A few weeks ago while taking the commuter rail to work, I was abruptly reminded of how stressful our lives and jobs can be. A lady sitting directly across from me had gotten up from her seat to get off at her destination. All of a sudden, she collapsed on the floor, began shaking, and turned very pale.
Several passengers and the train conductor ran to her assistance. After a few minutes, she came to but was very shaken and distraught. As we began asking her questions to determine if she was alright, the lady informed us that she was ok but was under a lot of stress related to her job. She had been thinking about work all weekend and finally on Monday morning, the stress was just too much for her.
As we pulled into the next station, an ambulance that the train conductor had called was waiting. The lady was assessed by the medical staff and was then taken off to a Boston hospital.
All of this got me thinking about how fragile our lives are and how much stress we put on ourselves. I have often read that stress can be more deadly than many other diseases and that we need to keep it under control. Experts recommend that we find things in our lives that give us pleasure and distract us from our daily jobs.
Having interests outside of work is not only healthy but vital! Some of the things that I do that help with this include cycling, gardening, soccer, and yes, raising and caring for a flock of chickens. There is nothing more relaxing for me than cycling on country roads on a crisp autumn morning or seeing the sun rise over the ocean as you cycle along the salt marsh. Being in the garden and tending to plants, vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees can also be very rewarding and relaxing. Although I really enjoy my chickens and the daily fresh eggs they lay, I’m still trying to determine if they add to my stress levels or are a distraction to all the daily hustle and bustle.
When things become hectic and life’s stresses become overpowering, take a moment to reassess your priorities. Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors, read a book, play a sport, or whatever it takes.
This is a great reminder to notice what is stressful and what is fun.
A few years ago, I kept a custom journal on just this topic. I was so surprised to find “cooking” under the stress section AND the joy section. When I looked more closely, I found that cooking under a deadline (after work, hungry kids, company showing up and not enough time) was very stressful but cooking with plenty of time, including for a crowd, was really fun for me.
Jane, your cooking example goes quite a way to explain my dilemma with the chickens. On the weekends they are a joy to be around and watch. However, when I’m running off to work and have to change their frozen solid water in 20 degree weather, it takes away some of the fun and adds to the stress. Nice example!
What a helpful topic, Michael! Just reading it helped me relax before I start in on work after a week in Florida.
Good posting. Thanks!