As with any ambitious, hard-charging career woman, my life requires moments where I adjust my balance. My success level has increased, but my work load at home has not, which means additional stress and fewer moments of free time. Previously enjoyable activities such as reading now take on work aspects as I study novels for craft, even if all I really want is to sink into the story.
Something has to give.
The first thing to go was housework. As opposed to the old days when I would clean to procrastinate, my love for what I do means that a tidy house is nearly my last priority. Cooking, too, has taken on an air of odiousness that it didn’t have before. I’ve learned to adjust, and my family doesn’t really seem to care. Makes me think that my insistence on daily cleaning chores was my idea, not theirs.
But that wasn’t enough. My stress level was super high, including panic attacks and trouble breathing. There was no way I could continue at that pace, without any means of alleviating the tension. So I gave up caffeine and started up with yoga.
I used to do yoga more consistently, as well as maintain an active exercise regimen. But you know how these things go. A conference here. A holiday there. Kids home for summer break. And things go a bit pear-shaped.
This time, however, I know this isn’t for weight loss or to get my body into a different shape, although I know that will happen if I keep with it. The goal is to reduce stress. To have moments in my day where the OMG whoa of holding a pose claims my full attention. I need those times, to balance the constant mental wear and tear of shoving my career one foot father along.
(I’m also the lead singer of The Lofties, the Rock Band group I formed with my daughters, where I belt out a mean version of “You Give Love a Bad Name.” But that’s another post altogether.)
What about you, everyone? What do you do to blow off stress? Do you have a exercise routine that helps you unwind? I’m giving away a copy of my favorite yoga DVD, The Firm’s Power Yoga, to one random commenter. Best of luck!
Walking. I love walking, being out in the fresh air. But not in fresh, freezing air. The last 2 days I’ve been shoveling, which I’m sure burned calories and I actually didn’t mind it. It’s better than cleaning.
I used to do Yoga, and I still do some stretches. I did one this morning, and my cat jumped off the bed to show me how much better she can stretch. lol
Carrie, I admire people who can do yoga. And pilates. I’m not quite cut out for either, but I do a very basic form of t’ai chi (much more for stress-reduction reasons than exercise) and I also go to the gym, though not as often as I should… This is an incredibly stressful profession — I think almost all writers have to find ways to tune down the cries of chaos swirling around us sometimes — and anything healthy that works is, IMO, a really good thing.
Have a great weekend!
I hike outside as often as I can, no matter what the weather. Even with the snow we’ve been having, it has been worth it to have that quiet time!
Hey Carrie, so glad you’re doing such an important thing for YOU! I really wish I was an excercise gal now; wierd since I taught classes at a spa for years. The thing I currently do is take New Chapter vitamins. One of my daughter’s GF is a nutritionist and swears by them. We’ve been taking them for a few years, and discovered there’s something really there. There’s a fabulous B-complex one too, that targets the nervous system. Might be a great thing to add to your yoga moves!
I do have yoga books and tapes, and once in awhile feel the need to get back into them. I also have a stepper that’s fun. For the most part, though, I think the minerals and vitamins are crucial in this day and age of fast foods, wierd food additives, and empty calories…all of which I partake of. Hey, I baked a peach pie yesterday, so I’m totally preaching to the choir here. But, New Chapter at least makes me feel better about all the failings I do have. Guess I’m working from the inside out these days. lol
Ooops, forgot to add Bach’s flower essences! Those are fabulous too, and come in all varieties and herbal needs. You put drops into your water, etc, and walla…a natural remedy for whatever ails ya.
Okay, just to be weird, I really don’t have any stress. None that I allow myself. Given the health crap I’m going through I’d be justified in stress, depression, whatever, but I’ve learned a long time to put things out of my mind. I deal with them when I have to, but I refuse to dwell on ‘em. Does that make sense?
As far as cutting out things in order to devote more time to important things … yep, manic cleaning has definitely taken a back seat. We keep the house neat, but not pristine and on the plus side … I have a hubby who’s willing to pitch in. The little darlin’ is being required to also pitch in … particularly when I’m unwell. Its a group effort that works pretty well in our family.
Chaos reigns at my house at the moment as we pack and get ready to move back to Illinois. I’ve just finished edits on my Carina Press book coming out in June and loaded several indie books to the various publishers. I’m teaching a workshop right now in the middle of everything else. BUT I’m doing my exercises every night in front of the TV and finding videos and other things to laugh at. I’m sneaking in a few minutes a day to read and walk outside (soaking up as much Florida sun as possible to take with me).
I love yoga, Carrie, and I understand your stress. Taking care of yourself is so important, for you, your family and your career.
p.s. I can’t wait to hear about the Lofties!
Carrie, it sounds like you’ve done the exact right thing for you. I love to walk, and did not do nearly enough over the holidays. I can’t take the kids with me (my route is 4 km up a serious hill) so it ended up being snatched here and there. I’ve missed it. They went back to school on Wednesday and I’ve walked every morning since then. Joy! I understand what you mean about stress. It seems to come in waves for me, I control it better at some times than others, but it helps to have a healthy outlet.
I, too, go for brisk walks as exercise. I do stretches in the morning to limber myself up for the day. In any case, as it doesn’t snow here, I can walk any time of the year, just with a water-repellent jacket and hat when it rains.
Carrie I can so totally relate! I walk my dog. we’ve walked off 27 pounds of my stressed out butt, since the end of September. I ALWAYS feel better after a walk.
Like Edie, I’m a walker. I love to walk away my stress–so nice!
Sorry about the MASSIVE delay, everyone. Back to that “taking care of me” imperative. BUT! The winner is: Liz Michalski. Liz, email me (contact AT carrielofty DOT com) and I’ll get you your prize!
Pingback: Tweets that mention Taking Care of Me | Magical Musings -- Topsy.com