Soooo Stressed Out!!!

Sooooo Stressed Out! By James C. Wadley, Ph.D Many professionals are stressed out by working 40, 50, 60, and sometimes almost 70 hours per week trying to maintain their jobs or businesses. The rigor of our professional lives are sometimes difficult to manage as we struggle to find balance between work and home. Inasmuch, the physiological and emotional stress of trying to keep everything together takes its toll on us as individuals…as well as our romantic relationships. Our partners request that we be “there” and while we might be standing right next to them, we are physically, emotionally, intimately, or spiritually burnt out and have nothing to offer them but a shell of our authentic selves. Stress takes its toll on professional relationships and it is sometimes difficult for people to do anything different except work themselves into the ground. While our jobs may provide a consistent paycheck and are able to give us some comfort with regards to financial security, our work can strain our relationships and even create insecurity within our relationships. Some signs that you/your relationship need stress relief include excessive moodiness; depression or general unhappiness; isolation or loneliness; feeling overwhelmed; inability to relax; or having a short temper. Taking your stress out or distancing yourself from your partner isn’t cool or healthy. Here are a few tips for you take care of yourself and your relationship: (1)Eat healthy foods; (2)Get enough sleep; (3)Exercise your body; (4)Do positive things for yourself and your partner; (5)Identify and talk about your feelings; (6)Learn to say “No”; (7)Manage your time better; (8)Stop trying to control everybody/everything; (9)Forgive yourself and others; and (10)Set up romantic/relaxing “dates” with your partner. Give yourself and your relationship a chance to enjoy the best of you! Dr. James Wadley is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Human Services Program at Lincoln University. He’s a licensed professional counselor and marriage, family, and sexuality therapist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The author of the newly released book, The Lost and Found Box (Authorhouse, 2012), can be contacted at phdjamesw@yahoo.com, via his website, drjameswadley.com.