Stress & Opinions

OK I'm going to just say it: I am feeling stressed. Work issues. Money issues. Future housing issues. I've been holding my breath for a week or two, and then realizing that there's no oxygen going to my brain to think clearly. I went to bed at 5 PM, woke up for the game score, fed the dogs, and went back to bed.

Found this on the Red Sox fan site, believe it or not...some obvious but good advice about stress. They were consulting doctors at Harvard University about stress...

"Some amount of stress is normal -- even healthy," according to Miller. "But when people have to worry about their jobs and their bills without a safety net, and they feel they cannot afford to fail, that engenders panic. It's harder to manage problems and there are physiological consequences, too."

"Chronic stress increases the risk of cardiac problems," Carter said. "It affects blood sugar levels, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems. You might have trouble sleeping or have muscle tension that leads to headaches. Believe it or not, people often blame their symptoms on everything but stress."

Both Dr. Carter and Dr. Miller agree that an important first step in dealing with stress is acknowledging it -- not allowing it to become part of the "background noise" in our lives. Being part of a team helps, too.

"Guys in the locker room can pick each other up," Miller said. "We all could use a support system. That can be family, friends or a mental health professional. People tend to do better if they can talk to someone who can help them de-escalate the crisis, give them perspective, or take an overwhelming situation down to its manageable bits -- like the pitcher who breaks the game down into one batter, even one pitch at a time."

Carter has another helpful strategy.

"Exercise is a great stress reducer and it has the all the added benefits of increasing fitness. And while I know it's easier said than done, try not to worry about things you can't control. Take care of yourself first."

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Poll of Opinion

OK I'd like to take a poll of opinion...

Surprise, surprise, I didn't think that I would hear from the blue-eyed Jersey City Boy (I don't know what else to call him, Elvis Lover?) that I split the bill with last Saturday night. But sure enough, he made contact via a text message exchange.

Him: Hi, how's your day going today?
Me: Putting out fires without enough water. Thanks for asking. How are you?
Him: Doing OK, spending the day with my son.
Me: That's nice, enjoy those moments. Thanks for saying hello.
Him: We should talk on the phone soon.
Me: Sure, call me anytime.

24-hours later...I'm not waiting for him to call.

But my question is:

Should I go out with him again if he asks me?

If I do go out with him, I don't want to split the bill with him again, so I was thinking of saying something like "Well, are you asking me out on a date? Because I have some old fashioned values...."

Or I could just sit there smiling sweetly when the bill comes and thank him for such a nice meal.

Thanks in advance for your opinion.