Stress

Since my heart attack, the mantra has been "You have to reduce stress." I'm finding that is easier said than done. Stress comes in little packages, as well as big packages. It isn't always the big event. Sometimes, it's pulling out of the driveway, and being confronted with traffic.

For me stress is a number of issues. Money issues are always there, and they always cause me a certain amount of stress. Then again, money in general has always been a source of stress for me. When we were young, the simple act of asking for an allowance, or for a new toy, was met with 20 questions. This has carried over into adulthood. I get stress if I have to part with more than $50 for something.

The next issue is work. My work is not stressful. It's the things around my work which bring stress. Lack of good communication, so I can do my job effectively brings me a great deal of stress. I can handle the angry customer in front of me. I go nuts if I have to ask a question requiring timely response, and the response either requires me to ask several times, or I wait too long. Pick and choose your battles. I always pick communication, because it determines how well you can do your job.

Finally I think about the stress I self induce. If I am OCD on anything it's time. For me, being 5 minutes early is on time. I have a big problem with tardiness, and it churns my up inside to not be on time. So clearly, this is something I can work on. The others sometimes feel beyond my control.

Next week I sit down with a lifestyle coach who is going to talk to me about my life, where my stress is, and how to reduce it. Should be an interesting topic to say the least.

Charlie