I already mentioned how HOT it is in Charlotte today, but now… it’s positively roasting.  90 degrees and humid.  Getting in the car was a miserable experience, like sitting in an oven.  Hopefully, things will cool off soon!

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I think the weather is impacting my mood a bit – everything feels slooow and draining. 

 

Starbucks action helped, though.  Got some work done, drank an iced coffee.  What more does a woman need?

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And then I headed over to a cute little deli to grab some lunch for the Hus and I.  We are so low on groceries.  I think there’s a silent spousal stand-off currently in the works about who’s going to go to the grocery store.   Let’s see who cracks first.

 

Anyway – the deli!

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I ended up getting a spinach salad with sprouts, goat cheese, sunflower seeds, carrots, onions, and honey mustard dressing.  Perfection.

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Speaking of goat cheese, you may have caught this awe-inspiring tweet of mine yesterday:

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Yes. Goat cheese comes from goats.  And buffalo mozzarella comes from buffalos!  But Chicken of the Sea is, in fact, not chicken.

 

Now you know.

Bring it back!

 

Positivity in the Face of Job Stress

 

Recently, I have gotten two stress-related questions from readers:

 

  • Victoria asked, “Caitlin, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind writing a post on managing stress?”

 

  • Sarah wrote, “ I was just wondering if you have any tips (or have written a post) about remaining positive in times of stress.  I am making a career change in the fall (going to culinary school!) and am currently working in job that is not in my dream field and that I don’t want to remain at forever.  You’ve been through a career change yourself and I wanted any advice/tips you have for remaining sane and happy during the transition.”

 

These questions really got my gears going!  If you’ve been reading for a while, you already know that I’ve experienced a lot of job-related stress (good stress, mainly) over the last two years:  I worked a traditional job that drained me; I quit to be a writer; I wrote 2.5 books (still working on the third); and we opened the clinic

 

First of all, I do not want ANYONE to think that I am impervious to stress.  As a matter of fact, when we were in the Dominican last month, I had a total and complete meltdown about writing my third book.  Literally, I stood in the hotel shower and sobbed hysterically for 10 minutes.  It was rough.  Then I drank a Pina Colada and got over myself.  Heh.

 

But the point is that stress gets to everyone sometimes; we just need to find a way to manage it and stay productive in the face of stress.  The worst thing that can happen is that the stress paralyzes you, no work gets finished, and you get more stressed out. 

 

So here are my tips for staying positive in the face of job-related stress (which can be applied to a lot of other situations, too!):

 

  • Have a plan.  I make a plan (in my head) every single day.  How am I going to spend my time?  When am I going to get X, Y, Z done?  How can I make my errands more efficient?  Also, I make longer plans (on paper) that address burning questions like: How can I survive this career change financially?  What steps do I need to take to make these goals happen?  Whether it’s on a day-to-day basis or a long-term outline, having a plan really reduces stress.

 

  • Don’t be your own worst enemy.  Be productive FIRST.  I think our natural reaction to stress is to do fun things to reduce it, but the truth is that you will feel a lot better if you just get work done. 

 

  • Remember that situations are never permanent…  When I was stuck in a job that I didn’t enjoy, it really helped me to remind myself that it was temporary.  I wasn’t going to be there forever. 

 

  • … And remember that every situation is a choice.  Yes, we all have to work for money.  And sometimes it seems like we are out of options.  But really, when it comes down to it, we CHOOSE to be in that job.  If you want out, yes – it might take a while to get another position.  But it’s still your choice to stay or leave.  Reminding myself that my situation is my choice is very helpful.

 

  • Vent… Unleashing your emotions helps SO much.  Vent!  Vent to your man, your friend, the lady doing your nails – whoever.  Just let it out.  People love to gripe about annoying bosses or crappy deadlines.

 

  • … But not too much.   There has to be a point when you say, “I just need to suck this up and stop bitchin.”  Cutting down on my complaining once I got the initial vent out really helped me re-focus on what I COULD do and what I COULD control. 

