Between idleness and stress

Getting the balance right in life, setting the sliders – so important. I tend to beat myself up if I catch my output flagging, if I'm not getting on with it – but then on the other hand, I hate getting myself into a state of stress. Stress happens when there's too much on my plate, when I'm failing to get done all the things that need to be done within the allocated time. And here, the Eisenhower Matrix comes into play. Sift away the task that are neither urgent nor important from those that are either urgent or important, whilst placing a top priority on those tasks that are both.

Today I start the day with jotting down my to-do list. I have to pay the annual insurance premium on my motorbikes (physically, at my local insurance office – three times cheaper than doing so online); do the weekly shop, have one online meeting with the UK, compose several emails, make a few work-related phone calls and juggle all this around a courier expected today bringing me another demijohn, stopper and bubbler airlock. Then there are my seven sets of exercises (ambition: beat last year!) and 90 minutes of brisk walking around the manor. And writing this blog.

The day starts well; the sun in shining – it's another cloudless morning – this is incredibly motivating.

One by one the tasks are accomplished. Parcel received, insurance paid, shopping done, several emails sent. The call takes half an hour longer than scheduled and requires couple of a follow-up phone calls.

All in all, this day is in hand, it's all fitted in. There has to be some action, some external factors that push me along – but not too much. 

This is called eustress, "moderate psychological stress, interpreted as being beneficial". Knowing where the boundary lies between eustress and stress (the sort that releases the hormone cortisol in harmful amounts) is crucial. Of course, this will differ from individual to individual, and with training, you can push that boundary. But most important is what drives you to put together that daily to-do list, what's on it, what's not on it, what stresses you, what you are in control of. 

And so I intend to go on working, so long as I can work at my own pace, and keep stress out of my professional life. That means knowing when to say 'no'. 

How much of the balance between avoiding all stress and being stressed out lies in the hands of fate? If you believe in the metaphysical powers of quantum will, you can somehow influence the outcome. And if you don't believe in that, well, good luck anyway.

I get it all done, and end the day listening to Martyn Jansen's most excellent soul and R&B show on West Wilts Radio. I retire in a state of gratitude.

Too much stress – bad; no stress at all – also bad.

This time eight years ago:
Ulica Karczunkowska, about to be bisected

This time nine years ago:
What I read each week.

This time ten years ago:
Defending Poland, contributing to NATO

This time 12 years ago:
Balloon over Warsaw

This time 14 years ago:
Happiness, Polish-style

This time 15 years ago:
And watch the river flow...