others, because I've been under a debilitating amount of stress, no end in sight, and nothing to be done about the situation. So, thank you for the pleasant distraction, and I hope you're feeling less stressed now
Stress isn't a headache: it's like being perpetually kept on a choke collar. And as someone simultaneously afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome, AD/HD, and anxiety, I know stress when i feel it . . . which is nearly all the damn time.
Trust me, I get it (especially lately).
Oooh! You used one of my favorite words: susurration! And yes, it's true, at least for some, that going out into nature calms the stressed. Out in the woods, listening to the wind in the leaves and the creaking of the trees as they sway, the clicking of the branches as they knock into each other, the quiet trill of a songbird, the whirring of the wings of insects.... just describing it brings me peace. Get thee to Nature! Go Thoreau! You know we'll all still be here when you come back, Jimmy.
So glad to hear from you, not just for the content, but because we care about you. I hope you'll be feeling better. (I'm bipolar. Stuff happens.)But I bet the plague, imminent starvation, and foreign invaders were pretty damned stressful. Not to mention arguing with your partner or kids where everybody heard about it!
I love Editing Jimmy's commentary. And also, that creators can create a space for them to be honest about the demands and challenges of creating content. Freelance work has a lot of stress, doesn't matter the field.
I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been a graduate student (and looking at going back, good grief). When I was getting my M.S. I was teaching, studying, writing, doing field work, cleaning house, cooking meals, and caring for my spouse. I was **exhausted** all the damn time. I don't know how I did it all. The stress was horrific.
Which is to say, as a patron, as a fellow academic, and someone who really appreciates you and your work, I really want to reassure you that it's good to take your time. It's good to do the self-care. It's good to talk about it. It's good to let yourself be reassured that no one will mind if you take yourself a break. We will not disappear. We'll not be displeased. We will be glad to continue to support you, our respected historian and friend far away. Here's to you and taking some time!
I feel you so hard. Life has a way of just running you over, doesn’t it?
I have so many projects in the air right now-if I stop to think about it I can feel the panic building…so I don’t 😅. I have an online class to keep up with, I’m trying to get a chicken pen set up for my sister, I’m putting in garden beds for mom (I have spent *so* much money on dirt-we live in a place that was leveled with sand 🙃), I have sewing projects going, BUT I finally got my paper lanterns up and they are lovely and make me happy 🎉. And 2 of the garden beds are up and seeded-and a bunch of plants have been repotted (I just planted Ma’s sea spider plants too, they are cool plants) The dog pen is coming along. Progress is being made and I’m making myself focus on that.
Wishing you all the best, thank you for sharing.
Fellow PhD student (with several part-time jobs to keep my head above water because…well, because PhDs 🙄) here sending solidarity. As usual, this was a fascinating video.
It is so fabulous that humans have been writing about stress since we were writing. ❤ I hope your stress lowers soon
This video is so timely and important. With reactionaries claiming all sorts of things that humans have always done and been, only popped up in "the last ten years" and such nonsense, it's good to know that things like stress and anxiety have been recognized for so long. I remember reading in a biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine, that when she was stuck in her first marriage, she was what we would probably now call depressed, but I think they called it "accidie" in the accounts of the time. So it seems that difficult situations could also create depression just as they do today. I hope your stress reduces soon!
Currently studying a PhD also, but formerly worked as a high school teacher.
One of our professional development meetings as a teacher was on stress, both for ourselves and helping the kids deal with stress (a massive problem coming back to school from a pandemic).
The guy giving the talk led a team of neurosurgeons. To me that was enough to say this man has experienced stress. He told us a story of how he was once giving this same talk, when there was a terror threat on the building just before it started. He was expecting to give the talk to 30-40 people, when suddenly 300 people are funneling in as it was the designated safe room. He gave the talk anyway, thinking it would be topical.
