“Stress: The confusion created when one’s mind overrides the body’s basic desire to choke the living daylights out of some jerk who desperately deserves it.” Author Unknown
Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.
We all encounter stress in one form or another: whether it be from that frustrating commute to and from work each day, an in-law or relative or friend that seems to interfere when they shouldn’t, a child who’s acting out or being unreasonable, a spouse who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and sets the tone for the day off-kilter, sick child, noisy neighbors, barking dogs, spotty internet connection for days…the list can go on.
It’s how we react or deal with the stress that can make all the difference.
I always say I work well under pressure – which is probably a good thing, since I tend to be a procrastinator. I’m working on it. But I’m not stressing over it. Much. I admit that there is one week out of every month where I’m a bit more sensitive to stress. Yes, that would be PMS week. I tend to be overly sensitive overall during that week.
OK, fine, let’s call a spade a spade – I can be a bitch during that week. So little stressors seem to be big stressors during that particular week. Which is why I try to hibernate more during that week so I don’t succumb to those stressors and stress out everyone else around me. The key word is “try”.
Stress has been unusually high this week – problems with our internet connection combined with PMS made for a stressful time. I’m surprised I didn’t lose my mind with the excessive time spent on hold Terminal Ignore with our carrier and not online.
On the flip side, I did make the most of my lack of internet connection by making a dent in the thorough cleaning that needs to happen in the house, as well as making a dent in recorded programs on my DVR. So it wasn’t a complete loss. Or as stressful as it could have been had I let the stress take precedence.
How do you handle stress? Do you deflect it, embrace it or just roll with it and eat chocolate?
This Spin Cycle wasn’t Stressful (aside from not being able to post when I wanted to) and is brought to you in part by Jen, who has the patience of a saint while Sprite’s Keeper. Head on over and check out the other spinners – see how everyone else deals with stress and find out that you are not alone.
I think it’s excellent that you channeled your stress into a productive activity – cleaning. I usually just sit and fester. And snack. That’s a problem. I wish I was one of those people who can’t eat when they’re under stress and lose a ton of weight!
.-= Gretchen would like you to read ..Spin Cycle: Release =-.
stress and i usually take a long walk out into the woods where i beat it senseless and leave it…lol.
.-= brian would like you to read ..160 – for love & a good book =-.
You channeled your stress by cleaning? What a great idea. I usually crawl into bed and watch HGTV.
.-= Michele would like you to read ..Chatting with Sherry =-.
I’ve been feeling a lot of stress lately, and I tend to take it out on my poor husband. I gotta stop doing that!
.-= Ginny Marie would like you to read ..Please Don’t Forget the Pie! =-.
I love that quote – replace “jerk” with “exhusband” and it would describe me.
I blog to relieve stress. Well, and make Red-Headed Step-Child Martinis.
.-= Jan would like you to read ..Red-Headed Step-Child Martini =-.
Patience of a saint? John may have a few things to say about that. 🙂
I actually like that I handle stress by cleaning. It puts control and order into an otherwise chaotic scene, so cathartic.
You’re linked!
.-= Sprite’s Keeper would like you to read ..Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free. =-.
Good for you to just get down and get dirty, cleaning is a great stress reliever. I usually get out the vacuum and get the rags out for cleaning and pretty soon I forget all about what was bugging me. Smile.
.-= Technobabe would like you to read ..Giving And Getting Whoot Whoot!! =-.
I try to climb blue mountains when stressed. 🙂 Isn’t it amazing how much we depend/want/need our Internet? I can barely remember when it didn’t exist.
.-= The Urban Cowboy would like you to read ..The Smell of Green Grass =-.
I’m already your Friday follower, but wanted to say hi!
My latest postings are, “Pure Love,” “Peace of Mind,” “Simple Gesture,” “Smiles,” “Spring,” “A Feast,” “Love Lifts,” “Wake Up to Serve” and “Soul-itude.”
http://inspiredbyron.blogspot.com/
.-= Ron would like you to read ..Pure love =-.
One word…..whiskey. lol Ok, kidding…..sorta.
I usually turn to music, and in extreme cases, the heavy bag. Gotta say, sometimes…when it’s all gone to hell–it might not change anything or help anything but just HITTING something….as HARD as I can…totally works for me.
Love that quote. I tend to try and avoid stress, but that may be viewed as stressful in itself.
.-= Christopher (AKA: CaJoh) would like you to read ..F2: Bag It =-.
I hear you! that’s when I’m most unable to deal with stress.
.-= kyooty would like you to read ..Friday Fill-ins. Happy Victoria Day Weekend, =-.
I handle stress with a martini in one hand and cake in the other 😉
The older I get the worse I get at handling stress.
If it is something like an emergency I go into overdrive and handle it the best way I can. Normal everyday stuff I procastinate big time!!! Have a great weekend.
.-= Debby would like you to read ..TAG YOUR IT ! =-.
Music is a big stress reliever for me.. being alone a lot is really important to me as well..
greatpost
.-= vodka logic would like you to read ..Friday 55 =-.
I have an award for you 🙂
Extra sleep helps me if I’m very stressed. And a couple of years ago I found out that increasing my calcium intake reduced my PMS stress! It is actually proven medically unlike most of the things I believe in:) That has been a lifesaver for me.
.-= debbie would like you to read ..Wanted: Clothes that Fit a Real Woman =-.
I handle stress the old fashioned way with a glass or two of wine and a good book. It’s a great escape. If I could ever get the bathroom to myself I’d take a bath with the wine and the book but being in the bathroom seems to alert my children that I want to talk to them.
.-= Jen would like you to read ..How Did We Survive? =-.
I used to bathe in it. Then my friend made me buy the book, “the secret” now, I just keep it at bay by telling myself it will all work out in the end.
.-= jessica would like you to read ..Write It Down, You’ll Feel Better =-.
For me, stress can be addictive. Exercise is one way how I diminish my stress; but the only thing that really seems to work is to resolve the problem that is making me stressed… easier said than done, right? 🙂
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny would like you to read ..A tail of woe, part deux =-.
I certain amount of stress helps motivate you to get things done that you are worrying about…
I manage stress by exercise, baking, and cocktail. And then more exercise because of the other 2. LOL
.-= JennyMac would like you to read ..Take A Bite Of: JennyMac’s Sea Salt Caramel Brownies =-.
Ah yes, Stress! I had a ton of that this week too! I hope your week and your internet connection is better!
And I have always loved that quote!!
.-= LT would like you to read ..A Day For Quotes #1 =-.
Man, I don’t handle stress well at all…I have been so “busy” with homeschooling and soccer and awana and bible study and working out and and and ACK! I almost forgot what blogging was like!
Natural progesterone cream has nearly squashed my PMS tho so, there is still ample chocolate in the stores here for all to enjoy, and my family doesn’t need therapy. 🙂
.-= Insanitykim would like you to read ..Mother and Daughter Moments Last a Lifetime =-.
MMM Chocolate!
.-= Laufa would like you to read ..Mother’s Day Pics =-.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!