Stressed?

At a recent doctor's visit, my physician asked me how I was handling the stress of medical school. He is a great doctor and one of the many things that make him awesome in my book is his acknowledgment that being the spouse of guy in medicine can bring stress into a girl's life. He knows our family fairly well so we got to talking about how I am doing with it all. By the end of the visit I was reminded once more that stress is normal and as I left his office I started thinking of all the things I do that help reduce my stress levels and if I was doing any of them. I'm pretty certain we can all agree that moving constantly, acquiring tremendous amounts of debt, and the financial strain during medical school and residency are a great concoction for stress. With that in mind, I came up with my top favorite free and 'can do anywhere' stress reducing activities.

Reading-

I am a serious book worm so reading ranks pretty high on the list. Thank goodness for public libraries because being at SAHM does not pay well. If you like reading and especially if you have kids, I really recommend you get a library card and take advantage of such wonderful public service. Not only can you get books but also DVD's like Zumba and Downtown Abbey (both major stress reducers in my life). If you are lucky, your library may even have some really hip and cool folks who have awesome activities for your kids and you. Honestly, libraries rock!

Exercise-

Nothing clears my head like exercise. My hubby likes to run, however I experience severe discomfort when running so I am more of a walker and a hiker (you know what I mean, it sounds weird just now). Luckily, we live near many beautiful trails so I take advantage of them. My kiddo can strap his helmet on, get on his bike and off we go. Some days I am very lucky and my hubs will take said kid and play with him while I go on a trail and try to get lost. If the weather is awful and I can't get outside that's where Zumba comes in handy. Sure, I can't dance to save a life but hey...no one is watching! I really, really hope no one is watching.

Volunteering-

I can read and dance all the day long but sometimes what really helps me stay healthy is volunteering. I volunteer at my son's school because he still likes me and wants me there. I also help out at our church office whenever possible. Helping at these places makes me happy and they also help in keeping some job skills up to date. If I get fired as a SAHM, I may need another form of employment. Volunteering also forces me to speak to other adults and be part of a team of 'big people' not just a five year old and his bevy of imaginary friends. Plus, I like to think I am being helpful and that in itself is worth the effort of volunteering.

Faith-

Lastly, this is one is not for everyone but I have faith in something much greater than me so prayer is my saving grace most days.

I know time is not freely given to many of you and finances do not permit retail therapy or lunch with girlfriends every week so I hope this post reminds you of at least one thing you enjoy doing that is free and can be done anywhere. My sincere hope is that in the midst of the medical journey your family is enjoying the ride and not just waiting for a destination. I know...we hear that all the time!!! But, seriously enjoy your week and may be share with us what you do to relieve stress.

Judith