Anyway, the biggest takeaway I got from this was the difference between stress and anxiety. Stress is normal. Even a little healthy, there are studies that show *manageable* stress, where appropriate helps your brain work a bit better. But anxiety is the problem. Anxiety is when the stress persists after the stressor has gone, or is disproportionate to the actual stressor. As someone with an anxiety disorder, this was magical - the number of times I'd tried to tell someone I was dealing with anxiety problems, I'd get the "it'll pass", "it's not that bad" or even worse, "well I'm dealing with this and that's worse". Now I had a clear way to explain it that made sense.
I don't mean this to undermine when you say stress is unhealthy, it absolutely can be. I'm a massive advocate for being open and removing stigma about mental health, and I think clear consistent terminology is a great tool towards that.
We love the work you do Jimmy, and it's lovely to see a nice reminder that we're only human, and always have been. Take it easy, ffrind.
Jimmy, you are working on your doctorate as well as doing your videos. It only makes sense that you are stressed. Just remember that stressed spelled backwards is "desserts" !😊 Go pamper yourself with your favorite pudding and a lovely cup of tea. Be kind to yourself. ❤
Stress is part of living, and anything that reduces stress prolongs life--and we see this every day (thinking about how often when you look at the lifespan of many animals, you get, "lives X years in the wild, Y) years in captivity", where often Y is a good chunk more, anything from 1/10 to 1/3 longer, and the main reason is that having regular food and shelter from the weather and predators reduces stress on your body and your mind, and hey, that tends to prolong life.
Here's to reduced stress for you, Jimmy, and for less insomnia and more regular sleep.
I don't always know I'm stressed until my body tells me I'm stressed. My brain will be saying everything is fine and then, all of a sudden, I realize I've lost seven pounds in one month, or a rash is developing on my face, or I notice my hand trembling as I reach for the doorknob to leave home, or I break down sobbing in a puddle on the floor simply because a friend texted me that they wouldn't be able to hang out that weekend after all and normally it would have been fine but that was literally the only thing that I had to look forward to at the end of a miserable week. But I'm totally not stressed.
As someone trying to balance my overwhelming day job (because I've become too fond of having my own money to spend) with finishing a thesis (and the related degree), I feel you! When the mood takes me, I really like going out in the middle of the storm and watch the sea roiling with the weather.
Take all the time you need!
You remember your advice at the end of this video too, please! I am not in academics, but a fellow teacher is doing her PhD right now, so I see the effects of it in her, too. Some of us are just natural worry-warts (me, I'm the natural worry-wart), but external stressors are a big EEEP for people who are working on important things. All of that to say, thanks for making me feel better about my own emotional inconsistencies (going non-verbal in the middle of a lesson is FUN) and I hope that you stay ok. Never worry about your patreons. The reality is that if people can afford to support someone they appreciate (like we do you), they will always choose to do so. You are worth investing in. I just wish I could afford to!
Wonderful video. And well timed. There's just something about April... Take care. Be gentle with yourself. And definitely stay hydrated... You've got this.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
jimmy we do enjoy when you do videos outside. i like when you do videos outside because it's good for an academic to get outdoors more though you probably get out more than most do because of reenactment events , and i like the green i live somewhere where its all sand brown so seeing the green in videos brings me joy.
This was fascinating! That experiment with the lambs in particular (though terrible for the animals) was incredibly clever. Now I'm off to climb fake rocks, because stress!
When I was doing my undergrad I didn't know how to healthily deal with stress or even recognize the effects of it. I had terrible heartburn all the time, headaches, and some issues with suicidal ideation, among other symptoms. As soon as I graduated it all went away really quickly. By the time I started grad school I had learned to pace myself better, and how to realize the signs and back off when needed. Since the the only times those issues come up regularly is when external stressors are present, like when I was unemployed for a year.
I never thought of stress as a modern thing, though. I figured people had always dealt with it. After seeing how my time being unemployed and close to homelessness I figured they probably lived with it even more than I.
