Happy Fat Tuesday! I started off my day with a 45 minute spin class at the gym followed by a pazcki. It’s all about balance, isn’t it!?
Every year since I was a kid, I’ve given something up for Lent. In recent memory, I’ve given up alcohol, chocolate and tabloids. This year I’ve decided not to give up anything traditional. Instead, I’m giving up stress.
Stress? Is that even possible?
For me, I think it is. After a full week spent at home recuperating, I felt better than I have in a long time on Monday morning. Physically, I was still in a bit of pain but mentally I was calmer and clearer than I’ve been in years. I decided that I want to stay this way.
So what changed in a week?
The truth is, this realization was a long time coming. Over the past few years as my Dad and I have grieved after losing my Mom, I’ve seen how much the stress has affected my Dad. Last Winter, he was diagnosed with Colitis and has spent the past year taking care of himself both mentally and physically.
It’s important to note that my Dad is the hardest worker I have ever met. He’s a self starter and has owned his own company for over 25 years and now runs three businesses. Growing up, it was very rare to see my Dad not working. The past year, this has all changed. He takes time to shut down each and every night and spends time doing what he enjoys. He watches sports, gets his sleep and is a much more relaxed version of himself. For awhile, I’ve been wanting to follow his lead.
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My realization came this past week when I went to the doctor and she urged me to work from home and rest. I then talked to my bosses who urged me to rest. They said “they know how I am” and that I needed to get better. So I did. I took the time to do the things I enjoy and that relax me. I watched movies, read, took baths, organized and send out Valentine’s to my best friends. I listened to my body and ate whatever I wanted. I took time to decompress. And now, I’ve never felt better. I want to continue this process as I learn to make myself a priority, to de-stress, to learn how to take a break and to unplug.
With that, I’m closing down my computer. I have a few chapters of book to read and some much needed sleep on the agenda. Tomorrow, I’ll start another day feeling calm and refreshed.
Are you giving up anything for Lent? Did you participate in any Fat Tuesday traditions? Have you ever had a Pazcki? What do you do to de-stress?
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I love the idea of giving up stress. Sometimes we just have to listen to our bodies…
That’s my plan-hope I can stick to it!!!
Good luck!! It is so hard to NOT have stress some times. It is something I am still learning to cope with in grad school.
I wish my dad would take after your dad…he definitely needs to learn to turn off at the end of the night and find some ‘him’ time.
Believe me, it took 55 years!
It sounds like you’re doing a better job- cooking, running, spending time with the dr.
I think this is the best possible thing you could give up. It’s so important to slow down and rest every once in awhile. Glad you’re taking care of yourself.
Thanks! I definitely think its important!
Good luck! I think it’s great that you’re giving up something that will truly challenge you every single day and holds actual meaning in your life. I wish I could make my parents take on such a challenge. I can see their health slowly deteriorating because of stress and it worries me every.single.day.
Don’t worry yourself too much! I know how you feel though, it’s funny how the tables turn and we start worrying about our parents’ isn’t it?
Katie, I applaud you for this! Stress is something I’ve dealt with (or not dealt with that well) my whole life. I suffer from anxiety a lot too. Letting go of stress and anxiety is, for me, a very intentional effort. I have to want it and acknowledge that I am “letting go.” It’s extremely hard for me to be relaxed, which is why I committed to a night routine for February. If I don’t relax before bed, my rest is crappy and I wake up feeling terrible. Hopefully we can both make some progress in the area of stress.
Thank you! Even after two days I can already tell how much sleep is a major factor of my stress. So this is something I am working on too. We can do it!