Aug
2012
Goodbye Stress, Hello Staycation (…almost)
Friday. I’ve been seriously counting down the days since Monday. I’m taking all next week off for a stay-cation. It was a last minute decision, but I have too many vacation days saved up (I have no idea how that happened! I feel like I’ve been going away a lot lately) and they won’t all carry over when the fiscal year starts Sept 1…hence the last week of August vacation.
I need it. I’m ridiculously burnt out. My desk at work looks like something out of the TV show Hoarders. I haven’t blow-dryed my hair in over 2 weeks. And no matter how many hours I sleep at night, I always feel like an exhausted mess during the day.
photo from Folsom…pretty, huh?
I don’t handle stress very well. The last 8 weeks have been super stressful at work, but I think I made it even more stressful than necessary because I just tend to be a worrywart, over think the little things sometimes, and take some of my stress home with me (aka, the night before a big work event, I can’t think about anything but the event, can’t relax, etc).
It’s a really bad habit. This constant state of stress lately is so unhealthy. Even though I plan to spend vacation week hanging out in yoga pants, watching the Today show, and getting some extra workouts in at the gym…I think I need more permanent stress solutions because I know me and this feeling is bound to return. Yoga, exercise, and sleep help. So does accepting and letting go (things I have trouble with). But what other things do you do to relieve stress and make sure that you don’t bring work/school stress home with you at the end of the day? Or is is just inevitable during certain extra-busy times of the year?
Curious what you guys do. Enough about that though.
On a lighter, IT’S FRIDAY note. I saw a fun survey on a couple blogs this week (and we all know how I love blog surveys) and I felt like sharing this one.
Here we go:
Thin crust pizza or Deep Dish Pizza?
Thin crust. Deep dish is just too heavy, I don’t feel good after I eat it.
Cake or Brownie?
I’d probably pick cake because I love the frosting, but I make amazing brownies. It’s my one signature dessert. If you ever need to-die-for brownie recipe, email me.
Mexican or Italian?
Mexican! Burritos, soft tacos, guacamole, enchiladas…..I love so many Mexican dishes! We have so many good buritto shops in SF that I think I’m extra spoiled.
Chips or Fries?
Fries! I used to not like chips, but Jared eats a lot of them, so I started snacking on them with him occasionally and they’ve grown on me. But at the end of the day, I’ll take sweet potato fries (dipped in tons of ketchup) any day!
Strawberries or Blueberries?
Blueberries, of course. You’re not surprised about that one, I’m guessing.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. But I am trying to drink more green tea throughout the day.
Tea….and blueberries
Chicken or Steak?
Chicken. I do like the occasional good steak once in a while. And even though this isn’t an option, I would really pick fish anyday over the other two.
Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate?
Dark. Esp dark chocolate covered almonds.
Almond Butter or Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter. I’m trying to like almond butter more (there’s the whole- peanuts are legumes and not that easy to digest thing…..and I get a lot of stomach aches, so think it might help), but I still love peanut butter so much. Apples and pb, celery & pb, graham cracker & pb, banana & pb, carrots & pb, rice cracker & pb…..you name it, I love it. Crunchy, no added sugars or salt, please.
Pb on a rice cracker….love that breakfast
Apple or Orange?
Orange. It’s funny, my friend and I just had this conversation on Monday. She’s apples all the way. But I’m really into oranges these days.
Ok, I love reading your answers soooo…..
– Have you ever taken a stay-cation?
– Mexican or Italian? Apples or Oranges? (or answer another one)
– Is stress just inevitable sometimes? Or do you have some good de-stress advice?
– Do you think you stress more than necessary often? (like me) or are you good about letting go and managing your stress.
19 Comments on Goodbye Stress, Hello Staycation (…almost)
2Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Goodbye Stress, Hello Staycation (…almost)
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[...] if summer stretched out a little bit longer. No complaints though because I’m still in the middle of my staycation and have 4 days left of laying in the sun, reading at the park, swimming, running….and doing [...]
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[...] have three days left of staycation week. Noooooo…….don’t ever end!! It’s been interesting being around all week and [...]
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Alex @ therunwithin
August 24, 2012 at 7:01 am (271 days ago)I can so relate to this, I create stress for myself. I know that. Good for you for saving up those days. You deserve a wonderful staycation.
Rebecca
August 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm (271 days ago)Thanks!
