work, stress and what to do next

I have spent so much time at work over the last few months that I have begun to actually feel as if my keyboard is simply an extension of my hands. The dull, numb feeling in my ass, caused by sitting in this chair for ten plus hours a day has become all too familiar and I could swear my ears are now more comfortable with a telephone headset on.

I am only 34 years old and I already feel like an old man who should be looking forward to retirement. I had my son at 17, which means I became a responsible adult before I was able to buy a Playboy. I have already spent 18 years in the work force. I’ve had 3 surgeries on my knees, 2 on my shoulder and 1 hernia operation. The hair on my head is now about as fleeting as support for our President and my beard is getting more grey by the day. And it’s my own damn fault.

I rarely take breaks at work, other than 1-2 minutes to get coffee or use the restroom. I work a minimum of 10 hours a day, which means I spend more of my waking hours in my office than I do in my own home. And when I finally do leave the office, I have no outlet to relieve my stress.
I’ve spent many years laughing at the “work hard / play hard” mentality but now I think I understand. It’s all about balance. I can’t continue to be a workaholic unless I find time for myself outside of work.

So, I have made a few promises to myself. Please note: I’ve made a point to come up with this before New Years. These are not resolutions to be tossed aside after a month. I see this as more if a life-change.

Here is the list of things that I will do for myself every week.

· I will keep a clean home (a cluttered home causes stress)
· I will dress better for work (sometimes appearance is all it takes to get the respect you want)
· I will cook a nice supper every Sunday (this will be an open-house type dinner where friends and family can always drop by and join in)
· I will walk more (I sit enough at work)
· I will make the time to read more (I have far too many books at home still waiting to be read)
· I will play music more often (whether it by my bass, my bassoon or something else… I need a creative outlet)

Granted, these things along will not necessarily lead to a more fulfilling or stress-free life… but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. I’m sure there will be weeks where I fall back to my old habit, but I’m willing to bet that I will soon find myself happier and healthier than I am now.

Only time will tell, I guess.