dealing with stress | Creating My Niche

Have you ever had one of those days, that nothing goes right? Sure, we all have. Yesterday was that day for me. I’m a pretty optimistic person, but I think we all have a little dread in our hearts when Monday rolls around.

I woke up yesterday at 4:15 to the sound of my eldest son blowing his nose. Nice alarm clock, don’t you think? I never went back to sleep after that, finally getting out of bed at 5:30.

That was unexpected.

I like to plan my day and normally adhere pretty well to my schedule, but when you start your day in an unexpected way, at an unexpected time, it sort of sets the tone for the day. Not exactly a good tone either. But trying to remain positive, I found some motivation and strength somewhere deep inside. Coffee may have played a role in that, but motivation and strength, nonetheless.

I went to work on laundry, chores and was making good progress on my “to-do” list. All the while, dropping about everything I touched, to the point I thought I should not look at anything, because it might just throw itself on the floor, to save it the suspense of who’s next.

Then I remembered I had to make a phone call about some personal matters. Ugh. Two hours later after a torturous conversation and a ridiculous amount of time filling out online forms, my schedule went right out the window.

So now it’s only lunch time, I’ve picked up nearly everything in the house. Twice. I’m stressed about something completely out of my control.

~sigh~

Does this ever happen to you? Thankfully last night was the monthly homemaker’s meeting. The topic for discussion? Stress management. What could be more fitting?

We talked about the different types of stress and how to cope with it. Even though we didn’t talk specifically about my stressor, we discussed stresses that are out of our control. I found it so helpful.

It’s good to be reminded that you can’t do everything, some things are beyond your control, and no one is perfect.

Everyone experiences stress. EVERYONE. Young, old, single, married, it shows no discrimination.

For me a big stress is the unexpected. I am doing so much better with it, mostly due to being a mom. Once a child is in your life, the unexpected just becomes the norm. When you have four children, like I do, having something expected happen, becomes the crazy.

Just remember you’re not alone.

Stress can do so much to you body and mind without us being aware of it. It can hurt us and our relationships with those we love. It can cause illness.

Don’t let it take control. Little bits of stress (like my day Monday), can add up before you know it. Talk about it, take a walk, read a book, find a way that works for you, but relieve that stress.

Here are a couple of links about stress if you are interested…

Stress Management – Learn to Prevent and Reduce Stress

Stress Management – Healthy Lifestyle