The Miami Herald states that, “According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, cirrhosis of the liver, accidents, and suicide.” Whew. Stress, it’s a killer.

And here I thought it was just killing my chances of getting into a size 6.

People deal with stress all different ways- I completely and utterly stuff myself. Cheese, chips, peanut butter, chocolate- nothing is safe when that tightness starts creeping into my chest.

Constructive ways to deal with stress

Others, those “better” than I perhaps, have much more constructive ways of dealing with stress. They run. They draw. They write. Nope, not me. I eat. Fried food, healthy food, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s food. You’d think I’d be 3,000 pounds. Well, not quite {luckily}.

Life is stressful

Don’t ask me how since my job is actually, according to How Stuff Works, the 4th most stressful job. Yep. Right behind Police Officer, Military Personnel, and Working Parents (yep, that too.) There, squarely in 4th place, is Teacher. I’m sure there are many people, oh I don’t know, doctors, lawyers, the President perhaps who might disagree with the rankings of this particular list. But that doesn’t make the stress any less real to those of us who feel it.

Stress

Life is hard, that’s a fact. Gorging ourselves on food, alcohol, or even exercise if done in excess isn’t good for anyone and doesn’t make it any easier to deal with in the end.  Stress-that creepy, panicky, oppressive feeling can sneak up and snatch away life before you even realize it.

Do I have a solution? Nope. Not really. Not anything new to offer at least. But what I can offer is understanding, empathy.  The kids are yelling, bills are due, work is crazy, I get it. All I want in a break. All I need is a moment. Just to breathe. In. Out. In. Out. 

Stress can ruin relationships

Stress can not only reek havoc on our waste lines, it can ruin our relationships. When I feel stress, I am much more likely to argue with Hubby, snap at my children, even eye the dog suspiciously- bark one more time…I dare you.

Anger, resentment, and jealousy can all bubble to the surface during times of stress. I find it much easier to find faults with those that love me the most when I feel stress.  I lash out. I’m quick to judge. I’ve hurt others’ feelings.

I’ve got nothing. Nada. Zip

I would love to end this on a happy note-one of hope, even suggestions for dealing with stress. All of these would probably be better than ending it with no answers. No tips. No suggestions. For tonight, this is all I have to offer. Empathy. And perhaps a mostly empty bag of potato chips…