Getting Busy? Tips to Manage and De-Stress!
In today’s busy world, it is so easy to become burnt out and overstressed. One in three Americans feel they are overworked, and it’s not just within the corporate world—there are kids, schooling, volunteer organizations and social functions. If you’re feeling like you’ve had enough, here are some tips from some ultra-busy women to help you out. “I wear many hats. On any given day, I might be working with our accountant on financials; working with staff preparing for committee meetings; calling potential sponsors and donors for sp writing grants and brochur the list goes on and on. Stre take over if I didn’t have a wonderful staff. When you believe in what you do and enjoy the people around you, energy and fun come naturally. This satisfaction is a de-stressor in itself for me. Going home to a wonderful husband, who is a chef that prepares dinner and to Sam, our six-pound Maltese who doesn’t ask for money or for the car, is a great retreat.”—Sandy Zando, executive director of the Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“I am very involved in the community (in addition to my business) and sit on many boards around the valley. To de-stress I workout everyday, and I try to get massages once a month. I get together with my friends and family, I take vacations...and I try not to sweat the small stuff!”—Sharon Chapman, owner of Chapman Technical Group.
“I manage my stress in different ways. Most of the time I rant and rave to my friends, who proceed to calm me down or get me to laugh. Humor is really the key. If I am still stressed, I often do another activity like watching a movie or playing a game. Never by myself, though. Having someone around forces me to communicate and think about something else instead of dwelling on all the work I need to finish.”—Sara Naylor, triple major in English, History and Mass Communications, teaching assistant and writing consultant.
“My Treo (palm pilot) helps me stay connected—and I have a great business partner Karen Stakem, (who is also my sister) but nothing has helped me more than my strong relationship with my husband and having Chinese food on speed dial. My kids really ground me. Nothing brings you back to the ‘realworld’ more than spending time with children. My husband and I make time to go out at least one night a week—and I talk to my girlfriends at least once a day. They always have a way of making me laugh.”—Amy Schuler Goodwin, owner of a public relations firm and mother of two.
“My metabolic gauge is directed toward the symbol for ‘high.’ I try to listen to my inner core and to where God is directing my energies. I like to give my love and my time to others; by investing in the lives of others I am serving God and His agenda. I relax by doing daily walks and yoga. Also walking the woods and hiking the mountains are important weekend activities for my husband and me. The beauty of Nicholas County provides us with these bountiful excursions.” —Patty Bright, mother of three, active volunteer and helps her husband with the family business, Bright Enterprises.
“I usually just try and prioritize by working on deadlines that are coming up first and then worrying about work that will come due later on. I de-stress by watching TV, doing crossword puzzles and reading magazines that aren’t related to work, like Newsweek, The New Yorker and Entertainment Weekly. Just trying to keep up with the reading for those three magazines is a challenge though.” —Jeannie Dalporto, associate professor and mother of three.
“I had twins in December. Being a new mom and coming back to work full-time keeps me really busy. I have to balance work with being a mom, but a planner helps me keep up with work and the girls. Really, hanging out with my girls helps me relax, as crazy as it may sound. My husband helps me a lot and gives me breaks, too.”—Paige Hoffman, mother of newborn twins and assistant prosecuting attorney.