 

  • Stay healthy and have hobbies!  The big one.  Eat right, get enough sleep, exercise more often than not.  I guarantee that taking care of yourself physically will help reduce mental stress.  Also – develop some really fun out-of-work hobbies.  Work-related angst was one of the primary reasons that I started to run and do races.  The more personally fulfilling you make your weekend, the easier work will be.

 

Now – it’s your turn!  What tips do you have for surviving stressful work situations with a smile on your face?

{ 86 comments }

 

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 2, 2011, 3:07 pm

    ooooh this is a great post!

    I HAVE to have enough sleep, or else everything seems worse than it is. I also make sure to squeeze in a workout to destress and calm down.

    I love venting as well, plus doing spiritual activities (praying, reading, meditating,) to help me feel more calm. Great post, girl!!

  • Melanie @ Trial By Trail June 2, 2011, 3:18 pm

    Those are some really great stress tips! You really hit the nail on the head – those are my favorite stress savers too. Another thing that really helps me, which might seem random to someone else, is to organize something that has really been bothering me. It takes my mind off the stress and I feel productive!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 2, 2011, 3:21 pm

    Whenever I answer “klonopin” nobody thinks it’s funny. Your last point is totally key. The more stressed I am, the more I swim and exercise in general. When everything was going down at Fukushima Dai-ichi earlier this year (which was a big deal at my job, since it involves modeling accident sequences at nuclear reactors…including during seismic events), I hit the pool for 6 am opening almost every morning. Or the gym for 5 am opening. If not for that, I’d have had a breakdown – which I may or may not have done anyway.

    Another key is to differentiate between “have to do” and “nice to do.” Or, I guess to declare something you are working on to be good enough.

    And finally, ASK FOR HELP. During the Fukushima situation, I got help with my coaching responsibilities so that I didn’t have to work until 2 am (only until midnight…)

    • CaitlinHTP June 3, 2011, 12:21 pm

      Good point about asking for help. So important!

  • Britney June 2, 2011, 3:30 pm

    Great tips! Especially about the situation being a choice. They really address what I feel about work right now and I appreciate that you answered the questions. 🙂

  • Lisa Fine June 2, 2011, 3:30 pm

    Love these tips!

    Having a sense of humor is a big one for me, and so is keeping everything in perspective.

    When I’m worried about something at home or work, and then I hear about how there are tornadoes just an hour away from me and people are losing their families and homes, I realize that my worries are not worth getting so worked up over.

  • Julie @ Shining From Within June 2, 2011, 3:31 pm

    I thought buffalo mozzarella didn’t come from buffalos.. just something I heard LOL. Why do they title food to be so confusing??
    Hmm.. to destress.. eat desserts, my friend. 🙂

  • Donna @ Love, Run & Travel June 2, 2011, 3:31 pm

    Love all these tips Caitlin, i will be chanting your work one whenever i get overwhelmed at the job i don’t enjoy “i won’t be here forever” – makes me feel better already
    Thanks for the great post 🙂

  • Gavi @ Gavi Gets Going! June 2, 2011, 3:32 pm

    This is too funny–I just wrote you an email with a post about the lessons I learned when recovering from a sports injury, and many of these are the same for dealing with workplace stress! Staying positive is a big one for me in the workplace. When things get me down, it often makes it worse for me to dwell on it by venting with coworkers. If I don’t talk about the stressful situation as frequently or if I put a positive spin on things, it makes me feel a lot better overall. Positive reappraisal is a really wonderful tool for helping me deal with stressful situations.

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats June 2, 2011, 3:32 pm

    This could NOT be better timing. I just wrote a post about a similar topic today and I’m considering this post a “guest post” (Ha) when I link to it on my blog.

