Coping with Stress

Busy season is by definition "busy". It has taken me a long time to find ways to decompress from the stress overload.

Early in my career it would be going out, drinking and letting loose. As I got older it became obvious that this just adds more stress and doesn't actually provide healthy coping mechanisms.

So, through the last 5-7 years I've come up with some ways to "balance" the crazy busy with a little down time.

Some of my favorites include:

• Crocheting - I taught myself how to crochet recently. Mostly I am making blankets for the kids or myself but my husband also got me into woobles.

• Paint by numbers - a favorite past time. I've gone from the original paint by numbers for kids to the more adult versions on canvas. Here is one currently in progress!

• Photography - going for walks is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and a great excuse to take nature pictures. My family and I stopped at Mass Maritime in Wareham and got a great picture of this tanker.

• Mini family trips - sometimes we go to NH and stay at a hotel with an indoor water park and decompress as a family! Even if I have to work some nights after the kids are in bed, the trade is well worth it.

• Dinner with the girls - grabbing a dinner and hanging out with the girls is always a good way to let some of the work stress go. Even if the only thing we talk about is work!

• Reading - I am obsessed with books and read so many. Some recents include:

- The Altas Six by Olivie Blake

- Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter

- The Dragon Heart Legacy (3 books) by Nora Roberts

- Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

- Fable by Adrienne Young

In all honesty, doing anything that you enjoy (unrelated to work) that allows you to take a step back, re-center yourself and just feel normal is a great way to decompress.

So, through the last 5 - 7 years I've come up with some new ways to "balance" the crazy busy with a little down time. ime. me. e. . if you have any recommendations I am here for it! new