Is stress sabotaging you?

How would you describe stress? I would say that stress occurs when life gives you more than you can handle. We perceive a situation as stressful when there is more stimulus than you can process. Phones ringing, children fighting, cell phone alerts, an alarm sounding and loud music all at the same time…..sound stressful?

Recently, I moved from Chicago to Las Vegas and started a new job. I had been working from home and had control of my environment and arranged my own schedule. I had time to go to the gym and prepare healthy meals without rushing or having to strategically schedule my life.

In my new position I am in a small office at the hospital with no windows or door. The sounds of patients screaming, call lights, alarms, and overhead announcements are constant. The noise pollution has been hard to adapt to, especially hearing the angry patients yelling.

I was finding that I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the day. I was working through my lunch break because I more to do then I felt I had time for during my shift. I was working at a frantic pace. Something had to change. This was killing me.

Here is what I did to manage my stress:

1. Started a regular exercise plan.

2. Adopted a healthy diet.

3. Went to bed early.

4. Started meditating for 5 minutes every morning.

5. Planned a personal retreat vacation.

6. Started talking about how I was feeling.

7.