In this episode, Neil opens up about his experience with depression and how it has affected his life. He shares that he has always had a certain level of depression, although he didn't recognise it until later on. Even in his early twenties, he would go to work and break down, feeling overwhelmed by what seemed like trivial tasks. He used to list out the things he needed to do, and even though they may have been small, they all felt like they were piling up and becoming too much for him to handle.
Neil mentions that when he worked in an office, he would mask his feelings by being the office clown and acting bubbly. This helped him hide his struggles and avoid confronting his emotions. He believes that his father's passing was the catalyst for his depression becoming more pronounced. During this time, both his father and mother were in hospitals for six months, and Neil was trying to run his own business. He explains that he only gets paid when he's out on the road, and his mom would often ask for small favours like bringing her pyjamas or going shopping while he was trying to work. His dad, on the other hand, didn't ask for much and had carers coming in to assist him, but he would still wait for Neil to come home before asking for help.
Neil shares his experience with choosing not to drink alcohol and the social pressures and challenges that come with it. He recalls a specific incident where someone pressured him to have a drink, even though he didn't want to. Neil reflects on the societal expectation that one must consume alcohol to have a good time and questions why it has to be that way.
He emphasises the importance of doing what feels right for oneself and making choices based on personal preference. Neil reveals that he has chosen not to drink in social situations and has developed strategies to navigate those situations without drawing attention to his abstinence. He mentions using zero % alcohol alternatives, such as zero percent gins, which he serves in a regular glass so that others don't notice any difference. He explains that people are usually focused on their own drinks during the initial part of the gathering, so they don't pay much attention to what he is drinking.
Neil opens up about his experience with depression and how it has affected his perception of the world. He describes the persistent presence of a dark cloud that obscures the joy and positivity that others may see in their lives. Neil explains that even on good days, the cloud remains on the periphery, waiting to overshadow any sense of happiness.
He acknowledges that managing depression is an ongoing process and believes that it never truly goes away. Instead, he emphasises the importance of learning to cope with and navigate through it. Neil shares that during certain situations, such as being with his dad in the hospital or helping others, he finds himself on autopilot and doesn't struggle as much. In fact, he sometimes even enjoys the opportunity to be helpful and supportive.
Finally, Neil shares his secrets to maximising productivity through the implementation of simple yet powerful routines. He reveals a game-changing rule he follows with his phone, strategically placing it away from his bed to avoid distractions upon waking up. Discover how Neil's "rise at five" routine revolutionised his mornings, enabling him to gain precious hours in the day.
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