Too Many Hats

For about three and a half months now, I've worn three hats at work. In December, I was doing that, plus a musical. By Christmas, I was so burnt out that I spent the whole Christmas week sick - physically and figuratively. I was sick with a bad cold, as well as sick of thinking, talking and socializing that I went through the holiday season barely talking to anyone to wish them good cheer. I reserved that energy for the few family and friends who lived in close proximity and that I would see during the season. All I could manage for the rest were emails. Writing one was less exhausting than a face-to-face or vocal (over-the-phone) encounter where I would have to exhibit facial expression and vocal inflection to go along with my words. I was tired. I still am.

I thought that staying at home rejuvenating during the weekends would help lift my spirits. I was wrong. Three weekends ago, Hubby and I went to the White Mountains to do some long-overdue skiing. After a couple of tentative runs and we were back in skiing, and falling, form! We managed to get some outlet shopping done, as well, before and after. The weekend was tiring physically, but it really resurrected my spirits. Next weekend, we are planning a trip to New York to watch a few Broadway shows and visit with family. It's given us something to look forward to these very hectic days.

I thought resting and vegging was the only antidote to very stressful workdays, but having fun, even if it's physically tiring, seemed to have done more for me. I guess the key to keeping sanity when you're working very hard, is to "play" equally hard. It did wonders for my spirit, definitely.