    I’m leaving my full-time job in the fall in order to get my master’s degree in teaching (my dream). Meanwhile, I’m dealing thyroid cancer and trying to fit into a bridesmaids dress (you know, similar issues). Even though I dislike my current job, I’m super freaked out! I try to keep reminding myself that everything is a choice. I choose to leave my job, I choose to go to school because it will make me happy, etc. Seeing it that way makes me feel so much more powerful and content.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg June 2, 2011, 3:36 pm

    I also remind myself that I will not be doing this forever. Sometimes thinking about doing this job for 5+ years makes me want to cry — but just working today? I can handle that. And I take it a day at a time.

    I also try to treat myself on days when I’m super stressed — a long walk, setting aside 30 minutes to do something I really want to do: read! or I get together with a friend.

  • betty@runbetty June 2, 2011, 3:36 pm

    I have a notebook.

    Every week I start a new page.

    Down the left-hand side, I write each day (Monday, Tuesday, etc.) and number from 1 to 5. There, I fill in the 5 job-related tasks I want to complete each day of the week.

    Down the right hand side, I number from 1 to 5. There, I fill in the 5 personal tasks I want to complete each day of the week.

    This way, I know that there is ALWAYS tomorrow to do something, and I don’t have to do EVERYTHING.RIGHT.NOW.

    It also helps me find a stopping point. Once I finish the day’s 10 (or sometimes it is less, but NEVER more) things, I can stop working.

    And crossing tasks off throughout the day is SUCH a great feeling.

    • CaitlinHTP June 3, 2011, 12:26 pm

      Love this idea! So great.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) June 2, 2011, 3:37 pm

    Two words: big picture

    I spent four years in grad school, worked nearly full-time the whole time (sometimes 2 jobs at once), met/dated my boyfriend, and ran several half/full marathons. Not to mention my blog. It was easy to get stressed. In fact, I worried that I would come out of school with my weight out of control due to stress eating and such.

    What really helped was 1) venting, 2) running, and 3) unplugging. Once you have a chance to unplug, it takes you away from the rapid-paced web, lessens your need to compare yourself to others, and helps things seem less cluttered. And then, the “big picture”: why are you doing this? What do you really want? Given that life is fleeting, what is really important?

    It’s really tough to control stress, but it really is a choice. I really like your advice to just get the work done and THEN have fun… I am not a procrastinator and live by that.

  • Kelly @foodiefresh June 2, 2011, 3:38 pm

    You are so funny! If it makes you feel any better, I thought buffalo mozzarella was only called that because it came in those big round balls (as opposed to what?). Yeah, I didn’t think that far.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 2, 2011, 3:41 pm

    I’m in no place to give stress advice but, I do need to comment to say that at least your husband ENTERTAINS the idea of going food shopping. Not even on mine’s radar! Although I think I would be nervous of what he brought home if he did it anyway!

  • Moni'sMeals June 2, 2011, 3:41 pm

    I liked your honesty here. You are so great to share. (the whole stress of the 3rd book meltdown).
    Really great tips!

    and hey… I too have wondered about cheese exactly and where it exactly comes from. 🙂
    what would we do with at ya?!

  • Stephanie June 2, 2011, 3:43 pm

    Don’t worry Caitlin, for years I thought Buffalo Mozzarella was flavored with buffalo sauce. Obviously I always thought those menu combos were very strange basil and hot sauce?

    • CaitlinHTP June 3, 2011, 12:32 pm

      hahaha i love this comment, totally something i would’ve thought!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun June 2, 2011, 3:43 pm

    Venting and having hobbies/healthy outlets are HUGE for me in overcoming stress!

    And that salad sounds fantastic. I am all about goat cheese lately.

  • Rachel June 2, 2011, 3:54 pm

    This year I’ve learned that being productive is one of the best ways to reduce stress. I graduated from law school last year and started working as a public defender last fall. I frequently have no idea what I’m doing, and I generally have more work than I could ever accomplish. At first I was completely overwhelmed and let that feeling paralyze me. Of course that only made things worse! Now when I feel overwhelmed (i.e. every day…) I pick tasks that I know I can accomplish and I do them, one at a time, without worrying about all the other millions of tasks that need to be done. If I don’t know how to do something or what exactly to do, I ask someone. Frequently it helps to make a list. At the end of the day, even though there is always more work to be done, I still feel good about what I accomplished and I can go home and relax. If there are larger issues that are stressing me out (say, an upcoming trial) I take some time and talk myself through what I’m feeling and make a list of what I can do to prepare. Then instead of free floating stress, I have concrete steps I can take to relieve my anxiety.

