I am not someone who gets too stressed up over things. I do get worked up or really concerned, especially when it comes to deadlines. However, recently I realized that my threshold may be diminishing. I am not sure if this has something to do with my age. I find myself being extremely careful and follow the book too much that I stress myself out unnecessarily.
How did I know that I am going through too much stress than my body can take?
• My throat gets really tight and swollen
• Shortness of breath and chest tightness (I think that might turn into an anxiety attack any time)
• I get really hot-tempered and am grumpy most times
• Poor appetite and nausea
• Lack of energy
What do I do to relax myself?
• Cats and dogs. Being around them cheer me up and take my mind off things.
• Games. Sometimes a lame game with friends can create some ruckus – good ones. A great laugh is the greatest medicine.
• A beer or two. I had quit alcohol 3 years ago. I no longer crave but only at times when I feel so frustrated, I will get a pint and get tipsy (no, I wish my alcohol tolerance could be better), momentarily forgetting about issues, go to sleep, wake up fresh and start dealing with the problems.
• Go running. Sweat it out. It’s one of the best stress relief for me.
• A getaway & a swim. A relaxing one, away from the crowd to bring the annoyance down to the lowest. Get a new tan, a new me. The new me is always stronger in dealing with serious matters yeah.
• Retail therapy in the afternoons when there is less people in the malls.
• Nice food takes my mind off stress too!
