Executivemom's Blog

The weekend is finally upon us and we are all waiting for the clock on the wall to slowly make it's way to 5pm so we can make a "mad rush" for the door and escape for a few short days of - well, whatever helps you relax.

I really do believe that stress has a huge effect on us - even when we say we "can handle it". When I'm overly stressed, I get more stomach aches, more migraines, I'm more worn out. (oh and my kids will tell you I have a very SHORT temper). For others who "burn both ends of the candle", it means high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers and strokes. Some turn to smoking, alcohol and drugs - all of which have their own side effects and issues.

This is a very stressful time we are living in. High gas prices, lower wages, lost jobs, expensive medical care and home foreclosures which sadly are leading people to kill themselves over the thought of the impending problems with no foreseeable solutions.

Since I work out of my house, there are times I have it easier to "just walk away" for a few minutes to relax and regroup. I don't wait for the weekend. On the other hand, it is with me ALWAYS and like last night I'm up until 2 am doing work related items.

I guess as the weekend approaches, my question to you is, what do you do or where do you go when you are "frazzled"? Is this something you can do throughout the day or week so you don't have to wait until the weekend and "everything that's been bottled up blows"?

I read yesterday about a new place that you can go and have a pedicure with your feet in a pond of carp. Not quite my idea of relaxing, could do that in the creek on our farm but I do go on our deck and listen to the water fountain my husband built. The soothing trickle of the water triggers memories of the days I spent at home with my parents and sisters (we had a waterfall off of our deck there). What wonderful carefree time. Then there are times I wonder off to the corner of the yard to our forgotten sand box that the kids have outgrown and sit by myself and build a sandcastle. It makes me feel like a kid again but it also conjures up images of vacations on the beach, relaxing, reading a book, watching the kids run and play and giggle. Just a moment to "regroup" and collect myself and my inner peace.

So what is it you do in these crazy times that helps you regroup? (Would love some new ideas. Although there are days I would love a nice, quiet, little, padded room, it is cheaper than a trip to the psychiatrist that's for sure! :)