Stress less

I have incorporated exercise, eliminated some stressors and bad lifestyle choices, and I make a concerted effort not to get too bent out of shape or fearful of things I cannot control. And you know what, I think it’s all working.

Well, this week and the weeks to follow are going to be moving at a very fast pace. I started to get overwhelmed on Tuesday but was able to calm dowm. I basically have something due every day until the end of the semester. Non-stop fun.

I also have to take the math placement test in order to enroll for my two remaining math courses at university. I have to enroll April 10th. And I found out that if I do not pass the first time, I cannot take the test again for 3 months. Well, I am planning on graduating in August so that simply will not work. I did this to myself by putting it off but I’m a little scared.

Need good wishes. And if anyone wants to go take the test for me, there’s a nickel in it for you!

This is one of my biggest To Do’s – an ongoing one as well.

But something clicked recently and I think I’m doing better. Trying to keep stress at a minimum, not worry, and not get too far ahead of myself. I feel better.

I’ve become acutely aware of how stress affects my life and how it manifests itself. It’s quite disturbing actually. So I’m attempting to delve deeper, find the root of some problems, become aware of my reactions to daily stressors and experiment with ways to help me deal with stress. I’m paying a lot of attention to breathing, tension, and how I can go from okay to freaking out inside in a second.

I recently found out a person in my family has cancer, for the second time. I began to think about the individual and all the pain and stress that has been in her life. All the ways she was self-destructive. I truly believe that stress can breed the most horrible of diseases. This is a frightening thought however, you cannot be frightened because that, in itself, is harmful.

Where is the happy balance we all seek? How do you lead a healthy life while maintaining your intelligence, curiosity, depth, wit, and awareness?

I’m really trying to stress less, or at least to catch myself at the onset and dealing with the stress head on. It is working pretty well so far however, sometimes it takes me a while to realize I’m going into stress mode. Basically a lot of self talk and reminding myself that really nothing is as bad as I often make it out to be in my mind.