Lately I have been trying to find ways to deal with my stress. It seems a bit overwhelming lately and I would like to fix it sooner rather than later. I hate feeling stressed and having anxiety about things that are petty and not worth it.
It seems that I stretch myself a bit too thin...and these last few months it seems that it was too much on my body. I can feel myself more tired and I can tell I am slowing down when I do things...the only thing I can think this relates to is stress.
I know stress can really take a toll on ones body and that scares me. I feel like I am a pretty healthy person and would hate for something to happen to me because of the stress I put on myself!
With all that I have going on right now...SUPER BUSY @ work (9/15 and 10/15 tax deadlines), training for my triathlon and deciding to remodel 3 very important rooms in our home...it has finally caught up to me and my body is slowing down. I am not taking care of myself and something has to change on my end before my body decides to change on its own in a way I would not probably agree with.
Now I haven't experienced ALL of these affects on my body, but I have felt some! I've noticed that in my training for my tri that my body wants to stop before it's time. I've noticed I am way more tired than normal and am loosing energy to do things. I notice that my fuse is short and I get very irritable with people a lot more easily. This is not the way I want to live...so something has to change!!!
One thing I for sure started doing this week was going to bed earlier...I mean A LOT earlier. I had been getting to bed around 11 which is ok if your waking up at 6 or 7. I am waking up at 4:45 to get to the gym to train for my tri...so that means that is less than 6 hours of sleep which is not enough for me. The last few days I have been trying to get to bed by 9. So far...it's been about 10 that I actually shut off the lights...which is an extra hour so far. I'm working my way to 9 :)
These are very good ways on how to deal with stress. One thing I don't see on that I've decided to take up is meditating. I would like to meditate everyday for 10 minutes and see how that helps. I have a few songs on my iPod that are 'meditation' songs. I used them while I was studying for the CPA exam and would meditate to help with my stress then. I eventually did pass the test so I am hopeful that it helped. I really need to make more 'me' time and I think meditating is a good start!
Any other suggestions on dealing with stress and how to break up with it for good?
I can 100% relate to you, especially this summer. I stretched myself way to thin with lots of work travel, hosting baby showers and bachelorette parties....my body was physically reacting negatively. Ever since labor day (and relaxing!) I have felt fresh and renewed. I am going to say no more!! And I have started waking up 10 minutes earlier so I am not rushed in the morning and get to cuddle my hubby and pup!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to work on this too!! I have been stretching myself way too thin, and I can definitely see some of those things happening with my body!! EEK!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I learned this the hard way for sure. Twice, actually! The first time, I was working 2 jobs (equalling 50 hours/week), going to school full time(15 units0, going through some pretty intense marathon training, and leading a community 5K running group. I started feeling kinda tired all the time, but I thought I could kinda push through it. I pushed and pushed, until I ended up hospitalized for pneumonia. I could hardly move for a month, it took me 3 months to get back into a normal routine again, and I've honestly never had the same energy level as I did before. That "pushing through" impacted my health for the rest of my life. I learned it again while I was going through beauty school. Again, I thought I could do it all, just get through it. I was in school 40 hours/week, working 5 nights a week, and planning my wedding at the same time. I have never experienced exhaustion like that before. About half way through, my car broke down and I had a major panic attack. I'd never experienced that, and I sure hope I never do again! My whole world came crashing down, and I had to take a month leave of absence from school, just to get my life back on track. It was terrible. I certainly hope twice is enough times to learn my lesson! I try to make sure I have more open and free time in my life now, even if that means I'll accomplish my dreams at a slower pace. I try to keep in mind that living a full and good long life is more important than getting it all done in this moment. Plus, I did a major refocus on all those things you mentioned above, and it made a huge difference. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeletesleep is HUGE girl. I think that will make a big difference! I also listen to "meditation" type music when I'm stressed or need help focusing. That works really well for me. Splurge on a massage and make sure you're eating well!
ReplyDeletei agree. right now i am stretched too thin with work! this is a great post. sometimes if i just set and am quiet for even ten minutes with no distrations and just "be: it helps me. new follower too by the way. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my did this ever speak to me. Thank you for sharing these tidbits of information. The stress monkey has been on my back a lot lately. I need all the encouragement I can get.
ReplyDeleteamen sista! over the years i have really paid special attention to things that help me relax; music {favorite songs}, putting my makeup on, sitting down to watch a favorite show (an entire episode) a glass of wine and reading a good book. just to name a few ;)
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