So I have been under a HUGE amount of stress that past couple of weeks at work. We are working on a project that has super tight deadlines, tons of people involved and LOTS of work to be completed. I’ve been working at the office until 6:30p.m. and then working some more once the boys are in bed.
Well I think it is starting to effect me physically. For the past two weeks, come Thursday/Friday, I find my neck tightening up. It tightens so much that I can barely turn my neck in either direction.
I’ve talked to a lot of people (no Dr.s of course, lol) who think it is from stress and I would have to agree. I am doing my best to deal with it; taking lots of ibuprofen and using a heating pad in the evenings.
I know this will be over soon as the BIG parts of the project are just about complete. I just find the whole thing puzzling. Do you think age has anything to do with it? I mean I have had lots of stressful jobs and actually enjoy projects that have pressure involved. When I was younger I had a stressful job, and it did cause me to have weekly migraines, but I think it was less about the work and more about me disliking my sexist/racist boss.
Any who, I guess what I am really after is 1) How do you come down off a long,stressful day and 2) Do you have any suggestions for relieving neck and shoulder tension?
I like to soak in a hot tub for about 30 minutes… really seems to help the neck/back tension. Hope you get some down time soon!!
soak in a tub with just some candles burning and your fav music quietly playing in the back ground.put a cool wash cloth over your eyes and a warm one on your neck.aaah! then have Mr.B give you a massage.when all is done climb into bed and snooze.I hope you feel better.HUG!
Yeah, a hot bath is definitely the way to go!! Hope the stress lets up soon, that’s no fun!
1. I drink. A lot.
2. Husbands were made to give massages.
:p
I think the stress affects us as we get older because we have new priorities. As I’ve gotten older it’s more important to me to do a good job, not just enough to get by.
I’ve spent years stressed out over a desk on deadline, but only recently developed the same problem.
I got my doctor to refer me to a physical therapist. That way, insurance covered most of it. Therapy involved twice-weekly massages. It worked.
It most likely is stress, but if it continues I would go see your doctor. You could just have a strain from sitting in front of your computer etc… but just in case.
Try going to get a massage. They know the right pressure points to relieve the stress.
Plus, it’s just nice.
HOpe your stress level eases up soon.
Take it easy Shannan. I def. think you need the tub soak or a nice hot shower.
Hopefully the weekend will help!
It definitely sounds stress related. I carry all my tension in my neck and shoulders and if you work on your computer a lot, like I do, than that just seems to make it worse
Drink a glass of wine (or two), put on some music, take a bubble bath and just try to do something totally unrelated to work!
Good luck! I’m on deadline this week for a freelance project and of course now I am sick as a dog!
A glass of cheap wine sets the tone of relaxation for me. I’m sure there are healthier ways to chill, but vino is oh so effective.
In the summer, I take long walks with a friend in the neighborhood after the kids are in bed and it’s still light out past 8pm. I can’t wait for those days again.