    Seriously, choosing productivity over worrying has made an incredibly huge difference in my life.

  • Kristin June 2, 2011, 3:55 pm

    I had a melt down yesterday. In the worst place possible… MY OFFICE! Bah! and then I left for my therapy appointment while still crying and only got myself together right before the boss man walked in. yikes!

    I am extremely stressed to the core and I try to be positive everyday. I tell myself this is temporary, I only have to do this until I can save enough money, and other things. I also journal…. a lot! I just started a night job so that is an excellent time for writing since I can’t be sleeping.

    I would also like to take more time in the day to do deep breathing exercises and meditate. Even if it is just 10 minutes a day. I think I’ll start tonight, right after I leave my day job and right before I go to my night job.

    I just have to say Caitlin, I love your blog every day, more and more and I have for years. Glad I always have a place to come to relate!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) June 2, 2011, 3:58 pm

    Love the ‘every situation is a choice’ because I think it’s so true! I love when people get inspired to take control of their own lives. When the ‘take control’ inspiration comes over me I get so excited 🙂

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews June 2, 2011, 3:59 pm

    Getting into a hot car is the worst! Looks like a great salad. I love that you asked if goat cheese comes from goats…too funny : )

  • Colleen June 2, 2011, 4:00 pm

    Perfect timing–I’m on the committee for a half marathon this weekend and I’m really stressed about all the little details that have come up yesterday and today. In this case, it’s a volunteer position, not even my normal job, but the stress is still there! Prioritizing tasks and making lists are both really helpful for me. Knowing that I can cross something off is great motivation to get to it and complete the task.

  • Lindsey Gail June 2, 2011, 4:01 pm

    Ditto Erin! I have been feeling a lot of paralyzing stress recently, so bad, in fact, that my usual stress relievers (e.g. running, running, and more running) were just not cutting through my stress.

    I think having a few go-to ways to self-soothe yourself are important, like a bubble bath, hot shower, or a couple chapters of leisure reading to clear your mind. Sometimes I use that quiet mental time to list all the positive things in my life, the ones that I am immensely grateful for.

    Great tip above about asking for help; so key to remember!

  • Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go! June 2, 2011, 4:04 pm

    Great tips! I’ve also been stressing out lately, but making a plan/list always helps. I also like to give myself incentives–like after XX (which is stressing me out), I’ll buy myself a new book or those shoes I’ve been lusting over!

  • Joanne June 2, 2011, 4:09 pm

    First, that Jessica Simpson clip – it’s simply head shaking unbelievable.
    Second and on stress: A great place to start when you feel anxiety building is to talk it out – just like you said, Caitlin, “vent”. Another stress reliever is to try to help someone ELSE get over a stressful situation. It sure helps if you can take your own advice.

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet June 2, 2011, 4:10 pm

    “I think our natural reaction to stress is to do fun things to reduce it, but the truth is that you will feel a lot better if you just get work done.”

    That’s soooo true. I’m definitely guilty of this one.

    I think that another thing is to not make an unfavorable job worse. If there’s a job that you go into not loving, and just emphasize the worst parts as you go along, you’ll never enjoy yourself, even if the job isn’t that bad. I tend to make everything worse in my mind than it really is, and it’s definitely not helpful.

  • Mona June 2, 2011, 4:12 pm

    Great tips!
    I pretty much packed my bags and moved to a new country last August and it’s been stress filled (especially as I moved alone, with no family close by). I’m also in a job I don’t really enjoy, and reminding myself that it’s temporary definitely helps! Talking to my family on Skype is also something that keeps me going and always puts me in a good mood. They’re the ones to whom I vent about everything, but they’re also the ones that say “ok, that’s horrible, but it’s time to move on and get over it”.

