Sunday, May 31, 2009

frankie says relax

I'm a person who is prone to panic attacks. I am also a person, who, lately, has had a sort of-to-very meh-feeling stomach - for a month, anyway. I think it's anxiety-based. So what the hell is wrong with me, you ask? I think the crux of my problem is that I really don't know how to relax. Even when I get a few moments, or even an hour, of free time on the weekends, I tend to use that time to complete chores or do some other work-based project. I never just....be.

Because this week I really REALLY haven't been feeling great (see previous post), I made a vow that this weekend, I would absolutely chill out. Yesterday, we went down to the boat, and just when things were mildly relaxing, we had some engine trouble and had to come back to dock. Nothing stressful about that....so today, I made that vow all over again. And you know what? I managed to spend an hour or so on the back deck reading when Jane was napping. I literally had to force my brain to stop thinking about all of the laundry and cleaning and etc etc blah blah blah I should be doing and just chill. Why do we (I) have such trouble letting myself recharge? I'm always going going going like that Energizer Bunny but the battery is going to run out, and then what?

What's your favorite thing to do to relax? I'm taking recommendations!

PS I realize this is sort of a random and boring post, but I was tired of looking at the one talking about how depressed I am.

6 comments:

lgaumond said...

Lately I've really been enjoying laying in the hammock and reading. This usually leads to falling asleep with a book on my face in the hammock, but there's nothing wrong with that.

You sound so very much EXACTLY like Luke before he switched jobs. Stressed to the max, can't sleep, can't remember HOW to relax, stomach problems, short temper, crazy emotions. Please don't stress yourself into an ulcer, too. If you start taking Nexium I'm afraid I'm going to have to intervene.

Please bring some books and come lay in my hammock. Molly will share it with you and help you relax.

Lora said...

I wish I had an answer for this, because I have the exact same problem. Years of therapy help, but not totally. I like to read, or just lie down and breathe.

Dwayne "The Train" said...

i find drinking copious amounts of alcohol-packed beverages does the trick every time...i'm not advocating that you should become an alcoholic, i'm just saying it might make you a nicer...i mean, more relaxed person.

i also don't like lisa's implication that you need to switch jobs...the 4th floor would lose about 50% of its cool factor if you left...

see i can be nice...

Beth said...

Dearest Amanda...I am very sorry that you are stressed out. I know it has nothing to do with your officemates. I myself enjoy a nice alcoholic bevvie after work, either on my front porch, or in the back on our Adirondack chairs. Feel free to stop by anytime, although I'm sure that 8 hours with me is enough for one day. If you do swing by, I would prefer you to bring the old ball and chain as well.

Dearest Dwayne...Um, yeah, 50% of the "cool factor" would be lost???? I TRULY, TRULY hope you mean that I am the OTHER 50%. That's right sista. Stop by the 4th floor wing - if you dare!

Just sayin.

Dwayne "The Train" said...

beth,

i didn't think i had to state the obvious...you are of course the other 50%...sorry to the other 4th floorers, but i'm just being honest.

this should have all been prefaced with the fact that i have removed myself from these calculations...because when I add my coolness factor in...it's more like 12.5/12.5/75...the 75 being me...because i'm cool like that...

Laurie said...

I wish I had some advice - but hoestly, I am the SAME exact way! I drive myself crazy... : (

Sounds like you did well with the reading thing, though, so there's a start.

Maybe it's one of those things that takes practice. I know that sounds weird, but it's true. Your body and your mind are probably not used to being still...like I said, Im the same way. It's exhausting!!

((Hugs))