Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Stress

My office is knee deep in research materials, various stages of various projects, books I want to read, books other people want me to read, and junk I need to do.

As I've said before, I don't think I'm the Lone Ranger. I'm guessing lots of you looked around your office and said, "Amen sister," when I mentioned that my office is knee-deep in stuff. Most of you probably said, "Uh, huh," when I also mentioned that half the stuff in here isn't my doing. It's other people's stuff.

I'm not annoyed by having to do other people's stuff, as much as I dislike the fact that I have no control over what other people give me to do.

And THAT'S where I think the stress comes in. It's the lack of control.

So, okay. I'm thinking that's not going to change. Which means I have to change. Sure, I've made that promise before, but this time I mean it.

Really.

Seriously.

Okay, stop laughing.

Knowing I would need some help with this effort I googled stress relief. I actually found a really cool site.

http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

They don't say ridiculous things like organize your life. I've finally realized I can't organize my life when so many people seem to have a say in it. Instead, helpguide.org suggests I try deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. In a world where file folders and books are positioned to eat my feet, a little deep breathing actually goes a long way.

But more than that, I know the benefits of deep breaths. Good for oxygen. (Obviously) Which is good for your body. And it costs me nothing. And I don't look silly doing it. Even in the checkout at the Walmart, I can breathe deeply when the person behind me runs over my foot with her cart.

But I digress.

Continuing on my quest to conquer stress, I went here: http://www.quotegarden.com/stress.html

Nothing like a good quote to calm you right down. Or make you laugh. Some of these made me laugh.

The man who doesn't relax and hoot a few hoots voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on. ~Elbert Hubbard

That's certainly food for thought!


There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

True enough!


I really like this one...

Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness. ~Richard Carlson

Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live. ~Margaret Fuller

Ah. That one will make you stop and think!

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~Ovid

I actually prove this one out every day. Things I write when I'm tired are not what anyone would consider bountiful!

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down. ~Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin! One of the greats of our time.

But here's my favorite...

No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

Go to the site with the deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxing techniques. Draw a bath. Make Thursday night stress relief night!

susan



10 comments:

Denise said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Denise said...

You're talking to the queen of stress. I have a feeling some of those hints will help save my sanity.

Bex said...

Hi Susan, you're so right - coping with stress can be so hard, especially when part of that stress comes your way via someone else creating it. The quotes you shared are helpful and I especially liked the one:

No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

I think I'll print this one out and affix it to my computer monitor. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that one cannot simply will the stress into submission. It takes a more concerted effort to step back, really breathe, and focus on relaxing oneself. I have to keep this mantra in mind: In with the good, out with the bad. It helps center my breathing and mentally compartmentalize the bad stress so I can try to get rid of it.

I hope your stress relief night was helpful!

Tammy Pick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tammy Pick said...

In reality, I'm never going to get everything done that I think should be done within the time frame that I arbitrarily set for such things.
Sadly, I keep trying.
Thank goodness for good books. Instant stress relief.

Susan said...

I laughed when I read all your comments! Stress bedevils us all!

But I've decided to look into a little more. Mostly because I want to enjoy the rest of my life, not always be under stress.

I especially love the comment that books are instant stress relief.

Couldn't agree more!

susan

Anonymous said...

"Lily Tomlin! One of the greats of our time."

I so agree! Thanks for the de-stressor suggestions. And a special thanks for the laughs re the perils experienced by your poor feet. :-D Oh, and just in case you didn't know . . . I'd LOVE to win either or both of your books!

Janice Curran

Barbara White Daille said...

Susan - thanks for the de-stressing ideas. I can use them!

And I *love* quotes. Will check out the site for additional words of wisdom on calming and other important habits.

Good luck getting your office in order. Let me know if you come up with any useful tips on that subject. LOL

Barbara
www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Susan said...

Maybe that will be the first topic I research...organizing.

I seriously think writers and all creative people need a different way to organize than what's at Staples and Office Max.

Like we need somewhere to put new ideas...but it has to be see through so that every once in a while we'll peek over and see the idea and get inspired. LOL

Susan said...

TP is the winner of our books!

Unfortunately, I lost her email addy.

I'll be posting this on twitter and facebook.

TP, email me!

susan