We all have stress. In one way or another, it is fairly likely that something in your life is just a hair off of perfect. In some way, it is likely that something in your day-to-day goings on bothers you. For some of us, work can be a lot to handle on certain days. For others, the kids can really get on your nerves. I mean, we love ‘em, but if we have to hear one more fight about who gets to sit in the front seat, Lord help them. Maybe the daily traffic routines have you in a tizzy. Whatever it may be, likely something in your world bugs you. And, that causes stress.
   We have all heard of the infinite ways that stress takes a negative toll on your life. From headaches and body tension, to excess eating and weight, we all handles stress in different ways, but chances are pretty good, stress is having an effect on your body. And, of course, stress affects everyday life (attitude?). Maybe your rough day at work means you snip a little too much at the kids. Perhaps that nasty gesture at the car that cut you off was a bit over the top, but you had been in traffic over an hour, right?
   No matter the way you spin it, stress can cost you. I had my annual check-up at the doctor’s this week, and as usual, he told me I need to stop stressing so much. How can I find ways to decrease my stress? In my opinion, that is far easier said than done. There are countless things in our daily lives that we can’t control. We may not be able to change our jobs, make the kids get along every day or decrease the traffic in Greater Philadelphia, but how we react to all of those things, well, that we can control.
   In my quest to “follow doctor’s orders,” I am taking some time out of my hectic day to think about the things that bother me. Why do they bother me? Why do they stress me out? I think this is a good first step. Like so many “step” programs out there, the first step is admitting we have a problem, right? So, identify that problem, and be clear about what it is that bothers you and why.
   My next step (and mind you, I am no life coach here, but I can tell you what I am doing to decrease stress in my life) is to think about the things I can control in life. There is that little saying “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference,” and I am taking it to heart.
   I took some time this weekend to outline the things that are bothering me first, that I can change. I am not thrilled with my weight gain. Stress (and having two babies, of course), has created some horrible eating habits for me. So first stop, set up a reasonable and healthy diet plan.
   Part of that routine, not only to lose weight, but further decrease my stress, is to set up a work-out routine. Even if my schedule is jammed, I really need to find time for the gym. It is necessary to be health and fit. And, it is helpful for lowering stress in and of itself.
   In my world, having no time for my husband also bothers me. So, we called on a babysitter and decided that the time and money to go out every other week on a date night is well worth the planning.
   Thirdly, I feel that having time for one’s self is also key. This past weekend, I literally bought a desk-sized calendar to schedule all of these crucial times: time for me, time for the gym, time for the family and time for the husband.
   Maybe you aren’t as anal retentive as I am about such organization, but I will admit, it made me feel better about the chaos. I may have a lot to work into my schedule, but organizing and taking control of what I can makes me feel a lot better about the things I cannot change.