I'll be visiting York for the first time on 6 May, will need to re watch all your York content Jimmy so I can see the ✨coolest✨ things first! Hope your stress levels decrease ASAP 🌳🍃🐚
I've found kindness is the best medicine for stress.
Lol, I was so stressed at work, that I decided to watch some relaxing video during lunch (somehow armor, weapons and history are the calming topics). Well at least you sharing your stress relieved mine slightly.
I wish I'd engaged with more spaces like this when I was in the grips of academic burnout, I might've stayed in my master's...
Take care of yourself and enjoy the noncaffeinated tea! ❤
So true! It's incredible how many people think that being stressed, & that leading to other mental health issues is a modern affliction. Love the tweed, the outdoors, & the city wall! Hope things calm down for you. Best wishes from Czechia.
Men in tweed on TH-cam are the BEST people to watch, stressed or not. ❤
It's important to talk about stress, depression and other mental health issues when you need to. Mental health matters. Look after yourself Jimmy! I like the outdoors setting :-)
Thank you for this very interesting video!
I'm stressed by writing my graduate thesis, and I listen to the rain trickling down the window on apps... and I watch your TH-cam videos to feel less stressed! Your stress is making me less stressed!
I also want to stress out (too much? Surely no. xdxd) that making videos should not be stressful, take the time you need, we'll be here when a video gets out! And good luck with your PhD!! 😊🥰
I wanted to add, from my PhD in medieval historical exempla and sin, there are also a large range of stories (Jordan of Saxony, Caesarius of Heisterbach, etc) about the stress of study and learning. With insomnia, stomach upset, brain fog, even death are some of the dangers of committing to it without break. Sure, they frame it in terms of 'please remember to pray', but yeh it is also cast as a concern for health. PhD students being stressed for 800 years.
I completed my thesis, but I am still waiting for St Dominic and Mary to come and help me with my stress.
I've had a bunch of work and family and SCA things going on and my sleep has been pretty awful and I'm Just So Tired. However, seeing new videos from Jimmy help, and videos I can relate to are even better.
Don't apologize for being stressed. Take care of yourself Jimmy! You're doing an amazing job. I'm glad you're still making videos. Keep up all the hard work! I enjoyed it and love seeing the outdoors there
Love it when your videos are outside. Reminds me of the days in school when we’d have class out on the lawn.
This is a facinating history about stress . Thank you for talking about this ! Please get some vitamin D from being outside and don't forget to eat some anti inflamatories and mugwart!
I once had a social worker (Medicare wouldn't let me see an actual therapist) tell me that stress was a 20th century invention (great thing to tell a patient with severe PTSD, no?) and that stoicism (which the uneducated bint seemed to equate with hardcore repression) held all the answers. Weirdly enough (sarcasm), such mindsets and approaches to treating stress and anxiety are far worse than no treatment at all. Pretending that things like mental illness are imaginary or "new" is so incredibly damaging and alienating (trust me, i know from experience) and yet it's still considered weird or uncomfortable or a big deal to talk about them.
I think what I'm trying to say is: Thank you, Jimmy, for being so honest, open, and unashamed in your discussions of mental health. And thank you, always, for the awesome history content. I am also the kind of massive nerd whose "happy place" is elbow-deep in interesting history topics and videos like yours really do help lift my spirits. You're so matter-of-fact and accessible about all your topics, which has been a great help in dipping my toes into a subject/time/place that was completely unfamiliar to me a couple years ago.
So thank you, keep being awesome, and may every one of your days be a bit better than the one before. Sending all the good thoughts your way 💙
I find sitting or napping under a tree a good de-stresser. Going to my local castle also helps me but I fear the stairs (they're slippery and weird).
Either way, I do hope you find more peaceful times soon and don't worry too much about the pace of videos. They're all excellent and enjoyable, and thank you for them!
The problem today is that we constantly talk about stress and talk about talking about stress and how you feel and how you feel about what you feel etc. but not about what to do about it or possibly with it.