How do you handle stress?

So last week I talked about what has kept me away from my blog since my transplant and in just 7 days I feel as if I have jumped off a cliff. This is not a bad thing as I have been doing a lot of prep work and research into opening my private practice. I think the meme you see below is a pretty good representation of how I feel right now:-) I am excited about the possibilities but also understand that there will be A LOT of work that will go into this new endeavor. While I begin the work to move into my own space I continue to work part time as an LPC for another agency and I’ve enrolled in classes to diversify my skills. I’ve also decided to join an 8 week course for a Pilates/Yoga Fusion class as this is motivation to help de-stress and get in better shape while continuing my own exercise regiment at home.

Oh, did I mention that I’ve been googling and spending way too much time on Pinterest finding healthy but varied recipes that I’ve begun testing out (and I have a full freezer as well as family members who have become my guinea pigs:-) So what do you do to de-stress? How do find the balance between doing what needs to be done and keeping your sanity as well as your health. I understand the need for balance and was just talking with a friend tonight about how we each need to make sure that we don’t go so full force with what needs to be done that we drain ourselves to the point that we get sick.

You might think that as a therapist I would have a better handle on this situation and yet what do they say about doctors…..they make the worst patients? Well, I think it is very similar to therapists in that we don’t always listen to our own advice. I’ve gotten much better over the years and after this past year and half I definitely don’t want to risk any setbacks but I’m human and I have goals I want to achieve and sometimes get caught up in life.

So, what would you recommend? I’d love to hear from others as to what works for you and/or some situations that you needed to take a step back from and what was the end result? Balance is key for everyone but speaking as someone with an autoimmune disease I know that balance can be imperative as stress can be a huge trigger to our symptoms. I think a big part of that balance is having positive, healthy outlets. I love to read, spend time with family and friends, watch some tv, cook, and hopefully make it thru my new Pilates/Yoga class:-) I started this blog as a cathartic release for myself and to share my experiences but also to extend the invitation to others to share their experiences and feedback. As always I look forward to hearing from you all. Have a wonderful weekend!