  • Heather @ Dietitian on the Run June 2, 2011, 4:14 pm

    Random, but I love the first picture 🙂

    On the more important note, these tips are great! There can never be enough said about Time management and productivity. One thing I learned a few years ago was to keep To-do lists SIMPLE. Be realistic about what your capable of doing in one day, one morning/afternoon or one hour. I always keep to-do lists (work, house-chores, etc) to 3-5 things – knowing there are always “top priority” tasks that NEED to be done, and other things I’d “like” to get done. Adding the latter to the lists always makes them seem much more overwhelming and less do-able.

  • Megan @ On the Road Again June 2, 2011, 4:15 pm

    Great post! My two cents: I’m a third-year high school English teacher, so stress is the name of the game for me. I attempt to survive budget cuts, missing supplies, varying ability levels, and teenage angst all while trying to actually teach the curriculum.

    The only reason I’m still at it these days is because I lived by one rule during my first two years: take a moment at the end of each day to reflect on what did get done that day, or what was positive about it. Even if my “celebration” was that I managed to take attendance on time every hour, then so be it! Learning to appreciate minor victories made the days that much more manageable (and save my sanity, too).

    • Hillary June 2, 2011, 5:11 pm

      I’m right there with Megan. I’m a middle school English teacher, and her comments were SPOT ON with what a typical day looks like for me. I try to make sure I address one positive thing that happened at the end of the day, and I always make sure to take time out for myself. It can be a workout, taking the time to make a meal, or just reading a book for 30 minutes. I need that time for me, to recharge. And I always, always get at least eight hours of sleep. If I don’t, I’m a monster!

  • Kendall (On An Inhale) June 2, 2011, 4:18 pm

    WOW Buffalo Mozzarella comes from Buffalo? Never knew that I thought it ws just a different way of making it. Learn something new every day 😉 I have break downs all the time! I think they help with reevaluating work and priorities. My mom always said do one thing at a time. She’s a lawyer so she used the example of all of her files stacked on her desk when she walks in but one file at a time and she gets through them. It always helped me.

  • Erin June 2, 2011, 4:24 pm

    That is just another reasons goats are so awesome! I want one for a pet. They make the very best cheese and yogurt!

  • Angela June 2, 2011, 4:32 pm

    With work stress sometimes you just have to stop worrying and start doing things. Getting started is usually the hardest part of any project.

    Also learning when to say no is a good thing. There are only so many hours in the day and not everything is so important that it has to be done today. 5 jobs done well is a lot better than 10 done badly.

  • Maria June 2, 2011, 4:34 pm

    I love your tip of telling yourself that you won’t be at this job forever. I say that to myself almost daily. I also try to be really open with my boss. If something is bothering, I clearly communicate it. Nothing may change, but it feels better getting it out of my system and knowing that at least I tried to do something about it.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans June 2, 2011, 4:35 pm

    Trying to maintain healthy habits is key for me. When am stressed I tend to eat poorly and let physical activity slip which only makes the situation worse.

  • kwithme June 2, 2011, 4:36 pm

    Sorry this is not on topic, I am just so excited (exhausted) I have to share. I have wanted to do a triathalon for about 9 months, but have not had the gumption to sign up for one. Since the weather was beautiful and my kids are only in school for 5 more days, I completed one today, just me. It was a little mixed up but falls within the distances, 5mile bike, 3.2 mile run, 1k swim (pool), 5 mile bike. I am really proud of myself. I wanted to share because your blog has been a big support for me while learning to run over the past year and just trying new things.

    • CaitlinHTP June 2, 2011, 4:38 pm

      YOU ARE AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

      *hands over shiny e-medal for you to place around your neck*

      Congrats and thank you so much!!!

