Avoiding stress at work

Before and during my burn-out, I worked with speed. Maximum speed. The result? Big quantity of articles and pages. BUT there was almost always something wrong. Not huge mistakes, but mistakes that could have been avoided if only I took the time to give it a pause and think. Think instead of reacting too fast the whole time. Always in a hurry.

Recently, I take a short time out to just reflect on a story or lay-out or a photo plan. And I love the result. I am pleased. And being pleased gives me a feeling of worth. And that's positive energy on the loose!

Hubby and I have also made out a schedule to balance work, family, physical training, extra job and hobby. I honestly am not so sure if we can make it. But it's worth the try. So here we go!!!

Philippines: antidote to burnout

I disappeared for some time. I was burned-out from work and family life. I had asthma attack that lasted two weeks. I could hardly breathe, and the breathing difficulty kept me from showing emotions - laughter, anger, sadness. Neutral - that was all that I should be. And I continued to work and to take care of my daughter. I had no choice.

Ever since the recession - and a lot of people lost their jobs at my work - we who were left had to multiply our workload. Moreover, new programmes were learned in order to cope up with the changes. The workload and lack of time took its toll - my colleagues manifested their frustation in different ways: sickness, irritability, nosing at each other's work.

So I turned to my former employer for a temporary work at the radio station. I was welcomed with all arms. This radio station is very popular in Stockholm and many want to work here - so it flattered me that my old news chief still welcomed me.

So Radio Stockholm P4 borrowed me for two months.

It was a most wonderful time at the radio station. The workload was just right. And I got assignments that fit me: news that entailed research, and not fast news (since I am not the fastest in the fast bunch).

It was also lovely to work in beautiful Stockholm...and to drive the Volvo reporter cars. And to get a taxi cab ride going back home when we work evening shifts.

But evening shifts - these affected my hubby as my daughter slept very late without me. Ehile I regained my good health. Hubby's health dwindled. At some point, we were afraid of cancer or MS. The two doctors shared the same opnion - he suffered from burn out depression.

I felt guilty. He took six months leave in order to establish his hobby/part-time work, and I partly ruined his plan by dashing off to my beloved radio work...

So I decided to leave Sweden and stay in the Philippines for two months. To give him time to rest, and to give myself time to rest. While we get help from my family in Guadalupe. Now that is one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

Going back to the Philippines and staying there for a long time not only restored our health. It also blessed us with love from friends, and most especially family. And this love is the reason I find myself happy again, even now when we are back in Sweden. This memory of love warms me even now when it's wintertime.

I am so loaded with positive energy! I am so loved, I feel so happy and I just want to share this kindness and love that was shown to me in the Philippines!

We have decided to buy a condominium unit in Serendra. For we will come home every year - to be regulary loaded with fun, laughter and tons of love and kindness. The kind of blessing that has to be passed on...