It’s All Coming Up Roses Now…
April 23rd, 2007 | by Scott |I think that anyone can see from my last entry that I seemed to be teetering on the brink of depression and burnout. The reason you gathered this is most likely because I came right out and said it.
Last week was supposed to be a great week for us. We sold our money pit of a house on Monday and netted enough to pay off a huge chunk of debt leaving us with just a car payment. In addition the missus is now able to quit her job and stay at home.
Instead I found myself getting more and more stressed. I was snappy at home (a condition that I fall into far too often) and finding myself completely drained and empty.
Part of my problem has been this series I began back in September of 2005. Each week we look at a different book of the Bible with me teaching and preaching from that book. Last year we walked through the OT minus the wisdom books. This year we have tackled the NT and now have gone back to finish up with Job–Song of Solomon.
It has been a tremendous study for us as we have been able to see the overall narrative of Scripture. But it has also been an overwhelming prospect for me to achieve some level of proficiency in a new book each and every week. I’ll be so glad when it is over. 63 books down–3 to go.
But now it’s Monday and I feel the weight of the world is off of my shoulders. What did the trick you ask? How was I able to go from basket case to the edge of elation in just 3 simple days?
Well, I tried a variety of methods to jump start the system. I tried and quickly jettisoned the following:
1. The Tom Cruise Mega-Vitamin Depression Buster
2. The Pat Robertson Energy Shake
3. Mounds of Chocolate (Note: I have not completely abandoned this one. More scientific testing is required to test the efficacy of this treatment.)
4. Watching girlie TV shows with my buddy Jason.
5. Moving to Colorado Springs and camping outside Focus until they hire me as their director for Climate Care, Non-Violence or International Human Rights. (Note: I actually didn’t make it any further than Lakeshore Drive. I chose to instead internally rail on the myopia of others while absolving myself of any deficiencies in my own personal belief system.)
Realizing that all of those were somewhat lacking in their ability to shake me out of my April doldrums I opted for what would really work:
1. I bought a treadmill. I love to run and I love to run on a treadmill. But it’s proven difficult for me to find the time to go to the gym during the work day. And once I get home I don’t want to leave the house for nothing. So, I got a killer deal on a unit and started running again. I’m way out of shape but that first 30 minutes pounding the belt felt tremendous.
2. I got a good night’s sleep. Actually I have slept well 3 nights in a row. I can’t remember the last time that happened. I have not been disturbed by any of my children during the night since Thursday. I had no idea how important sleep was.
3. I made everything about me. Then again, I make everything about me. Right, Tracy?
Sleep and exercise. Who woulda thunk it?
How do you beat stress and depression? Any other tips for me?
Note: I’ll return to the series on reconciliation on Thursday.