Good Afternoon & Happy Thursday!

I had every intention of posting an update Wednesday, but as we know life can get hectic and I guess I need to work on organizing my blogging time a little better.

I’m working hard in my personal and professional life to not let the little things get me down. STRESS is a huge obstacle I face everyday, mostly because I overthink everything… and I know I can’t be alone in that. I remember when I had blood work done a few months ago and it came back saying my Cortisol level was elevated. Okay, first question… what’s Cortisol? Any time something comes back as abnormal on any kind of test I feel like the first thing we all do is think of worst case scenario situations. Cortisol… Okay… Never heard of it, I work in Finance, not medicine… PLEASE EXPLAIN.

Ultimately after a lot of conversation with my primary doctor, she referred me to an Endocrinologist (keep in mind trying to have a baby so wanted to make sure everything was in working condition). The Endo of course ordered her own round of blood work and that time Cortisol level was normal. *PHEW* So now we talk about “OK, what happened”.  First of all,

source: https://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/hormones/cortisol

I am someone who if you ask “Wanna ride a roller coaster?” My initial thoughts are not excitement and anticipation like most people who live 30 minutes from Busch Gardens… No, I’m instantly thinking worst case scenario and stressing about something that HASN’T EVEN HAPPENED.

I also work in a stressful environment and I am trying to do everything within my power to not let myself get stressed or anxious over things I cannot control. Which of course is so much easier said than done, but you know… you have to try. Plus I know now that being anxious and stressed out messes with basically everything, which I never would’ve thought that before a few months ago.

It’s so easy for someone to say ‘just stop stressing about it, it’ll happen’ when you mention how you’ve been trying to get pregnant and how it’s been so upsetting that it hasn’t happened yet, I know they mean well, but it just doesn’t help me.

Overall, working on decreasing my stress and anxiety levels is going to help with so many things in my life and I know I’m making great strides so far, but also can be realistic and know I have a ways to go. I’ll share a few things I’ve picked up over the last couple months that seem to help me, but everyone deals with it differently and if these tips aren’t for you and you’re struggling, I hope you can find some peace of mind soon.

• EXERCISE. Even a 30 minute cardio session has been able to relax my racing mind.

• CHEW GUM. Sounds odd- but this helps me while at work!

• HAPPY THOUGHTS. You know the “think happy thoughts” motto… yeah, I literally mean that. I’ll watch a quick video of my nephew doing something cute or read an inspiring quote and that emotion will (usually) overpower the others.

• MUSIC. I thank myself for subscribing to Apple Music, because I can literally listen to just about anything I want and can choose a song I know puts me in a good mood.

• TEXT SOMEONE. I’m a big believer in just getting something off your chest. Even with this blog, talking about things I’m going through is helpful. Especially if its with your family or friends, they always know what to say to turn a mood around or encourage you.

Off to work on tip #1! Have a great weekend.

xo