Takin' it easy

Wow our jobs are stressful. So how do you deal?

Me? Well I'll be honest: I used to drink and chain smoke cigarettes. Now I didn't drink on the job of course, but I did take several smoke breaks. And given that my lunch hours were often times nonexistant, I figured the smoke breaks make up for it. And after work, I'd hit the bar to have a few rounds. The bar was walking distance from my condo, so it was no real problem, at least until I realized how unhealthy it was.

There were even times when I would sit at my desk while editing or writing, and I'd have a cigarette on my lips. It's not because I'm anxious to smoke, but that my saliva helps seep some of the nicotine on my mouth and tongue, so it was a little relieving.

After realizing how much damage I was doing to myself, I have been smoke free since September, and drinking is now moderate and only on weekends, usually during a meal.

For the short-term dealing with stress, I always chew gum. For unwinding after work, it could be anything: I live in Hawaii! I could always tan or swim at my pool deck, or go hiking in a nearby forest. Sometimes I go shopping, but the traffic always stresses me out anyway. But usually I always end up falling back to my age-old habit: Videogames. I've got tons to keep my mind off my job when I'm at home.

I always found it rather stress relieving to blog about relieving my stress. Trust me. It works. You should try it! Now would be a good time to start. :)