Q. How can I get rid of my stress in my life, and can exercise help?
A. If you find a way to get rid of stress, LET ME KNOW! There is no such thing as getting rid of stress, but there are better ways of dealing with stress. A healthy lifestyle which includes exercise is a huge part of that. When I look at my own life just these past couple of weeks, I can give you numerous stressful events that made my blood boil.
As most everyone knows, my last name has changed to Hoeben. Do you know how stressful it is to get everything changed? (Actually, I should have known ó my name has changed too many times!) The staff at the Social Security office was WONDERFUL. I was extremely pleased with how helpful the lady was. So what I thought would be a very stressful event wasn’t. THANK YOU staff at the Social Security office on U.S. 52!Now, changing my driver’s license was a whole different ballgame. I think everyone in the state of North Carolina was at the Division of Motor Vehicles office on South Main Street.
After three failed visits, I took a chance to go to the Mooresville DMV. The wait there was “only” three hours. My dear friend Susan Shinn at the Post said: Go to the Lexington DMV ó they are really nice and quick! I called last Monday and had an appointment at 2 p.m. the next day. I got there early 1:40 p.m. ó so I didn’t get so stressed running late ó and I was out of there by 1:55 p.m.!
And the best part ó I have wonderful picture on my license! THANK YOU staff at the Lexington DMV!
How about getting school supplies and school clothes? Stressful? I think so.
I am excited for my children, Frankie as a freshman at North Rowan High School (Go Cavaliers!) Edie in eighth grade at North Rowan Middle School (Go Mavericks!) and Andrew in second grade at North Rowan Elementary School (Go Steamers!), but I am looking forward to a normal day ó a day when they are in school from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. No driving the car EVERYWHERE. No incoming phone calls numerous times a day. No unlimited all-day buffet.
I love my children and I would die for my children, but I am ready for them to go back to school! I can feel my stress level dropping just thinking about it. Exercise and my horses are my “natural Prozac.” Time management is a huge part of relieving a lot of unnecessary stress. Being organized is very helpful in reducing stress.
There are lots of things that you do to prevent “stressful” events by being organized, managing your time and finding a hobby that de-stresses you. Take additional care of your health by exercising, eating healthy, accept life’s challenges and make changes when necessary.One of my favorite prayers I use when I am stressed is:
Dear God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change. Give me the courage to change the things I can. And give me the knowledge to know the difference. Amen.
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Contact Ester Hoeben with health and fitness questions at 704-636-0111 or eburgess@rowanymca.com.