The Six Letter 'S' Word

You know what I'm talking about. The evil foe that will drag us down, keep us awake at night, follow us every minute of the day. It has the ability turn the happiest, most exciting event into something excruciating. It can wreak havoc on our appetite, and slow us down on our favorite run. It can eat away at us mercilessly. It can take a mental and physical toll.

Stress is not our friend.

Yesterday, the stress that had been building up in me just came to a head. My gym workouts had been extending throughout the day the last few weeks because I've been feeling like I'm carrying around a 50lb weight on my shoulders. Some people may think that being out of work is great - you have all this free time on your hands to do whatever you like, right? Nope. Not really.

The job search.... a death in the family.... a nagging foot injury that keeps me from running.... an apartment search.... a new leadership role with the YPC.... the job search.... wanting to improve this blog.... freelance work.... health issues.... interviews.... the thought of having to move a week after a family vacation.... a foot injury holding me back....

This and more has just been piling up, desperately needing to be released like the lava from the volcano in Iceland. Yesterday I felt like I was suffocating under it all and couldn't take it anymore. I had spent most of the day on the computer inside our apartment. It was gloomy, rainy and humid outside. Truthfully, I felt defeated. By the time Woody got home from work I was completely overwhelmed and exhausted. I just wanted the day to be over, and I hate days like that. We only get a certain number of days in our life, so it's a shame to want to rush through them!

I decided I had to get out and go for a walk, so I put on my shoes, grabbed my iPod and water bottle and left. I went up to Carl Schurz Park along the East River and just sat there, watching the water flow, barges go by, people running along the path, kids playing and dogs running around the dog park. I was listening to an an album by one of my favorite artists - Matt Hales. He writes amazing lyrics and melodies; they instantly eased my mind, a little. 

By the time I got home I knew how to solve one issue. Woody and I talked about it and we decided to get more details about a particular apartment and if there aren't any big surprises, we're going to submit an application. It's not ideal, but the kitchen is pretty amazing and that's rare in this city.

While there are still a lot of things weighing me down, I'm feeling a little better this morning. I had a good walk last night that cleared my mind and a good, hard workout this morning that got me ready for a new day. I usually deal with stress by going for a run or working out. Last night the evening walk listening to beautiful music helped me come to terms with a decision that had to be made. And if I stick to a weekly yoga class, that will also help me manage my stress. Starting now, I'm going to do more to de-stress and not let it build up like it has been. Stress is not going to pull me down!

It's hard to really enjoy life if we're stressed out all the time, and there is plenty to stress about these days, so the trick is finding ways that help you cope with it. How do you manage stress?
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workout stats -
25minutes StairMaster
13miles bike
3x10 arm extension
3x10 arm curls
3x10 seated row
3x10 lat pulldown
stretching

It's December & You Know What That Means...

Undoubtedly, December means many things to many people. Joy, excitement, parties, shopping, snow, baked goods, family time, religious celebrations, holiday lights, Christmas trees.... stress, anxiety, credit card bills, busy schedules.....the list is practically endless.

Here are a few tips to stay calm and enjoy the season! Feel free to add your own.

1. Stay physical - make sure to keep up with your exercise routine or at least make an effort to go out for a walk to take a break and be active.

2. Light a scented candle or a fire in your fireplace (if you're lucky enough to have one!) and curl up with a good book, play a board game with family, or watch a holiday special! All with a mug of hot chocolate, of course!

3. Focus on the most important things - family, friends, health

4. Set a budget now, at the start of the month, and stick with it so you don't overspend. Include gifts, party expenses, events, etc.

5. Volunteer - at church, school, or in your community. Giving back and helping others is good for the mind and soul and helps others in need.

6. Enjoy time with friends and family.

7. Listen to festive music (enter the giveaway here!)

8. Avoid the mall and shop online! You'll save gas money, avoid spontaneous purchases (that cute but unnecessary musical Santa is not so great for the wallet, that sweet smelling Cinnabon is the not waistline friendly!), and you can do it from the comfort and warmth of your home.

9. If you REALLY want it, enjoy a holiday treat or two! There's nothing wrong with it!

10. Give gifts from the heart. They don't have to break the bank. The thought is the most important thing.

11. Take time to have fun and breathe every day. Life is for enjoying and experiencing, not for rushing through.