Dealing With Stress

In my line of work, we have a really tough life. We work hard, travel lots, and damn near sweat blood and tears. But the rewards are great. Without anything more than a Bachelor's degree, we can earn just as much as most people above the national average. But the price of all that hard work and travel? Stress. Stress in the work place, and stress in personal life.

A friend and former coworker of mine dealt with this stress by taking up to liking this gigantic frozen mixed drink from TGI Friday's that has chocolate syrup and lots of chocolate Kahlua and Bailey's Irish Cream, along with other liquors. It was huge, and probably contained about 20 ounces of sweetness. She had the hardest time weaning off of the good stuff once her projected ended.

And then I have another coworker who dealt with this stress by going to the bar and spending his dinner per diem on alcohol. If there was anybody I can attribute the saying "Drinking my meal," it would be him. Of course, he had a long list of getting caught driving drunk that he was "let go" eventually. After all, as consultants, we are of no use if we don't have a driver's license.

Me? I don't do any of that crazy stuff. I don't go to the bars and have random one night stands with various local girls. I don't get belligerent on alcohol either. I run on the treadmill. Or out in the trails if I'm in a nice place with the great outdoors. That's how I release my stress.

But now, I may have to rethink my strategy. As I have mentioned in the past, I love shopping. And with my new long term contract project, I think I may have to dive into this secret addiction of mine. The office building I work at is right next to Woodfield Mall, arguably one of the best in the Chicagoland. And just a block away is Ikea! And sometimes when I stress, I eat. A lot. And Todai is next to me as well.

God, I hope I don't get too stressed out, as my wallet and credit card, or waistline for that matter, might not be able to handle it all! =)