Stressful days are a nightmare. Sometimes I can literally feel my pulse speeding up and my hands becoming tense, balling up into fists. I either want to scream or burst into tears. I want to run far away from the thing causing me stress and hide in a little ball somewhere.
At times like these, I have to remind myself to breathe. Take some deep breaths and force myself to calm down before I say or do something I might regret. Today has been such a day and it’s not over yet but I know it will end and tomorrow is a different day. I’m forcing myself not to get topo irrational about it and writing this spot is helping ease some of the tension already. Some, not all 
Why is life so stressful sometimes? Is it that we’re forced to juggle so many things and deal with so many different types of people – work and colleagues, home and family life, friends, relationship dramas or anxiety, money and bills. We have to be constantly “on” when sometimes we just want to get away from everything and everyone. People even take Blackberry’s on holiday, always checking for emails or texts or calls, updating on Facebook, competing with others to be seen as the best. And what’s it all for? Are we actually appreciated? Does busting our balls actually get us anywhere?
I’m usually a calm person, I don’t let too much get to me at work as I’m aware there’s more important things in life and generally I’m pretty blessed but sometimes like today it all gets on top of me and I start thinking about exit strategies. Caught up in stress isn’t the best time to make decisions but if you’re constantly feeling anxious then maybe it is time to make a change in your life somehow.
Even if it’s just buying a pair of stress balls
lbdiamond
/ June 9, 2011I agree 100%!!!!
I find taking breaks from stressful things is helpful. Work, for instance, is very stressful for me. So, I enjoy reading on my porch. I get to escape into another world and forget about all the stress from the day.
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011You’re right, breaks are needed! That sounds lovely!
SuziCate
/ June 9, 2011Deep breath….keep breathing. Hugs. Hope your stress lessens soon.
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Thanks Suzi!
Julia (AKA Jules)
/ June 9, 2011great post. Breathing is good along with writing. I find writing very therapeutic.
x
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Me too, I was hammering the keyboard
seegirlsmile
/ June 9, 2011Yes.Great post.
I’m constantly trying to tell myself to just breathe, just breathe.
I get ahead of myself and get overwhelmed by everything…self-sabotage.
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011It’s so easy to get overwhelmed!
egills
/ June 9, 2011I suggest you go play on the google home page… it’s a guitar!
Deep breath and lots of counting help, but then I’m of the kind that doesn’t own a blackberry and during holidays my pc is banned.
My blog was originally a place for me to scream at the world and offload… still is really!
Hope tomorrow is a better day for you
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011It’s a great place to off load and really helps to hear you guys feel like this sometimes too!
Melissa's Meanderings
/ June 9, 2011I so understand being stressed and overwhelmed…I’ve made a special effort the past year or so to try to put things in perspective and breathe…to not let my stress overwhelm me. But some times are harder than others…keep breathing….this too shall pass….
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011That’s a great goal to have!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings
/ June 9, 2011Those breaks can really put things into perspective sometimes.
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Very true!
the domestic fringe
/ June 9, 2011Definitely agree with you!
Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy, putting pressure on myself that shouldn’t be there. Most of the time it’s totally unnecessary. I think I need one of those stress balls or maybe a dozen.
It’s good to get a break every now and again.
Hope tomorrow is better for you!
-FringeGirl
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Pressure can be so dangerous, we need to go easy on ourselves. Thanks, I hope it will be!
Grey Goose, Dirty
/ June 9, 2011I couldn’t agree more Vixter. Sometimes it does get overwhelming dealing with everything and you do need a break. Be it listening to music, reading, writing, going to a movie, whatever it is that will allow you to ‘escape’ it all and disconnect just for a little snippet of time and let you regroup in order to go back out there and start it all again.
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Escaping is good
countingducks
/ June 9, 2011I try and look at something small lke a flower or the progress of some insect over a window pane etc, and in doing that I sometimes lose touch with the thing tnat was stressing me out. At least for a time. Music is also great of course
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Music helps me too!
