Don't Let Anxiety Get the Best of You

It's been a weird few days for me.  I felt like I have anxiety but I couldn't pinpoint the reason.  At first I was thinking that I couldn't pinpoint the reason because maybe I have spread myself too thin by being involved in so many things.  Then I thought maybe the reason I have anxiety is because I'm involved in so many things.

I've always taken on lots of tasks at work and I've also volunteered a lot.  So what makes this time so different?  I'm not sure.  Maybe it's the additional weight of having a business that rests solely on my shoulders.  I have help but the responsibility is still mine whether it succeeds or fails.

Normally, I don't feel the anxiety because I usually balance out my nervousness and stress with exercise.  For the last month or so, I haven't been able to run and that's my main way to relieve stress.  I usually run until it's gone.  Faster, farther until I feel tired and relaxed.

But now, it's not an option for me.  My mistake is that I didn't have a backup plan.  I relied on running and took it for granted.

Now, my stress levels have gotten higher than expected.  I didn't see it coming.  Now, that anxiety is trying to take over, it's time for some action to combat it.

First, I'm going to take some much needed time off.  I think an extended weekend should be a good start.  Then I'm going to reflect on all the things that I think are causing me stress and look for ways to balance everything better.  Lastly, I'm going to the gym.  Even though I can't run at the moment, I can do other things like weight lifting and riding a stationary bike.  I hope the bikes are ready to handle the stress and anxiety I'm about to release on them.

In closing, I'd just like to say, don't let anxiety or stress get the best of you.  There are lots of ways to relieve it.  You just have to find what works for you.  Once you find methods you enjoy, make sure you have backup options because you never know when one of your stress relief options may not be available.  You are ultimately in control.  It's up to you to recognize it and correct before it's too late!


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Results of a Procrastinator

Well, let's take a look at how procrastinating played out.  I went to sleep instead of working through the night thinking that I would wake up early enough to allow myself 4 hours to finish my work.  My alarm goes off...I turn it off and lay back down for a few minutes.  Minutes turn into hours.  When I actually get up, I only have 2 hours to do what I planned to do in 4.  So I'm rushing to complete my work.  An hour and a half goes by, then my doorbell rings.  It's my friend/neighbor.  His truck was towed and he needs me to drive him to the place to pick it up.  I thought about the work I needed to do briefly and I said, "Sure, not problem."  He helped me recently when I had problems with my car so I owed him.  Was it at an inconvenient time?  Yes, but that's what friends are for.  A good friend is there when you need them.  Okay, how does the story end?  I completed my work on time, finishing some of it 1 minute prior to the deadline.  So things worked out in the end, but if I had planned better, I would have had a lot less stress.

Procrastination

I'm having one of those weird days.  Sometimes you hear something or you see something on TV and then it happens to you.  Yesterday, I saw a commercial about one of those metal wallets and one of the qualities they stressed was how it was waterproof.  One guy said you can get it wet and that's something you don't want to do with a leather wallet.  I remember thinking I've never gotten my wallet wet in all these years.  Today, I washed my wallet.  Everything is out of it now and I'm trying to dry it.  Well, life goes on.  That still doesn't mean I'm going to buy a metal wallet.  On to the topic, procrastination.  A lot of people put off doing things they really don't want to do.  I'm doing it now.  I should be writing a paper for class but for some reason, I always have writer's block until the deadline gets close.  I'm not advocating procrastination but the truth is, some people perform better under pressure.  With papers, I tend to be more creative as the deadline approaches.  It's funny how I can't write for class but I can write here with no problem.  I've probably gotten used to procrastinating.  I'm trying to plan ahead to avoid the last minute rush.  I'd rather work ahead of schedule and have less stress.  I'm not saying procrastination is good or bad.  It always depends on the situation and the person.  While for some, it just creates unnecessary stress, others can use that stress and create amazing products.