Coping With Stress 101

I'm back!

It's been nearly two weeks since my last post- and what a two weeks it's been.

I signed up for all of it- well, most all of it.

That's how it goes, right? You say yes to things months in advance... and then the month arrives and you're frozen with a to-do list longer than hours in the day.

I hit that point around mid-January- with a pilot premiere drawing closer, a triathlon to compete in, a magazine release with my photo in it and major changes at work.

Am I getting sympathy points yet?!

Now that I'm on the other side of the mountain- I want to climb it all over again.

Crazy, I know! But in the midst of the worry and stress came great moments of victory, satisfaction and support that brings tears to my eyes.

In short: the month I dreaded turned into a month I want to live all over again.

I want to go into detail about each stressful, intimidating, wonderful event of the past month. But for tonight, I want to share my thoughts on coping with stressful times.

Take it one day at a time.  In fact, focus on 24 hours at a time.

Always make time for what you need to stay sane- no matter how busy you are. Run. Pray. Laugh.

It's OK to waste a few mind-numbing hours minutes on Facebook, Twitter or Sudoku.

Instead of letting your fears ruminate, talk them out- or write them down.

Cry in the bathtub.

Don't drink; it never makes you feel better.

Love on your friends & family. They stick by you through your worst.

Say goodbye to guilt; you're doing the best you can.

Eat frozen yogurt.

Cuddle with your cat on the couch.

Say thank-you to everyone. The check-out girl's day matters just as much as yours.

Enjoy it- because when it's over, it's over.

Let's hear it; how do you get through stressful times?