From Dr. Jane's Notebook
As the Hair Turns Gray
If the word "October" was not derived from the term "hectic,"
perhaps it should have been. The onset of autumn has not gone unnoticed this year. Rather,
it has seemed like a whirlwind gusting forth and sweeping away all semblance of order
bringing with it a whole new routine.
In the effort to keep up with the changes in activity and scheduling, you may have
noticed the following trends:
- When things are changing, lots of things change. It is as though a
domino-effect takes place. All changes create further changes, and it is easy for things
to get out of control.
- Just when you're the busiest, there are even more things to be done. Survival
becomes possible only with a datebook and checklist in hand.
- Personal and family homeostasis (state of balance) is always shifting as we
reorganize. Prepare yourself to be flexible, to bend rules, and reassess your
objectives at all turns. Like the phases of the moon, perspectives keep changing day by
day.
It is at this point, when I can feel the hairs upon my head "deciding" to
turn gray. (Sure, its easy for them to turn their back on the front line.)
To re-establish a sense of balance, I recommend these rules of thumb:
- Counter work with play. As long as you're this busy anyway, you might
as well schedule time for play. This will keep your muscles and your sense of humor in
tune.
- Counter stress with therapeutic activity. Whether this is in the form
of a hobby, creative outlet, or formal psychotherapy, it critical to achieve some distance
and relief from the "center of the cyclone" and sort out the confusion on a
regular basis.
- Counter exhaustion with rest. In order to give your all, you must
re-fuel and re-charge. Our batteries do run down, and we must be sensitive to our needs
for rest and rejuvenation. Like an athlete in training, it's important to pace yourself,
pay attention to nutrition and get daily exercise.
October is a month of much activity, but considering that November and December are
soon to follow, this is only the beginning. Hold onto your hats! The rollercoaster ride is
going again!
©Copyright 1995, Jane Rosen-Grandon. All rights reserved.
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Last Updated November 1, 1998 by Gary M. Grandon,
Ph.D.