Stacie @ Snaps and Bits
August 24, 2012 at 7:22 am (271 days ago)Have an awesome staycation! Have you tried the TJs almond butter with flax or Justin’s maple almond butter or “gasp,” Justin’s chocolate hazelnut butter? I like all of those better than peanut butter (although I love PB too).
Rebecca
August 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm (271 days ago)I haven’t! But I have to stop at TJs after work today and I’ll pick up the almond butter with flax– thanks!
cara
August 24, 2012 at 7:46 am (271 days ago)To cope with stress I like to get massages/facials/mani pedi
PS. Italian!
Enter The 30 Day Cleanse Challenge!
Rebecca
August 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm (271 days ago)oooh….I think a mani/pedi is exactly what I need next week! Good idea
Jessica @ Fit Talker
August 24, 2012 at 11:29 am (271 days ago)Enjoy your time off, sounds lovely!
I have never taken a staycation but it’s probably a good idea. I’d just have to be extra careful to keep it relaxing.
Not sure about Mexican/Italian, depends. Maybe Italian solely because of pizza.
Definitely apples. Aside from grapefruit I can’t stand citrus fruit. Kind of weird, I know.
As for stress. Thankfully I don’t stress a ton but I do find that working out is a HUGE help. I wish I had some better tips but unfortunately I don’t.
Rebecca
August 24, 2012 at 1:52 pm (271 days ago)Yummmm….pizza is a def plus of Italian food!
AnnaTheApple
August 24, 2012 at 12:22 pm (271 days ago)I totally understand what you mean about getting stressed and worrying. I used to not be able to sleep the night before a big work day. Now I just have the mentality that there’s nothing I can do at home so there’s no point in stressing.
Apples all the way!! Oranges demand far too much effort hehe.
Rebecca
August 24, 2012 at 1:51 pm (271 days ago)Ha, yes oranges are way more effort and are much more sticky and messy to eat!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
August 24, 2012 at 4:25 pm (271 days ago)Good for you taking a stay cation. I hope you get to relax.
I used to get really stressed about work (still do sometimes) and would always bring it home with me. To combat it, I’d listen to mindful meditation tapes when I got home from the office. And I learned to work less and not put so much pressure on myself. I used to physically bring work home with me on nights and weekends so I could “catchup.” I stopped doing that except in extreme cases, and the work still gets done but I’m not burning myself out either.
I’m sure you’ll find a system which works for you.
jessielovestorun
August 24, 2012 at 9:44 pm (271 days ago)Have a great stay-cation girl. You definitely sound like you need it.. along with a pedicure/manicure
Take advantage of your week off, and get out & try something new!
Apples and Arteries
August 25, 2012 at 6:28 am (270 days ago)I’m totally the same way. Have been way over-stressing lately. I have to remind myself that there are some things I just cannot control.
Anyway…I’m mailing the magazines on Monday so you’ll have a stash for at least part of your staycation!
Rebecca
August 27, 2012 at 9:03 am (268 days ago)Ooh, can’t wait for the magazines! Thank you!!!!!!!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily
August 25, 2012 at 6:57 pm (270 days ago)Enjoy your stay-cation, sounds like you need it!!!!
Mexican for the win, always!
Luv What You Do
August 26, 2012 at 2:17 pm (269 days ago)I love staycations when we go into the city! I hear you on all the stress this summer, so I hope that you have a calm and peaceful fall. It was fun to learn all about you…I’m tagging you to learn some more!
http://luvwhatyoudo.wordpress.com/2012/08/26/all-about-me/
Hope you had a great weekend!
Rebecca
August 27, 2012 at 9:03 am (268 days ago)Thanks for the tag!!!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish
August 26, 2012 at 11:59 pm (268 days ago)I hope this week provides ample stress-relief and much needed relaxation time! Even though I’ve never taken one, I think a stay-cation is a brilliant idea. Traveling can be stress-inducing too (airports! hard hotel pillows! new foods!), and by staying at home, you’ll really be able to kick back and take part in the activities you enjoy! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Love this survey! Having grown up in California, I almost always choose Mexican over Italian! A really good taco or enchilada can’t be beat! However, the east coast does Italian MUCH better than Mexican (I’m still looking for a good restaurant), so I usually opt for Italian in DC.
Rebecca
August 27, 2012 at 9:04 am (268 days ago)Totally agree that travelling can be stress-enducing and sometimes more exhausting than it is relaxing! DC has some great italian restaurants….if I still lived there, I might have chosen Italian too