All of us can relate to feeling overwhelmed by some symptoms of stress.  If you have never experienced stress you are probably dead or you are a robot. Inevitably life circumstances and attitude bring us stress.  People do let us down and things do go wrong here on planet earth.

If you are unsure whether you are under stress, check out for yourself these symptoms of stress and see how you fair or where you are.

*You are a regular complainer and criticize everything you see. You make sure you point out everyone’s mistake and not let it pass. You are so good at spotting mistakes…someone else’s.  You scream and yell showing no mercy over the slightest action or word that does not meet your demand which to you is absolutely reasonable.

*You feel that you are a victim of everyone and everything. You pass the blame around as much as you can because you believe you are never at fault for anything. The fault is always the other person.

*You agonize and waver over a decision even over a small matter for fear of making a mistake. You often choose not to decide because it’s safer.

*Worries fill your mind. You worry about almost everything. When something unfortunate happens you assume you are the next victim. Then you begin to worry and think about it. You fill your mind with the tragedies of the nightly news or tales from others. *Paranoia rules you.  You read into everyone’s behavior thinking they probably don’t like you or trying to compete with you.

*You stay away from happy people. You do not want them to rub off on you and cause you to cheer up. You are too comfortable to have them disrupt your unhappy flow and miserable feeling.

*You drink as much alcohol as you can to numb your pain or to escape. You may even turn to illegal drugs to escape the reality of life’s problems and expectations.  

*You begin to dishonor your body with lots of fast food or unhealthy food. You stay up late at night and sit around and vegetate.   

If what I just shared describe you then it is time to take stock of your activities and responsibilities and make changes to your lifestyle before you become so overstressed.  It is time to break free from stress and live life before you break down from stress. You have only one life to live. Let’s live its fullest. 

To have a friend where you dare to be yourself is one of the best gifts in life. To be able to remove our mask and be the real you with that person is indeed priceless.

But then, how many of us can boast of a friend described in this short lyrics I came across from a little  book I bought more than ten years ago?

What is a Friend? I’ll tell you. It is a person with whom you dare to be yourself.  Your soul can go naked with him.  He seems to ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you really are.

When you are with him, you do not have to be on your guard.  You can say what you think, so long as it is genuinely you.

He understands those contradictions in your nature that cause others to misjudge you.  With him you breathe freely – you can avow your little vanities and envies and absurdities, and in opening them up to him they are dissolved on the white ocean of his loyalty.

He understands. – You can weep with him, laugh with him, pray with him – through and underneath it all he sees, knows and loves you.

 Anonymous

I was close to finding one such friend but unfortunately, situation of life took us to different directions. It is my wish and prayer for you that you find such a friend. And, there is such a friend if you truly seek. Don’t worry…..be happy!

If you are like me, a multi-tasking woman … (or are there any other type?) …..then stress is here to stay. But is it getting the better of you?

Most of us go through stress not realizing that we are under and drowning because we simply accept all situations as just a way of life. “Well, this is my portion so I will brace myself and be strong” is a familiar thought and comfort instead of looking for avenues for relief. I have here for you a short and simple check list for ‘Stress Relief’. 

Stress Relief #1 - Just say ‘No’.

You have only so much time each day. Do you realize that all of us are equally given a 24hour day? Set boundaries for yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to firmly put your foot down when requests for your time and energy get too overwhelming or unreasonable. Writing down a ‘To Do List’ will help you to figure out what is important and urgently needs to be attended to. The list goes down to other things that can just wait. This way you are in control of the demands of the day.

Stress Relief #2 - I will make time for sleep.

When you lose sleep it comes back to haunt. Insufficient sleep brings you lack of concentration, ill health and exhaustion. Don’t throw sleep out of the window.  With enough sleep and rest you are ensured better health and more energy to tackle the day.

Stress Relief #3 – Compromise is ok.

Whether the job given to you is small stuff or very important and crucial, you give every ounce of energy and time you have (or left of you!). You feel you are a weakling if you compromise for the small stuff. Let’s not sweat for those small and trivial.  It’s less stressful this way.

Stress Relief #4 – I can be flexible.

Just because things did not go or turn out the way you plan or expect, you are upset and disappointed. Sometimes you even blame yourself. Life so often throws us a curve ball, so why not accept it and be poised to roll out your punches for your next move. 

Since stress is here to stay, women, may you join me to arise and activate these stress reliefs and let live.