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    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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  • Stress blog

  • Sept. 22, 2009

    Blog: Fight stress with a day of rest

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

4 comments posted

We at MayoClinic.com have been impressed with the response to the recent blog about the "Sunday night blues." Although this phenomenon isn't often discussed in scientific circles, we know that it's real and it has a palpable influence on our lives.

Need more help?

If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

I have learned, as many of you have, that we need down time to collect our thoughts before the week begins. For some of us, that may well be Monday, but for others it may be Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the kind of work that they do. Whatever day it is, we all need a day of rest.

My wife Peggy and I deliberately try to keep our schedules clear on Sunday so we have time that's just for us. We also are judicious about checking our voicemail and email, which are almost always full of demands and expectations.

Let me share with you another story. I have a friend who went through a serious cancer experience and is now doing well. She continues to be a prominent business person in the community and a civic activist. She told me that she has resigned almost all of these positions, save the few that are really important to her. Why? She only has so much energy, so much vitality, she said, and if it is given away there's nothing left for her to heal herself. Wow, what a powerful insight — and what a wonderful example for the rest of us.

A colleague once remarked that we never really know the burdens that our friends and coworkers carry. The truth of that statement is brought home to me every day by the comments on this blog. I am inspired by the heroism I see, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from your wisdom.

What else can we learn from each other? Who else has survival tactics to share?

4 comments posted

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MY00953

Sept. 22, 2009

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