  • Baking 'n' Books June 2, 2011, 4:40 pm

    I need to bookmark this post. I’ve taken out other blogs from me reader – it’s too draining and they don’t make me feel good about myself…but here, here, I feel a sense of normaly, “real-ness” and positivity. Thank you…

    Also – LOVE goat cheese 🙂

    AND – cannot believe the support for Tonya! YOU should be recognized for what you did! …The Hubs better take you out for this one 🙂

  • Beth (Well I'll Be) June 2, 2011, 4:58 pm

    I love how you said you just got over yourself! I think it’s healthy to wallow in self pity/doubt for a few minutes then move on. These are such great tips, I’m bookmarking this page so I can come back and read them when I get overwhelmed! Thanks!

  • Kristy June 2, 2011, 5:08 pm

    This was an extremely helpful post, thanks! I’m in the midst of working toward transitioning out of my current career situation to do what makes me happy in life. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey along the way.

  • Alison June 2, 2011, 5:11 pm

    It’s important to understand stress is something we do to ourselves! It’s a choice we make to either be in control of our circumstances or let our circumstances control us. No one can commit stress or give you stress or cause you stress. I hear my father in law forever saying this to his daughter who is famous for complaining, “I’m so stressed out!” to anyone that will listen.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) June 2, 2011, 5:13 pm

    Great list! As another reader said, keeping things in perspective really helps! I always try to look at the ‘big picture’ with my life. Stress is usually created in my own head. 99% of the things I stress about are untrue or never happen…that is a lot of lost time worrying for no reason. I ask myself, Will this matter tomorrow or in a month? The answer is usually no. If it’s not, I know to take my worries a bit more seriously and address them.

    On an unrelated note, I miss The Newlyweds. ha

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good June 2, 2011, 5:20 pm

    Good tips. I think when writing out long-term goals and plans, it’s helpful to include the first action required to start moving in that direction. After the first action, update with the next action needed and timeframe, etc.

    When I was working a job that I wasn’t so excited about, I reminded myself of the good that it was doing for someone else. What I did mattered for someone, even if it wasn’t my dream job, and thinking about the benefit my work created helped me stay positive.

  • Melissa @ TryingToHeal June 2, 2011, 5:22 pm

    i’ll switch spots with you; at 8am this morning it was 17*F in Central CA. Yep.

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith June 2, 2011, 5:33 pm

    Make a list! Sometimes half of my stress is feeling like I don’t even know what I need to do. Putting it down on paper really helps – and I love crossing things off my list!

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 2, 2011, 5:36 pm

    Even the best jobs have their stressful days. After work today I found myself wishing I were 72 and retired. I have a long road ahead of me!

  • Christine June 2, 2011, 6:12 pm

    Two words: happy hour

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad June 2, 2011, 6:25 pm

    I love “have a plan”. This helps tremendously. If all else fails, go for a run or workout. Christine’s recommendation about happy hour helps too!

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 2, 2011, 6:28 pm

    funny, I’ve never heard of buffalo mozzarella! sounds crazy but hey, I’d totally try it! 🙂

    I like the part where you mention about how situations aren’t permanent. That’s so true and as humans, we tend to psych ourselves out.

  • Sarah's Cooking June 2, 2011, 7:27 pm

    Thank you thank you, Caitlin! This helps me out so very much! I feel less alone knowing that there’s so many other people like me out there!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit June 2, 2011, 7:40 pm

    I try to remember to take deep breaths in the midst of stressful situations. It ALWAYS helps!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 2, 2011, 7:56 pm

    No matter how stressed I am about school, I always take breaks from studying to make and eat my meals. It definitely helps to keep me sane!

