Spring Cleaning

In the world of full plates, I might as well be trying to haul the buffet back to the table. I'm taking 19 hours of school (x2 for homework), attempting a new novel, working with another author on her children's story (internship), supposed to be looking for a "real" job for May and cleaning up after a Border Collie who sheds cotton balls on an hourly basis. Not three weeks into the semester, my boyfriend found me curled up on the kitchen floor with my hands over my face.

Stress and college students are practically synonyms. Experts tell us that a little stress is good. Stress is the sharp prod we often need to get things done. Generational and culture developments, however, have upped the importance of perfection. Coffee, energy drinks, prescriptions and even hard drugs are used to keep people conscious long after they should be. Therefore, there is no excuse for less than Superwoman. At one point or another, however, everyone cracks.

We know life is more than work, work and more work. We know sleep is important, as is healthy eating and exercise. So why haven't we done anything about it? Part of me believes we crave stress like an addiction. If we aren't going like the Energizer Bunny, we're slouching on the couch. Stress is also kind of a rush. We feel like Batman in a corporate race against time. I can't stop everyone. As for me, I quit.

Resolutions don't work for me, so let’s call this "Stephanie's Spring Cleaning."As I clean the apartment, the dog, the blog, I will clean my life of stress. I cannot get rid of all my obligations, of course. Instead, I will manage them in the same way I rationed my Halloween candy as a kid. Stuff it where I can't see it and take out one a day. Two, if I really deserve it.

I'll break down everything in my aesthetically-pleasing agenda because I know that I am drawn to color and organizational tools. For me, highlighters are better in green. Sticky notes are more effective if they are in the shape of a speech bubble. If expensive fountain pens turn you on, use them to fill out a boring report. At least you will feel stylish while you complete it.

Then, on my honor, I will look at the "Today" page and only the "Today" page. Each time I finish something I will slash through it with Zorro-like gusto. If I only finish one thing that day, I will be proud and reward myself.

I also promise to recognize that an uninspired person is an unmotivated person. Before I start on said work, I may start my work day with the following:

1. Going for a long walk.
2. Going to Zumba or simply putting on my workout clothes and cranking up Lady GaGa. I will dance like a fool until there is simply no energy left for stress regardless of the strange looks I get from the dog.
3. Reading Deadline Dames or any other subject -related blog/magazine/book I find.
4. Talking to my Very Important People so my "I am loved" tank is full.
5. Meditating (napping) for 30 minutes. I will set the timer so I won't need a clock in the room.
6. Writing something I want to write instead of starting with something I have to write.

One thing I won't do is stress about trying to be stress-free. I promise to forgive myself if I slip up. It's easy to start in when someone asks about your day or talks about their own problems. It will take a while. I don't expect to be cured before the semester is over. I hope, however, that if taking the time to relax, it will get easier.

Have a reduced-stress weekend, everybody! Tell me what you do to unwind in the comments.