Maggie
/ June 9, 2011Sometimes it really does feel like we are expected to be “on call” all the time. Pick a few days – or just an hour here and there – and take a break!
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Good advice!
Tipsy Lucy
/ June 9, 2011I hope your life calms down a bit soon. {{hugs}}
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011Thanks
hugs back chick!
jgavinallan
/ June 9, 2011Thank you—I feel better already—I have been wreck lately…needed this
thanks
Jaye
vixter2010
/ June 9, 2011So glad it helped!
D...
/ June 9, 2011Sista girl, that was a super post!!! Buy ya always write good posts.
It’s so true that we have stressed moments, but if you start to realize that all your moments are stressful then I think you are leading a stressful life. A stressful life means it’s time to make changes in your life, definitely. Our physical health and mental well being is something we need to take care of, surely we need to love ourselves. I hope your stressful day is over and you can get a bit of rest.
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Ah you’re sweet D! You’re so right, life’s too short to be constantly stressful!
nrhatch
/ June 9, 2011Stress balls are the best . . . especially those with FUNNY faces!
If you’re interested:
http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/stress-learn-to-let-it-go/
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Haha yeah, if that doesn’t make you smile not much will
Sophia @ Raven Waves
/ June 10, 2011Ugh, I’m so sorry about the stress girl. I find that music helps me combat stress…that and some HILARIOUS Youtube videos. Please let me know if you need any recommendations. Things WILL be better tomorrow, I know it. And when it comes down to it, there are so many more important things in life. Don’t stress! Life is too short, girl. <3 <3
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Thanks chick, you’re right perspective is needed! I feel better today thanks, probably because it’s FRIDAY
simplyshaka
/ June 10, 2011Stress is one of the main reasons I quit my job. When it started to take a toll on my mental and physical health, thats when I was out. Stress just sucks. Hope things get better for you
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Good for you! You’re so brave too
Redneckprincess
/ June 10, 2011I hear ya, I had that day today too, I have a co-worker that is being a total bitch…I have to breath alot…
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Oh no, so sorry to hear that! I wish I could work for myself most of the time
Deborah the Closet Monster
/ June 10, 2011Agreed about your parting thought! If I experience a negative sensation long enough, I start looking at it as my brain saying, “Something’s gotta give, and since it’s clearly not gonna be this feeling, whatcha gonna do?” It’s incentive.
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Good thoughts, stress = motivation, I like it!
katielabovitz
/ June 10, 2011Once again, your post = the story of my life! I’ll send some good, hopefully stress-free, vibes to you from across the Atlantic
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Haha we are one mind! Thanks for the vibes, sending them back to you too
Rachel (tea and chocolate)
/ June 10, 2011Yes it’s so easy to forget to breathe and stay calm on stressful days. I find reading a book or calling up a friend really helps. I hope things get better for you!
vixter2010
/ June 10, 2011Thank you!
Surrey gal
/ June 10, 2011Breathe….. We need stress, but when it gets too much it’s destructive, not constructive. So I hope your stress levels will go down very soon…
lookingupwhileslimmingdown
/ June 11, 2011I actually taught stress management for 2 years! I had a very stressful week. Deep breathing always helps calm me down. So does my dog.
vixter2010
/ June 11, 2011Wow I need to learn from you! Aw I’d like a dog too!
Nicole
/ June 11, 2011I feel you! I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot lately, because work has been stressful. At one point, I could just feel the stress bubbling up inside of me. So i had to step back and breathe… praying all the while too of course.
I really do need to focus on slowing down sometimes and just breathing deeply.
vixter2010
/ June 11, 2011Good to hear it’s not just me! Slowing down is key I think.
Bonnie
/ June 13, 2011Yes life, in general, can be hard. Seems as though there’s always something going on. It sounds as though you’re headed in exactly the right direction with the breathing and with writing.
vixter2010
/ June 14, 2011I hope so