Type A Personality = A relatively distinct set of character traits, commonly observed in aggressive, hard-driving, ‘workaholics’; a temperament characterized by excessive drive, competitiveness, a sense of time urgency, impatience, unrealistic ambition, and need for control. [Source: McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc]
I have a Type A personality… my biggest vice is STRESS. When I’m really stressed my jaw starts clenching and my upper back starts aching. According to Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, my personality is associated with a higher than usual incidence of coronary heart disease. Stress management is something I am constantly working to improve. My yoga helps some but I still have some major work to do on managing my stress better.
The other night after an extremely long and busy day, it was 9pm and I had still had “blogging” on my “to do list”. I felt like I had not spent any quality time with Cory since we both got home from work; sure, we were in the same room since 5 pm but I was too busy (responding to emails, making wedding planning phone calls, squeezing in a yoga session, throwing together a quick healthy dinner, etc.) to enjoy his company. After mentioning how stressed out I was, Cory suggested we just lay on the couch and watch a couple of our favorite TV shows before bed. After a little lot of hesitation, I threw my overachieving “to do list” out the window and instead literally laughed out loud while watching Modern Family with Cory. I felt a million times better after winding down with comedy + my soon to be husband. While is great to be ambitious and strive for better things, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. If I run myself into the ground trying to be “perfect”, everything in my life will suffer (health, relationships, long-term goals, etc.). We all need some down time. I’m working on slowing down, living in the moment, and taking time to smell those damn roses.
Do you have any stress management tips? How do you manage your stress?
Kasey
I used to consider myself Type A+, now I’m more of a type B+ (haha). IN other words, I have learned to relax and not let simple “to do’s” get me stressed and anxious. I have learned to live life to the fullest and live in the moment. I read the book “Slowing Down to the Speed of Life” and it changed me, forever. I ahve also started doing yoga and pilates, which as you say, is quite helpful. I love it in fact, and never thought I would say that!
I am definitly a type B. I hate stress it always take over me! Maybe I need to try yoga to help me out!
I am Type A, and I have to work on “smelling the roses”… I have “to do” lists, but I constantly evaluate what’s a priority. I work on not being “perfect.” I love my blog and the blogging world, but sadly blogging can add stress to your life, so I’m trying to find a better balance….
One thing that relaxes me is the steam room at my gym after a nice workout. I think I’ll try do that today….
Have a great weekend!
i am both!!! usually when im stressed i pray, run, and/or take a hot bath
have a good weekend girl!
I am a type A, but have learned to slow down a little, but it’s a constant reminder to do so. It sounds like future husband is a good balance for you. I think that’s been key with me, to have a partner that isn’t type A, so he gets me to breathe and remember that I don’t have to be superwoman.
The Candid RD,
I’m going to have to check out that book!
Kiley,
I think you would enjoy yoga
Andrea,
I also am working to find a good life/blog balance. I wish I had an available steam room… that makes me relaxed just thinking about it!
Katie,
Thanks for sharing your stress relieving methods. I think a hot bath is definitely in my near future!
Mommy RD,
I think we have a lot in common… including our love of wine
I am absolutely a Type A personality and get stressed out really easily. I wish I had some good tips for you but I am still trying to figure it out for myself. Yoga really helps!!
You know what, I’m not really a Type A personality but i’ve always been slightly envious of those who are. The competitiveness and drive to work are traits that I strive for, but don’t really come naturally. It is important for you to stay calm and have wind down time though!