There are three ways I can tell I am really stressed out….
1. The Acne family decided to come for a visit. (although – it hasn’t been quite as bad thanks to my Clarsonic!)
2. I am a mega bitch.
3. I am losing weight.
Check, check, and check. Hello stress!
(isn’t her pout face ridiculous?)
Usually, I can attribute my stress to one thing – but lately, it’s just everything. Between long hours of staring at the computer screen at work, shuttling the kids around on the weekends, feeling like I’m not spending ENOUGH time with the kids, staying up waaaay too late at night, trying to squeeze my workouts in, and also trying to find time for my friends is pulling my in a gazillion directions. I’m sure it’s doing the same to my husband too (remember he’s the one who has to tolerate me 24/7!). Stress is running me down — and I’m trying to overcome it, but I think it’s getting the best of me.
SOOOO you might be wondering why — if I’m so stressed –I’m taking the time to blog, or to workout, or to do a 100 million things… you see that’s part of the problem. I LOVE all of the things that are stressing me out. Does anyone else have this issue??
This year has been absolutely NON STOP for me – and while I thought I would experience some kind of summer lull, I haven’t. Summer lull, where are you?
Lucky for you – I’ve decided to put my big girl girl panties on and cope with my stress best I know how: Ramble about it on my blog and hope that I’m not alone.
I’m not 100% sure I can or want to drop anything from my list, but I also don’t want to rush through this time just to get it over and done with. I don’t want life to speed up, just because I can’t slow down. I’m growing little people here and I want to enjoy these smiles, and the hugs, and the “I love you too mommy”s as much as I can.
So instead, I’m squeezing in faster workouts, making quicker (and probably more sodium packed) meals, doing more work from home, watching less TV (except the Olympics – of course), reading less (but still reading) and doing some online shopping…
(testing out these Brooks PureConnect to see how they compare to my Kinvaras — shhhh don’t tell my Sauconys, I got a good deal and yes, Paula, they are purple.)
I’d love to say it’s going to all work out, and I loved every minute of this hustle and bustle — but I think that’s a little unrealistic. I will push on through and try to make my family a priority. I will continue to live a well-rounded life. And I will do a lot of laughing. Because laughing? Is the best coping mechanism there is. (well, and maybe wine, too)
So I leave you with a laugh.
Awwww, maaaan. (if you don’t get this… I’m not sorry. Ha ha.)
How do you deal with the stress?? Funniest video you’ve seen lately? Send it my way (please, I need more laughs).
PS – A huge thanks to everyone who has taken our survey! We’ve gotten a GREAT responde so far. Keep it coming!!
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My first thought before I ever read under the shoe picture was…my god, their purple. LOL
You know what? You should schedule a you day. Take off from all your stuff and do nothing. Or shop. Or see a movie. That should recharge you.
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Hotel Room Workout
I am definitely going to do that once work settles down. There will be sleeping, and shopping, and drinking. I’ll you know – ha ha.
I ALMOST went with the neon yellow — until I saw that purple was a new color. How could I pass that up???
that is an awesome trailer!
Dealing with stress is stressful. If I didn’t have to deal with consequences there would be far more ice cream eating, door slamming, shrieking, and sobbing in front of the mirror in my world…so my normal routine just doubled.
Amanda recently posted..The Pinteresting Yet Frugal Classroom
Dealing with stress IS stressful. Blerg.
sooner or later everything will even out!! i think you’re a rockstar for balancing all of those things – i struggle to just balance a husband, i can’t imagine throwing kids into the mix!
Rachael @ Happy Healthy Runner recently posted..Why I’m not racing a triathlon
It will definitely even out– and then I’ll be bored! Ha ha. When it rains, it definitely pours.
Loved the trailer! Maybe if you can find a few moments and do a little mediation.. that has helped me in stressful situations, lately! Just closing my eyes, taking 5 deep control breaths.. letting everything go around you.. should only be for few minutes .. its wonderful.. its taking a new look on life.. try it.. you may like it!!
Stress is a scary little bi%$*. It does crazy things to your body (and mind). I was so uber stressed the last few months and finally after leaving my full time job (well one of them) I feel like I can breathe again. I do the faster workouts and easier meals thing a lot when I’m stressed too. At least you are still working out…better than most people when they are stressed! I would really sit down and think about if there is anything you can cut out if you’re feeling that overwhelmed (even if it’s with all good things)!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength recently posted..Hot Track Workout
Yay for breathing again!!
You’re right – at least I’m still working out. I can’t imagine how INSANE I would be without my workouts!
Truthfully, I think I need to re-examine my saying no skills
I love to volunteer and I love to be involved — but it ends up with spreading myself to thin. Live and learn though, right?? 
Wow! Your post struck such a chord with me today as I was eating lunch at my desk. I wanted to immediately comment, but I hate typing on my iPad, and work has deemed your site as malicious (what?!?!). I have actually been wondering how you did it all, being a mom, working full-time, getting in your workouts, blogging regularly, keeping up with friends, watching the olympics, oh yeah, and spending time with hubby. I was even debating over sending you an email and asking for tips. So it is good to hear that I’m not the only one who struggles with the balance and getting stressed So many evenings I look at my kids and wonder if we really had any good quality time together because it is all about getting us dinner, getting them baths, and getting them to bed at a decent hour. This time with them is going to pass so quickly too, but we also have to give ourselves some time whether it is getting in a run, or just taking a minute to enjoy a glass of wine in peace. So much I could say here, but just know you are not alone in this constant struggle of doing it all but doing it well.
I don’t know how I deal with stress other than to just give me some time to run or workout or getting to enjoy some wine. I do know that I seem to lose more hair when I’m stressed. No funny videos that I’ve seen, but I do like the State Farm (think that’s it) commercial where the guy drives into his garage with his bikes on top of his car. I could so see myself doing that.
Like those shoes! I love the looks of the Brooks Pure flows or Pure Connects, but afraid to go to that lower heel drop. Also, the pictures of your kiddos are so cute! Those lips sticking out reminds me of those many moments where my kids do that.
You are sooooo not alone!! I struggle most days to fit in what I can. Sometimes it’s easier than others – lately it’s just been hard! I know it will balance out at some point (in fact – I see the light!). As for good quality time — I think that’s always questionable. At the same time – I know the things I remember from my childhood aren’t the things I had or the things I did – but the things my parents taught me, the conversations we had in the car, the songs we sang and danced to, and also let me experience on my own — so I try to emulate!
As for running shoes – I slowly switch my drop (12mm to 8mm and then 4mm) and it’s amazing how it can change how you run! My calves were sore after my first couple of longer runs, but I don’t notice anything now.
I’m glad to see this post, actually! I have been reading your blog for a while and have thought many times, ” jeez, how does she fit all that in and seem so relaxed?!l” I also work fulltime, run, and have kids about your kids’ ages and feel pulled in so many different directions that I usually don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing at any given moment! Glad to hear you are human!
i was starting to think you had secret powers or knew something I don’t!
Don’t worry — I am MOST DEFINITELY human. If I come across like I’m not — please smack me and give me a reality check!