Addicted to Stress

When I am on vacation or if my work load is down to a manageable level I sense I may be addicted to stress. I believe this sensation is because I have been fortunate to work in my profession in the high-tech industry for over 30 years and have become very effective at working in a fast paced and continually changing environment, which I enjoy. On top of this fast paced environment there are very long hours at times with little downtime even through some weekends resulting in working many days/weeks in a row. Luckily I enjoy what I do in my profession and have a passion for excellence in my work. When it is time for me to take an extended break from my profession it takes me sometime to switch into the mind- set of relaxation. Until this transformation from stress turns into relaxation I actually miss the excitement of my high stress fast paced work.

This regimen I feel can be compared to how an athlete trains such as Formula One race car drivers, marathon runners , bicycle racers like the ones who compete in the Tour de France, drivers in 24 Hours of Le Mans, drivers in the Dakar Rally, hockey players or how a thoroughbred race horse is prepared for race action. In all of these examples the athletes or horses are not feeling calm while at rest. They only sense the feeling of normalcy when they are at full throttle and intensity.

Having such a fast paced, stress filled life style for long periods of time can also cause health issues. Therefore, when a person does have the opportunity and luxury for some downtime they should take advantage of it. Although I do enjoy a fast paced stress filled workload, after a break from it I do feel more focused and productive.  Also, a person should also not neglect their family and friends. It is important to prioritize some time into our busy lifestyle and schedule to share our time with our family and friends. It is essential to take the opportunity to enjoy their company when we have the chance since nobody is around forever and we might miss our last opportunity to be with someone we care about.

I believe this training has helped me to become a person who can handle doing multiple tasks at the same time, juggling and prioritizing tasks quickly, all while enjoying life.  When I am actually able to take time off it helps me relax and feel more revitalized so I can better manage my addiction to stress much easier when I return to work at full throttle and intensity.

 • Do you have any suggestions on how to help others manage their addiction to stress?

 • Any ideas to assist in achieving a healthier work-life balance?

 • Does anyone have tips to help us take needed breaks and not feel guilty about it?

 • Maybe others have stories to share with examples of the benefits of overcoming their addiction to stress?

We all look forward to hearing your valuable thoughts and comments.

 

Bill Tipton

Contributing Author,

Global Dialogue Center

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wdtipton

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Comments

[Michael Renfro]

Thanks for the article Bill. I think this strikes home to many of us. I can say for certain if you own your own business you know this feeling for sure.

I can't say that I have followed your advice though. I have not had a vacation longer than a 4 day weekend in more than a decade.

On weekends and longer holidays I find myself planning out lists of chores I need to do at my home to fill the down time. I would say that I find most of the chores a break even though they are technically work. I find the physical labor I do when I am not "working" as good as any time off.

[Bill Tipton]

Thank you Michael very much for your valuable contribution to this discussion.
I also agree some work can be a form of relaxation.
One example where this is true for me can be read in a blog post I did called “Home Maintenance: Disassembling Wooden Frames Without Eyesight” located at:
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/disabilities/2017/05/-home-maintenance-disassembling-wooden-frames-without-eyesight.html
Does anyone else have any comments to add to our conversation?
We all look forward to hearing your valuable thoughts and comments.

Bill

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/