Finding Balance

Wow Wow Wow...Have I been going through some crazy times...Actually, that's normal. However, the stress levels in my body are really high right now and I've been having weird little shock-like responses. I know it has to do with hormones and stress, but GOD, it's really an odd feeling that gives me almost the heebiegeebies. It's like I walk around with my shoulders up around my ears and the hair on the back of my head, neck, back and arms is always standing on end...again, it's a really odd feeling. I've been practicing my uji breathing when I feel stressed, which is most of the time, and it has been helping!...However, I realize it can't be healthy walking around like this. Granted, I've been dealing with alot, but I've got to get my body under control. Currently I'm reading Jillian Michaels' new book "Master Your Metabolism", I just bought it yesterday and am only in the 1st chapter, but she immediately lets you know that a lot of our problems with our health has to do with hormones. Hormones ARE your Metabolism. Hormones are triggered by everything from what you eat, to stress, to how much sleep you get to...well you get the point, literally everything! Even though I'm producing 4 operas, running an opera company, working a day job, performing, auditioning, trying to manage my weight, about to have a birthday, and trying to survive day to day, I've also been dealing with other outside factors that involve people I love and trying to help them with their struggles. I think I'm pretty much at my breaking point people. I WISH I could afford a vacation, but it's also the time that I've already prioritized to those above mentioned things that make it seem almost impossible to get away. I generally use my vacation days from my day job toward going on tour and pursuing my actual Opera Career. I haven't had a vacation in almost 5 years and I haven't gone home to Texas for longer than that *cry*. Look, I'm not complaining really, I made the choice to sacrifice what I have to in order to have my career, and generally that's time (and sometimes stability, both mentally and monetarily).

So, what to do? Well, I'm going to do what I know works for me:

• I've got to get control of my eating. Balanced blood sugar levels always keep the irritability factor in check, thus I've got to eat right and often.


• I've got to continue my work-outs. Working-out really does help lower the stress factor in my life AND it gives me more energy, when I pair it with the next to do on the list.


• Get ample sleep! I have to have to have to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Sadly I average 5-6 hours and that's just not enough for my bod...ESPECIALLY when I'm working-out 5-6 days a week.


• Give myself breaks. I must step away from the computer, rehearsal, and any other necessary evil long enough to breathe, relax and refocus or I'm no good to anyone. I also have to include that I've got to "give myself a break" when it comes to self-judgements. Big deal if I don't do everything perfect all the time...that's the beautiful and "perfect" thing about being human. From weakness we find strength, you can't have one without the other.

I think that's a good list to start (continue) with. I'll finish the book I'm reading soon and see if there isn't anything else that will help me find balance in my life. Perhaps tweak a few things that I'm doing.

Oh, I should share that I had my biometric screening yesterday, and although my finger is still sore from the finger prick *owwwuh* my results were surprising to me. I'm considered in the very good to excellent range of health!...so big YAY all around. My cholesterol was very good in both the HDL & LDL categories, my blood sugar was great, and my blood pressure was better than normal...so I must be doing something right. I have to say that even though my eating hasn't been the stellar example that I would like it to be, it's not terrible...AND I have been working out pretty consistently, even if it's just getting in my 10K steps a day. Also, I do think that my regular intake of ground flaxseed has been helping with getting some good Omega 3's in my system as well as a nice source of non-soluble fiber (keeps a girl regular...TMI?)

Anywho, its time to get back to aforementioned day job. I hope everyone is well, and feel free to chime in with any suggestions, questions or comments.

Have a great day,

Bex