It goes a little something like this - How I manage my stress

The morning always starts with hopeful thoughts and new beginnings, ready to take one whatever the day wants to throw at me. While I hope that the day will unfold with no surprises, and smoother than the backside of a baby, we all know that may not always be the case.

Even though most of my mornings consist of me running out of the house in a panic, worried about tardiness, I am hopeful that the remainder of the day will be pleasant. Though I don't expect everything to go as smoothly as one would hope, those in the profession know that Marketing and PR is anything but predictable.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't trade this career for anything in the world.

There are some things that I do in order to decompress from the day's events; though, sometimes there are things I must do throughout the day to ensure its success. However the day may want to unfold, one thing is for sure, I don't want to fall short of creating something extraordinary, if not for my projects but for the pleasure of a job well done.

The strategies may vary on the person performing them, what one may feel comfort in, others may not. The overall objective is to end the day with a sense of accomplishment, whether that means your remaining tasks are well listed for the next day, or perhaps the final touches on a long term project is finally complete. I have practiced many de-stressing tactics, some were discovered through trial and error, and others are simply comfort and always have been.

I can't speak for everyone and my coping tactics may differ from that of others,

If you're an emotional eater, it may easily comfort you in times of despair; however, there's no sense in adding the stress of losing those additional pounds to the already stressful equation. Instead, I have opted to be selective in the style of food that I consume. Soup being the ultimate comfort dish, often fantasizing about the warm creamy goodness gets me through the next hour until lunch. I make it a plan to slurp every spoonful slowly on my most melancholic days.

Having something to look forward to post work sometimes leaves me feeling anxious and eager to complete the work in a quicker, less thorough, manner. I try to keep in mind that I cannot predict the future, so to speak, any more than I can change my past. By being in present time, one can better handle random projects presented in a moment's notice. There are eight hours, or so, from the time I start my day to the time I finish, and wishing that the day was over not only won't make it go by any quicker, it is frustrating.

In those moments of realization that I have been glued to the computer screen, ass firmly planted in the chair, for who knows how long, I know that it is time to step away or tackle another task. This allows me to reset and recharge, for the few moments that I declare stretching time. Computer screens can rule your life if you allow it. In the event of a borderline mental breakdown, I find it best to set aside work and continue on after a few minutes break. Some signs include dry or itchy eyes, sudden and prolonged sighing, and brain farts - also known as - creativity block. The moment when you cannot be creative, because creativity has ceased, is the moment you must step away, not only to save yourself from the looming headache, but to save your work from being tarnished.

There also comes a day when I won't get the chance to step away from your desk long enough to use the facilities, in that case, you must ensure ultimate serenity and peace in the evenings.

A moonlight stroll in the neighborhood is not my idea of a relaxing or pleasant way to unwind after a long day at work; although my neighborhood is not claimed unsafe, it certainly isn't MY ideal situation. Instead I opt for a hot shower and a good book. Reading, as most writers will admit, helps release creativity, perhaps into a new style of writing or a whole new story idea. Inspiration, as we know it, can come from many different places and it's up to you to find your place.

Engaging in physical activity is not only good for the body, but it releases a feel good hormone, endorphin in the brain which is directly related to happiness. Even though I have fallen off the wagon of physical wellness, I have no doubt my passion will be reignited after the first workout.

Last, and certainly the most important, is rediscovering an old hobby you once found impossible to nurture, it may be another tactic to turn a stressful, hectic day into a calm and peaceful evening. My love of sketching and painting provides moments, if not hours, of stress relief.

Of course, if all this fails, there's wine and beer at your local liquor store.