This last month (and yesterday's post) really got me thinking about managing my stress levels.
I know what I should be doing: "Set priorities, delegate, let go of what you can't control." That's what all life coaches and psychologists will tell you (and through Working Mom magazine, I've met a lot).
So why couldn't I do that this month?
Setting priorities -- well, kind of hard when the choices are family and work (in my case, a sick child and a magazine deadline that couldn't be moved). I really had to be there for BOTH of them, because it's not like I could tell my son to please postpone his virus till after July 10.
Delegate? Yes, that sort of worked for me. My husband really came through for me this week; he took our son to the doctor and stayed home when I couldn't. But I couldn't exactly rely on my maid -- and there are some decisions as editor-in-chief that I can't pass on to my staff, even if they are brilliant and loyal.
So the real issue is letting go of what I can't control. (Do you have trouble with that, too?) My body says: "Yup, this is all I can do right now. Can't win them all." My mind says: "No, no! You got to do it! Find a way! Push yourself! Here, have another cup of coffee!"
So -- I've decided. My goal for the next year is to FIND A WAY TO LOOSEN UP. Let go. Laugh it off. CHILL. Hmmm. Not going to happen overnight, but I think it's the best thing I can do for myself. I can't control everything, but I can filter how it affects me.
Anyone want to join me in this search for a stress-proof life? I'd love to hear how YOU manage. And from time to time, I'll post whatever I find out works for me.