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Stress

With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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February 14, 2008 2:38 p.m.

Spend your time wisely

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By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

I certainly agree with many of you that at times the challenges and the frustrations of modern life are overwhelming. Our parents and grandparents had "stress," but it was a word that was rarely used so why is it now such a big deal?

My guess is that there are many answers to this question, but in my own world issues become magnified because of the press of technology. At one point, we could leave the firm, the foundry, the factory, or the office; head for home and not be bludgeoned by e-mails, faxes, and junk mail. There was a clear line between the workplace and home. Today, that line does not exist and many employees are expected to work 24/7 or be on call.

Our parents and grandparents often had the loving support of family, community, and faith systems. Houses of worship were the focal point of many communities. Families had dinners together and Sunday was indeed a sacred day to regenerate and rejuvenate. Today, Sunday for many individuals is just another day to go shopping and work.

So, what we are hearing is the need for self care; the need to recognize that there are many circumstances and situations over which we have no control; and the need to acknowledge and seek out that quiet place for introspection, prayer, and peace. If we do not create that space for ourselves, the world will take it from us. We need to be proactive, we need to be assertive, and we need to seek out positive, constructive, and nurturing relationships to sustain us as our journeys unfold.

Carl Sandburg, a famous American poet, made the comment that time is a precious coin, and we need to determine how we will spend it or others will spend it for us. Thank you, Mr. Sandburg.

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9 comments posted

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April 9, 2008 7:47 a.m.

There is an old proverb which says "don't put off till tomorrow what can be done today." With the fast pace of life there is often no time to do the things we'd like to do but,we need to prioritise. There is much reward in giving time to listen or lend a hand to those we care for or, take a little time for ourselves to relax or read a book, as none of us know how much time we have to share. Time is a much more precious gift than all material things.

- Cath

March 13, 2008 9:44 a.m.

Technology can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on our intentions and motives for using it and whether we let it be our master or just a tool. We are in control of setting our limits so that we remain Free from its powers to enslave us!

- Myriam

February 27, 2008 12:47 p.m.

Our society could learn a lot from other cultures.The italian people have a saying"the joy of doing nothing". I have heard of other cultures who have similar sayings. Yet we here in America constantly brag about 24/7/365, as if having NO downtime is a good thing.If we are feeling pressure and stress we need to spend some time in true R&R (if even for a moment).Being more frantic and busy is not a good goal. Peace and comfort would be a better goal. there would be less world strife too. I like a Native American saying I heard ," Toward calm and shady places, I am walking on this earth.May we all find our calm and shady place.Good luck and thanks for these blogs! It`s great!

- J.L.

February 26, 2008 8:58 p.m.

When will we realize that faster is not always better.....

- Mike

February 24, 2008 10:55 p.m.

I think it is essential that use what time we are given wisely. Studies are now showing that we are not living as long as we use to. I am 31, when my grandmother was a little girl, there were no tvs’ no fast food, and they definitely did not have a car. The environment is not way near what it was even twenty year ago. Technology is a good thing but at the same time it’s killing us. Everything is made to be faster, smaller, and more convenient. So I guess, the question is, what are we doing with our quality time that does not involve so much technology? Lets face it people we only have one shot this and we need to make the best at the little time that we’re given.

- Rita

February 20, 2008 12:31 p.m.

My main reasons re stress is my health. It seems that whenever I get the flu or anything else, it leaves me feeling weak for quite a long time as opposed to other people. Also, I like being there for people with problems and tend to tire myself. It is hard to find middle ground and pull back from these situations sometimes.

- ANONYMOUS

February 20, 2008 9:23 a.m.

Sometimes we take on too much. As in volunteer work. Once in a while we need to step back and look over all that we are trying to fit in our schedules. We might find we have a definite OVERLOAD. CUT DOWN FOR A WHILE. It works!

- Marge

February 17, 2008 4:56 a.m.

I once heard it said that there are two things most people don't really appreciate until they are gone: our health and time. When you think about it you realize it is too often true.

- Patricia Marie

February 15, 2008 1:24 p.m.

Sometimes I find trying to exercise, eat right or whatever causes stress for me. I keep thinking I "should" do something and that makes my worry or feel tense instead of relaxed or glad about doing the right things. Finding the mental balance is harder than understanding the importance of it.

- Anonymous