Like A Ton Of Bricks…

I am stressed.

Today, reality came crashing down on me like a ton of bricks. I have come to accept the fact that the next few weeks of my life are going to be intense, busy, and crazy. 😯

For one, you may or may not be aware that I am a teacher. This past year, I taught first grade, which was definitely a challenge for me and required a lot of adjusting. For this upcoming school year, I have been moved to 5th grade. In the grand scheme of things, the move to 5th grade is definitely a great thing; HOWEVER, that means I have a lot of planning and readjusting ahead of me.

I have about 3 weeks to get my new classroom and materials ready to go.

But I also have a week long trip planned to Vegas in between.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond excited for my trip to Vegas! Jay and I are going with about 20 friends for a combined Bachelor/Bachelorette Party for my friend, Joelle and her fiancé, Kyle. It’s going to be a blast. I’m just hoping I’ll be able to enjoy my time there without worrying about what will be waiting for me when I get back…

*I think maybe now I know why my dreams last night were centered around teeth: apparently dreams about teeth can be related to fear of failure, stress, and anxiety.*

Lunch

Feeling a little less than great, I was quite tempted to come home today and feast on whatever junk I could find in the kitchen. However, after taking a quick step back, I realized that overindulging would really only make me feel worse in the end. So I made a delicious, colorful salad instead.

In the bowl: romaine, cukes, tomato, shredded carrots, yellow pepper, dried cranberries, & fat-free Athenos Feta cheese.

I also decided to crumble a Coconut Curry “Livin’ Spoonful” cracker on top, which I had in the freezer. I really loved the extra crunch, but the curry flavor was a little powerful for the salad. I think it’d be much better with a milder flavor…too bad this is my last pack! 🙁

I picked up a few Stonyfield yogurts at the store the other day, including this “Chocolate Underground” flavor. It was my first time trying it, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. It’s actually exactly as the label describes it: vanilla over chocolate.

The verdict: I’m not too crazy about the sugar content (35g!) but it did have a pretty tasty flavor. It tasted a lot like something that I would crave for after dinner, so I ended up enjoying a few bites and then put it back in the fridge to save for later.

Now it’s time to get back to some work…gonna try to stay positive and on top of my game! 😀

Question for the Afternoon:

What do you do for yourself when you end up feeling overwhelmed/overly stressed? Any tips?

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

suki says

August 17, 2010 at 2:56 pm

Ah, yes, that would explain the abundance of "teeth" in your dreams. To destress, I like to go get a massage or even an acupuncture session. Listening to music and dancing keeps things light for me too! Sounds like a fun week in Vegas ahead! :)

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Shanna, like Banana says

August 17, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Oh boo for stress. I'm in the same boat lately...too much to do and too little time. All these little tasks make me feel like I'm not making progress. Tips: --Breathe (seems obvious, but deep slow breaths) --Don't skip workouts because you think you can't fit them in --Make a list: separate into today, this week, and in 2 weeks. Keep it in a place that you will see it multiple times throughout the day (like the fridge ;) ) --Vent. Some people believe that venting is akin to complaining or being negative, but just voicing all the stresses/worries can be very cathartic --Schedule a spa pedi or massage before you go back to school so you have something to look forward to --Have a glass of vino :)

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- Courtney says
  
  August 17, 2010 at 3:07 pm
  
  Thank You Shanna! I love all of those tips...especially the last one. I think that will be in order this evening. :)
  
  Reply
Dorry says

August 17, 2010 at 3:12 pm

I totally understand the overwhelming feeling of looming things - but I think you have the right attitude and I know things will come together for your new classroom and new school year. When I'm stressed, I work on priority lists - make realistic tasks to accomplish everyday and a good run works for me. Sometimes I just need to get outside by myself and re-group! Oh, and wine. Wine always does the trick. Just one small glass is perfect for me. :)

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Marg says

August 17, 2010 at 3:38 pm

I just got over my stress, working out helps. I was hoping to become a teacher this year, but no call backs and not looking like anything is going to happen. Vegas will be just what you need! I'm going at the end of the month and can't wait!!!

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tastyandtrim says

August 17, 2010 at 3:39 pm

Sometimes a good workout helps me blow off some steam and other times a relaxing pedicure or a long walk helps me clear my head. If either of those fails venting to a friend or family member can do the trick for me. Keep your head up girl, you'll make it through :)

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Paige @ Running Around Normal says

August 17, 2010 at 3:51 pm

Try to keep calm and focus on the present. Sometimes if I look ahead into what's to come too far, I get extremely overwhelmed. Take it a day or two or three at a time. You'll make it:) It was so fun meeting you this weekend!!

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Katie says

August 17, 2010 at 3:56 pm

Congratulations on moving up to 5th grade!! That is so awesome! And that Vegas trips sounds like it's gonna be tons of fun. I think that's the best way to do Vegas, when you go with 20 something people because wherever you go there will be a party, haha! Good luck and try not to stress too much! Everything will work out in the end :)

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Nancy says

August 17, 2010 at 4:40 pm

I didn't know that you were a teacher. That was one of my career choices that I had in mind, but I also loved Graphic Design. A few gals on my soccer team (okay, like half the team) are Teachers, and they LOVE having the summer off. I may or may not have regretted my career choice for the summer ha. Now that I think of your teeth dream...I too used to have dreams of my teeth - FALLING OUT. I was so horrified, and embarrassed. It was right after I got my braces off (in 2007-ish)and I remembered that I hated how huge my teeth looked. I had nightmares of them falling out :(

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thebeautifulbalance says

August 17, 2010 at 7:45 pm

Hey Girl!! Sorry to hear youre so stressed out. I can hardly imagine how much work youre putting into planning right now-teachers do not get enough credit!! As for dealing with the stress -WALKING always makes me feels better -Sipping on a hot tea with a hunk of dark choc or PB (or both) -Taking a long shower -Dancing like a maniac to a fav song -Buying some flowers The little treats really help you get through the big stuff. Don't forget to take time for YOU because YOU deserve it!!! :) stay strong girlfriend XOXO

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Lizzy @ LBBakes says

August 17, 2010 at 7:53 pm

A workout usually cures me. And I always tell myself (and others) that it could always be worse. :)

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Jess says

August 17, 2010 at 10:07 pm

I am a teacher, too, and so I TOTALLY understand your stress!!! I live in GA and so we started back to school with the kids last week an getting ready for school is SO stressful! I feel your pain! Can u go up to the school one day this week to get a head start before leaving for Vegas? I teach third and so going from 1st to 5th is a huge jump! Good Luck!!

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Shannon says

August 18, 2010 at 7:29 am

I completely understand how you are feeling! I work in advertising and late nights/all nighters have been the name of the game lately. Last night was the first time in a week that I could find time to run and it worked miracles! I turned off my headphones and listened to crickets as I ran. If you savor those small moments (and maybe a glass of wine or two ;)) then it will certainly help! Good luck!

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