Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

[Cassia]

Hi all

I am approaching 30 days and the next two weeks is going to be full of trigger points for me. Why, pray tell? Because I have just been put under huge pressure at work and my biggest trigger is stress.

So - I need a plan, methinks. How am I going to combat this? How can I manage my stress so that I don't reach for that glass of wine? What will I do if the trigger is overwhelming? Here are my thoughts -

a) I am going to push back on other people. I am in the fortunate position that I have colleagues who should also be able to take some of the strain so I am going to involve them and delegate more effectively.

b) I am going to be super organised and look at my priorities. Can anything wait or can I put it in a holding pattern at least for the next couple of weeks?

c) I am not going to chase people - a lot my job centers around getting information from people - if I have asked for info and it isn't forthcoming then I am not going to chase it until this big piece of work is finished.

d) I am going to work this weekend to put myself in a good position for next week.

e) I am going to expect the unexpected - this isn't all going to be plain sailing but I can only manage what I can - if things come out of left field then I will deal with them pragmatically.

f) If I feel myself getting stressed, I am going for a fag - end of.

g) If I am tempted to pick up the wine, I am coming onto MWO for support.

I need to be prepared. I was asked to help and I said I would because that's what work is about to me - mucking in, helping others, others helping you. I am fortunate that I am in a relatively good position to take on this extra work and I know it means a lot to my boss (he must have thanked me like four times today). I know I can do it. It's going to mean some late nights and a bit of sacrifice but I will get there. My main focus is to NOT get SO stressed out that I PICK UP THE FIRST DRINK!

Thanks for listening.

l x

[greeneyes]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Good to have a plan! Great job on anticipating triggers and planning for them. :goodjob:

Make sure you take good care of yourself. Eat well. Stay hydrated. Get some exercise and quality rest.

[mylife]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Great job at heading off your triggers before they even get to you Cassia! You just inspired me to get more organized at work because my job is pretty stressful and that is one of my big triggers, too. In the old days I would "fly by the seat of my pants" get it all done and rush home exhausted to have a big glass (or 4) of wine.

Now I will try to get prepared and go home listening to some nice music so I'm relaxed by the time I get there.

[Cassia]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Hi mylife,

I really find that going to the gym before work sets me up for a grea day. It's not always possible when I have to travel between towns but I really enjoy it when I do.

Relaxing music sounds like a great idea...I am going to steal it! I love Celtic music so will listen to that.

L x

[Cassia]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Hey green -

All sound points that I tend to neglect when I am rushed off my feet. I will add them to the list.

L x

[rebirth]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Great plan Cassia!

[Guest]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Fantastic!

I have the ability to charge off and complete many, many things but at the end of it I know I'll only finish on a high and run off to have a drink. You'll probably find that you are actually more productive going slow and steady - consistency.

[Wagoneer]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Cassia - I need to live vicariously through you. Stress was a huge trigger for me to pick up the vino and my job is one ginormous stress ball. I have found though that instead of picking up a drink now, I simply lash out irrationally to those around me. Hmmm, maybe I should rethink this thing.....

Seriously though - killer plan. I am printing this out. Your job sounds eerily similar to mine! Great job and I know you wll be successful. You rock.

Love Kat

[damo180]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Well done Cassia, on having such a great plan ready.
Best of luck with it

[hillsidetime]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Cassia, I am impressed. What an excellent job you have done with anticipating problems that may get in the way of your health, and your happiness - your sobriety. Your action plan looks awesome. Certainly lean on us any time you need to.

Expect the long tentacles of alcohol to tug at you, from time to time, the evil beast. Hold fast, you can do it.
Hil

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Excellent plan of attack before it even attacks you so you won't attack the wine! I once had a very stressful job with lots of travel, I enjoyed it but Good Goddess did it drive me to drink! But, I also had a very easy job and drank my way through that too sooo, I guess, stress or no stress, I just loved to drink! I am very impressed by your plan and I'm sure you will make it through with flying colors.

PS, I love Celtic music too...what sort of groups can you recommend that I might find here (in form of a CD) in the States? I love the mystical, ethereal sounding ones as well as the energetic jigs!

[Cassia]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Hey blonde,

Loreena mckennitt is my fave actually. I got into her when I was in the states a number of years ago. You should defo check her out.

L x

[expat3]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

Cassia;1044127 wrote: Hi all

I am approaching 30 days and the next two weeks is going to be full of trigger points for me. Why, pray tell? Because I have just been put under huge pressure at work and my biggest trigger is stress.

So - I need a plan, methinks. How am I going to combat this? How can I manage my stress so that I don't reach for that glass of wine? What will I do if the trigger is overwhelming? Here are my thoughts -

a) I am going to push back on other people. I am in the fortunate position that I have colleagues who should also be able to take some of the strain so I am going to involve them and delegate more effectively.

b) I am going to be super organised and look at my priorities. Can anything wait or can I put it in a holding pattern at least for the next couple of weeks?

c) I am not going to chase people - a lot my job centers around getting information from people - if I have asked for info and it isn't forthcoming then I am not going to chase it until this big piece of work is finished.

d) I am going to work this weekend to put myself in a good position for next week.

e) I am going to expect the unexpected - this isn't all going to be plain sailing but I can only manage what I can - if things come out of left field then I will deal with them pragmatically.

f) If I feel myself getting stressed, I am going for a fag - end of.

g) If I am tempted to pick up the wine, I am coming onto MWO for support.

I need to be prepared. I was asked to help and I said I would because that's what work is about to me - mucking in, helping others, others helping you. I am fortunate that I am in a relatively good position to take on this extra work and I know it means a lot to my boss (he must have thanked me like four times today). I know I can do it. It's going to mean some late nights and a bit of sacrifice but I will get there. My main focus is to NOT get SO stressed out that I PICK UP THE FIRST DRINK!

Thanks for listening.

l x

Great post!!! I know you can do it. We'll be here if you need to vent!

[one2many]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

GREAT Post Cassia and it's one thing that people fall down on time and time again....


Failing to plan is planning to fail!!

Good on ya woman!

[JackieClaire]

Ahh - so this is when it gets challenging

one2many;1044329 wrote:
Failing to plan is planning to fail!!

Couldn't agree more, Oney.

Great planning, Cassia , you can do this.