TGIF, am I right? I feel like this has been a very long week with very long days. I don’t know if it is because I have been running around like mad, or if I just have a lot going on, but I really am glad it is Friday.
The kids are adjusting to their new schools very well (new buildings, I should say). We have a fourth grader at Carterville Intermediate School and a freshman at Carterville High School. I aged about 10 years, but I’m doing alright.
Sam has started another semester of grad school. I can’t believe that the fall semester for SIU and John A. Logan has started. I admire his determination to get those classes wrapped up and finish his graduate degree. It’s not easy–with working a job that is quite demanding on him mentally and sometimes physically, to load up and go to a class one night a week—it can be exhausting.
I worry about the kids and Sam during the day—-wondering how they are doing in and out of class and work, how their lunch goes—things I hope that seem normal for a working mom. I realize I probably stress out more than I should about small things or things I can’t reallly control, but I sometimes want to kick myself because I know there are bigger problems in the world today.
Yesterday, when I was teaching, I realized that some of my students probably don’t have someone who worries about them like I worry about my students.
I realized that my struggles are not as great as some people I know–and I can tell that just from scrolling through Facebook.
My time management skills need some work—I need to do a better job of managing my time at work and at home (like not doing a lot of work at home).
I have a really great support system. I’ve had ups and downs and stressors this week—and through it all I’ve had the best friends and husband a girl could ask for.
At the end of the day, when I was dragging myself to the computer to start grading papers, I realized (and it took a lot this week to make me realize, y’all)—I am stressed. I have been a little stressed out this week.
Stress manifests in many ways. Some of the symptoms are emotional symptoms are moodiness and irritability (guilty)—and others might be physical. Stress might be on the rise for you, or your household, but you can manage it. Address the stress if it is too much before some serious health concerns arise—sleep disturbances and depression–but if you start to feel your muscles throbbing (tight shoulders, can I get an amen?)—you might be stressed. Yeah, it could be because your pillow isn’t great, but more than likely it might be some type of stress.
Headache? Stress? Tension? I bet so—a dull, aching, pain? Yep. You might be stressed. I get these headaches from time to time and because I tend to ignore it, the headache blossoms into a migraine (which trust me, is not any better). Yoga has helped…I have started to do yoga before bed and I find myself very relaxed and calm.
Thirsty or sweaty? Yep—-that could be stress! I sometimes get clammy hands before teaching (sorry to any of you who have had to shake my hand when this happens)—before presentations and sometimes even before meetings. A little anxiety–more than usual–could cause you to sweat more due to stress. What helps me? Deep breathing, and sometimes listening to music. Podcasts help, too.
Finally, the biggest indicator of realizing that I might have too much going on is when I am just not feeling well. Cold-like symptoms, fatigue, and even migraines clue me in—so all that worry–all those random thoughts that sometimes fill my head—that worry—-it builds up and my body just says “enough.”
This Friday I’ve paused to reflect on the week and the stress and worry that I’ve experienced. I’m determined to get that stress under control. I am going to make a to-do list, plan out the week in my planner, be more prepared for classes/grading, and realize when my body is telling me to slow down.
What are your Friday Feelings? I’d love to hear them! Please comment on the post and let me know. I hope you have time for a restful and relaxing weekend!
