You NEED a Break!
This is a guest post by Andrea Savitch. Find her at Unique Events.
In today’s world we accept stress as part of life. And we know that the factors that cause stress are not likely to fade into the sunset.
Stress has far more of an impact on our lives than many of us realize. Almost everyone has said ‘oh, the stress is going to give me a heart attack’ and it could happen but far more likely you will deal with less dramatic consequences that lessen the quality of life.
Headaches, ulcers, pain can all come from stress. If you are trying to lose weight, stress can be a big stumbling block. There’s a hormone known as Cortisol and how it effects your ability to lose weight is quite fascinating. Check this article Cortisol and Stress for more info on that.
Dr. Kelly has shown us some great methods for reducing stress. In addition try laughing, keep a funny calendar or visit the Joke of the Day website.
You need the break from stress and if a vacation is more time than you can do, try a 1 or 2 day Getaway to break the cycle that you are in.
There are simple steps to getting away for a day or two and it can be inexpensive as well.
- Choose a date and tell EVERYONE that you will be unavailable at that time.
- Determine a budget and add 10% for the just in case.
- Give up an hour of TV and go through the local newspaper or surf the web and find at least two things you’d like to that are within your budget.
- Buy tickets to a museum or show or make reservations at a restaurant. Now you are committed to someone besides yourself to do this.
- Go and have fun!
If you would like a group presentation with more details on Getaways and taking a break feel free to call or email Andrea at 703-350-2999, email andrea@uniqueventplan.com, visit on the web, www.uniqueventplan.com
I have loved the getaways you’ve planned for us too! That really took all the stress out of it since I didn’t have to do any of the planning…plus it was a treasure hunt kind of day. I have all our mementos from those getaways stashed in a beautiful box in our bedroom. That truly helps us to de-stress!
I can’t help but think of my godparents who both lived well into their 90′s. They ate the worst diet, smoked etc. (not that I am recommending that) BUT, they had NO STRESS. They took time to smell the roses. We so often teach people to eat well, take the best supplements, exercise, but forget to manage the stress! Great article.
Dave
I am looking forward to our cruise getaway in May! In the meantime, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to get myself away from the computer in the evening & make time to spend with my husband, as well as my crafting… it’s different that the art I do on the computer – so, it’s a bit of destressing. Music is a great way of relaxing – listen to something you love & your body will flow with it. But most of all – learn to stop & smell the roses or look at the scenery around you. If you stop, watch, listen & quiet your mind – you’d be amazed as to how relaxed you become when you “come back” to your day.
I couldn’t agree more with your post, Andrea. I’ve seen people wear themselves down by running the rat race. They get so lost in the need to be doing something that they are busy just for busy’s sake. Others simply have to juggle their professional lives with kids’ activities and running the house, and they get overwhelmed.
Taking time for yourself is an incredibly important step. Meditate. Do something active that you enjoy for your health. Take time to reconnect with those you love when you realize the days, weeks, and now months have flown by. Unique Events has done this for us in the past. I strongly recommend Andrea as a creative professional who can give you the break from stress you need.
I think our area here in Northern VA just promotes stress…traffic, work, work-life balance. One of the reasons I think Andrea’s Getaways are SO effective here. It does make me wonder what other areas of the country/world are as high stress as we are?
Definitely a great article and a GREAT reminder!
I love the idea of even just a one day get away. It’s so easy to get caught up in our day to day busy-ness. I agree with Stacia, this area in particular seems to almost consider being stressed as some sort of badge of honor (seriously, how warped can we get in our view of what’s important?!). We can all use reminders to break the cycle of always doing something.
I want to start blogging too, what do you think, which blog cms is good for beginner?