Stress...

It's like a huge metal safe is sitting right on top of your chest. You can breathe, but it's labored. You wonder why you feel this way. You stop yourself, "I have more things to do! I have TOO much to do!"

Everyone deals with it - the rich or the poor.. the happy or the sad. Stress and anxiety don't just creep up to you. They stalk you until you think you're clear. There's no timing and there's no good time. The to-do lists never stop changing and growing.

It's hard to put the stress aside when you have so much on your mind with the tasks playing 'on loop' in your head. It's even worse when the stress roots from tasks you have no control over. The mind never wants to stay on one topic or task, either - it's a thousand - and - two things to do. They're scrolling through your mind even when you try to sleep. If you're as unlucky as I am, they continue even as you sleep.

This article isn't to suggest an "end all be all" solution. It's just to say if you're feeling this way, you're not alone. You may have an upcoming exam or a major life event or change occurring. There's nothing you can do to stop it, but we can push through together, starting with one hurdle at a time

Life stops for no one. I thought graduation was never going to come and it's now gone. I was nervous and anxious, but I put on the cap and gown and everything was great. I have articles due every week and exams practically every other day. The choice to just 'drop the ball' isn't the only option. Using the energy to finish work on time instead of worrying whether it will all get done is another option. Knowing that you're not the only one dealing with everyday pressures can help. Everyone has a struggle going on, but the majority do what they have to in order to get done and get through it.

So let's think "full speed ahead," as if we're going to barrel through the day's to-do list with conviction. The struggle doesn't last forever so just push through. Everything will be alright. Your hard work will pay off. You'll be glad you studied and finished your job. In the words of Dory, "Just keep swimming."