  • Lauren June 2, 2011, 8:02 pm

    Haha you will never believe this but I was JUST thinking the same thing tonight about the goat cheese. I think I remember having the argument with my friend once but I couldn’t remember what side I was on. I figured it came from goats but I was already afraid to ask. 🙂

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas June 2, 2011, 8:03 pm

    I have learned that often.. the things that cause stress most. are the things that I have put off for a long time. They stay lurking in the back of my mind.. and are constantly popping up at the most inconvenient times and wreaking havoc (especially when I am PMSing). So.. to try to completely avoid this situation.. I try to break big projects in to smaller ones.. and try to accomplish small pieces of the entire puzzle.. until it all fits together!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 2, 2011, 8:08 pm

    Is buffalo mozzarella really from buffalo?!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) June 2, 2011, 8:35 pm

    For me finding a way to relax that has nothing to do with work or exercise is key. I love my job and I love exercise but using exercise to relieve stress can lead to excess.

    Instead I like dancing randomly in my living room, reading books for at least 15 minutes a day or taking a long warm shower (not too eco-friendly but relaxing).

    Finding a bit of balance even when it seems there isn’t any reminds me stress isn’t everywhere.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey June 2, 2011, 9:34 pm

    I hope you win the stand off! 🙂

    When I’m stressed out, I allow myself to freak out for 5 minutes (cry, yell, make weird noises about how much I hate the situation) but then I HAVE to do something productive about the stress. Whether it’s plan something, talk to someone, etc, it always helps!

  • Dee June 2, 2011, 9:39 pm

    These are great tips for managing stress! Totally need to read them today.

  • Aja June 2, 2011, 9:46 pm

    I totally needed those tips on handling stress. I fail at it right now.

  • Tracy @ Commit To Fit June 2, 2011, 10:03 pm

    My best tip is to get lots of rest. Sleep is a wonderful help to me, things always look better when you are not exhausted.

  • Courtney June 2, 2011, 10:13 pm

    Agreed! I am in grad school and I am a FIRM believer in a list… if I have a list and an “off” day built in I have more motivation to just get the task done. Always give yourself time… whther it is a 5 minute “breather” everyday or an hour everyday— outside of your normal stuff make time to “sit a spell” and just breathe…. 🙂
    Thanks for sharing your tips!!

  • BroccoliHut June 2, 2011, 10:26 pm

    Ah man, you made me nostalgic with that video clip–I used to watch Newlyweds ALL the time as tween.

  • JenRD June 2, 2011, 10:32 pm

    Great tips! All of them are very useful. One additional tip I can give is to try to volunteer in some way–donate either your time, thoughts & talents, or money (if time is not an option) to a worthy cause. It will give you a chance to step outside of yourself and give you a new perspective on your stress.

  • LizAshlee June 2, 2011, 10:45 pm

    Low on groceries…oh know! When we get too low it kind of stresses me out…in a very subtle way! I like to have food on hand!! I must say I have gotten better about it lately by telling myself that it is really not a big deal…It is also an opportunity to utilize pantry items that have been there awhile & be creative! I have had more fun with it lately!

    I agree with your tips on handling stress. I am working in a job that is not completely satisfying and I definitely don’t want to do it forever, but I try to stay positive and look at the advantages, knowing it is only a starting place, as just started my career as an occupational therapist in March. I am happy I know that my passion for blogging and sharing my knowledge of food & fitness along with my career in OT is developing into something GREAT!

    Thanks for the tips…always great to be reminded! Have a great evening!!

    LizAshlee
    twitter.com/lizashleeblog

  • Kate @ Walking in the Rain June 2, 2011, 11:31 pm

    Thank you for this post. I’ve been feeling some work related angst, and venting a lot to my husband. It got to the point where he stopped being supportive and started being not so supportive which only fueled my venting.

    Next time I’m going to apply your tips so I can be more proactive and less whiny.

    • CaitlinHTP June 3, 2011, 12:36 pm

      i am the queen of angst, i feel ya!

  • The Healthy Engineer June 3, 2011, 1:11 am

    I’ve never really had a “real job” before, but believe me when I say that I stress about how demanding my major is! When it feels like the world is ending, and there is no way that I am cut out for such a competitive field, I just remember that every one I know is basically in the same boat. We just all work/study together, and even have so much fun while doing it!

