All Stressed Out And No Place To Go

What do you do when stress mounts? Before it passes your threshold?

Do you reach out for help? Take a step back and evaluate what to change? Cut yourself some slack and let others know to do the same? Find a way to relieve some of it?

Most of us do not. We allow it to grow, put our noses to the grindstone, grin and bear it, and suffer through whatever the situation may be — hoping to come out on top in the end, or just come out of it at all.

By the time we reach the big 4 – 0, our generation should know better. We’ve learned about the deadly effects of stress and have been taught — in theory — the benefits of lessening and managing stress, as well as balancing our lives with stress-relief activities.

I’ve become much better in this area, but I don’t always succeed. Last week was a good example of not doing such a good job. Sure, almost no one noticed, no one else suffered, but it took its toll.

I may not have been able to reschedule projects, or even work less hours, but I should have taken a midday break every day — not just at the beginning of the week. I should have done more for myself to alleviate the stress, Tai Chi or Yoga a couple times would have been great.

Nearing the end of the week, I was frazzled and fried. Luckily, a dear friend took notice and reminded me how even a 15-minute vacation from reality could do wonders — and it did.

Have I finally learned my lesson? I hate to say it, but I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to wait till next time to find out and get back to you.

I hereby officially declare this week to be a stress-free zone.