Picture this. You have ended up on a desert island, alone and with no sign of life as far as the mind can see. All you have with you are eight things, eight things that mean the most to you and that hold certain memories. But what are they? What are the eight things that you would take with you on a desert island?
You’ve probably all heard of the BBC Radio four show Desert Island Discs where each week a guest is asked about the eight pieces of music they’d take to an island, and some of you may have listened to Giles Coran’s The Times Radio show Desert Island Crisps where he asks guests about the eight items of food and drink they would take with them. There is something about thinking about the things that you couldn’t live without whilst on a desert island. Things that mean a lot to you or things that may hold certain memories. Now the question is, what are these things? What to choose?
1. Coffee
Now I know what you may be thinking. Coffee is something that we all have, why would you take it to a desert island? Well, the reality is coffee is comforting to me. It provides me with the chance to sit and simply be, time to just relax and forget about my troubles. Don’t get me wrong, part of the reason is because the right coffee just really hits the spot but for me it’s more about the moment it provides. Having that chance to sit down with a hot cup of coffee really gives me a moment to relax and process anything that may be going on in my life.
2. Yoga Mat
A yoga mat for me is an essential, wherever I go I always make time for yoga. Whether I have my mat with me or not, I make time to flow. Although I am someone who goes to the gym four times a week, yoga is something different. It’s a chance to just forget whatever is going on in my life at the moment, and focus on the moment. Taking my mind off the troubles of the week and having that chance to keep my mind still, and what more could you want on a desert island.
3. Books
Now books, had you asked me about the things I’d take to a desert island books would not have been on that list. However, now I find it hard to be without a book. Having something that can simply transport you to Middle Earth or to the Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts is just amazing. The fact that a simple book can transport you from the world we live in to somewhere different can really help with your mental health. There are now so many types of books and genres to choose from there are literally books for everyone. Books that can take us to the most magical place and educate us. For me this is the most special thing. Something so small can provide so much relief for our mental health.
4. Plants
Plants, plants, plants. Something that I just can’t live without. I absolutely love plants. So much so that I have ten plants in my room. Some may say that’s a little excessive but I feel it’s just the right amount. I find being surrounded by plants very relaxing and taking care of them is just such a calming thing to do. They soften any room and just bring so much joy to me. Whenever I see a new plant in a shop I am always filled with so much joy and always have to restrain myself from buying more.
5. Photos of my family and closest friends
Now, I’d probably say that this was most important to me. If I was stranded on a desert island I’d want to have photos of my nearest and dearest around me. A constant reminder of the people in my life who have been there for me through thick and thin, who are my constant support and without whom I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
6. Music
Music, another great love of mine. Similar to books, music is a very powerful thing. It has the ability to transport you to a distant place but also can evoke some strong emotions. From filling you with pure joy and love to making you cry your eyes out. For me, music is the most powerful thing I know. Whether it’s listening to my Spotify or playing the Violin, the effects are the same. Music has been a constant tool I have used throughout my life and has been something that has helped me cope with a lot of challenging times but has also empowered me through the happy moments.
7. Mum’s Lasagne
Right, now I know I said that the photos of my loved ones were the most important thing, however I think my Mum’s lasagne is up there as well. For me there is just something about home cooked comfort food that properly hits the spot, and the lasagne my mum makes just hits the spot. It is honestly the best lasagne I have ever tasted and when I’m feeling down or in a really good mood it’s just like having a warm hug. It’s the best combination of feeding my stomach and feeding my soul. It just warms me up so much and is honestly the best thing ever. I don’t think I’d be able to survive a desert island without it to be honest.
8. Incense
The final thing on my list is a bit different. Incense. I find incense a very relaxing thing and also boosts my mood. Whenever I’m just not feeling right I will pop on an incense stick and instantly start to feel better and more relaxed. I don’t know whether it’s the smell or whether it’s just incense in general, it’s one of the few things that really hits the spot for me. That and a cup of coffee. Now, if they could invent an incense stick that smells of coffee that would be just ideal.
So that’s it. The eight things I would take with me on a desert island. It’s safe to say that it’s an odd mix of things, and some of them aren’t what you’d immediately think of when you’re stranded on a desert island, however they all mean something to me.
I’m curious however, what would you have with you on a desert island?