    I know this isn’t helpful for those in a stressful job, but I imagine that everyone has to go through such a phase at one point or another. That’s the only way to find out if something is for you, or isn’t!

  • Khushboo June 3, 2011, 1:26 am

    That salad looks amaze- goats cheese is the crème-de-la-crème of cheeses now (see what I did there ;))! Great stress tips! Having a plan always helps- it may seem like a mountain but at least your path is drafted! Exercising and eating right also helps me manage stress! Exercise in any form makes me feel like I can tackle anything! As for eating right, there are so many contributors to stress that we cannot control but nutrition is one of the few things which we CAN and hence should.

  • Victoria June 3, 2011, 4:41 am

    Thank you so much! I really appreciate that! I have been so stressed out with school recently and have so many exams. God, I can’t sleep because I think about what I haven’t done, and then I wake and don’t do anything productive all day because I’m so stressed. My eye has even started twitching, ha.

    Thanks xx

    • CaitlinHTP June 3, 2011, 12:42 pm

      Good luck with all your exams 🙂

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out June 3, 2011, 8:41 am

    Thanks Caitlin,

    These are great tips. I’ve had a lot of stress lately – dealing with a job I hate but not being able to walk away financially. Totally bummer. I have to make a conscience effort not to wallow in it. Especially when I see people like Tonya – facing things much bigger with much more strength.

  • Tracy June 3, 2011, 9:18 am

    This could not have come at a better time for me. I like all of your tips – for me exercise and cleaning my house are key. If my house is messy and I dont have time to work out I go CRAZY! (Like right now!)

  • Stephanie Clement June 3, 2011, 9:35 am

    MMsoo this might be a little too wild but when I’m really stressed…I, um, work it out with my guy 🙂 Doing that little activity really 1. makes me feel amazing, 2. lets me remember that sometimes even though *things* in life are stressful…the natural, organic things are always there and ready to be enjoyed! Life is always good…but sometimes we let little items ruin our days and we can’t turn it around. That one-on-one activity can really boost your mood!

  • Carmen @ Goodbye Gorda June 3, 2011, 10:07 am

    Perfect timing! The past few months, I’ve been dealing with increasing work stress, family drama, moving, and a break-up. With stresses coming from all places, I finally decided enough was enough, and now see a therapist once a week. She’s reminding me I have choices and to place my emotional and physical well-being first above everything else. It’s never too late to ask for help!

  • Amber K June 3, 2011, 11:56 am

    Wow, I’m not ready for 90 degree weather! Especially since it’s still only about 60 here. So tired of the rain!

    I love your tips on handling stress.

  • Lee @ in the pink of condition June 3, 2011, 12:00 pm

    I think we stress out, because we think that what we’re doing is way more important than it actually is in the scheme of life. However, i think that people stressing about non-important things is actually important for society. My favorite quote about stress is “If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.” Stress about work is what keeps the advancement of our society growing! 🙂

  • Danielle @ InDeesKitchen June 3, 2011, 12:37 pm

    I love that you and your hubby eat similarly and that you can trust him to do all your grocery shopping. If I did that, we’d be eating chicken wings and hot dogs all week…

  • Julie June 3, 2011, 3:49 pm

    what! buffalo mozzarella comes form buffalos? i’m honestly baffled and blown away by this. i had no idea buffalos made milk. i thought buffalo mozzarella was like, spicy with buffalo sauce. i’m in awe of this right now.

  • Gina (Yogattude) June 3, 2011, 5:44 pm

    YOGA! On days where I have a crazy day at work, I make time in the evening for yoga to let go of my stress.

  • Ashley June 3, 2011, 6:46 pm

    It’s miserably hot here in FL, too &&& my AC went out in my car! NICE! But after reading your stress-relief tips, I think I’ll go drink a pina-colada & get over myself..

    oh, was I supposed to take something else from this post? SELECTIVE HEARING! CHEERS!

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