By Staff
Melissa Cason
This week has been very out of the ordinary for me. Despite the best planning and my best efforts, I have found myself in the midst of February with another 10 progress stories to write, and several photos to take before I can put Progress 2008 behind me.
And, I've only got another week to do them.
I know that you are thinking that I am over reacting because I am in a little pinch, but I can certainly tell you that I am not. Ten stories may not sound like a lot to you, and usually it's not for me, but when you add on my regular duties and a somewhat shortened schedule do to issues with childcare, it's a lot to handle.
With all of this on my mind, I began to feel the pressure last week when I found myself very angry while working one night. Ordinarily, the issue that ticked me off would have just rolled right off my back, but because I was already feeling a pinch, my blood pressure hit the roof.
I found myself yelling in public, which is very un-Melissa like, and talking in rambles because I could not complete a single thought.
I was so angry and frazzled that it took a few days for me to settle down and get back to normal.
I found myself cutting any unnecessary stress-causing elements loose, and I felt better immediately. It's not wise to compound more stress onto an already stressful time.
Stress is in our minds, but when it gets to be too much for us, it's time to do something about it.
Stress can cause a ton of problems including stroke and heart disease. Stress can also age you. I know it sounds silly but the part about aging you really freaks me out.
I am a woman, and I don't want to look old. I want to age gracefully, and having stress in my life can deter that plan.
So my goal is to take a deep breath, and if that doesn't work, I plan to walk away from stress. And, add some kind of exercise to my routine once again in an effort to reduce stress. (I know…I stop and start, stop and start.)
Hopefully, all of this will work, and I will never again be seen yelling in public and talking in rambles.
If somehow I don't reach this goal and you see me yelling and talking in rambles, do me a favor and point me to the nearest vacation.