From time to time, we all get the feeling of being overwhelmed. Even when life is good, the stresses and strains of every day ups and downs can take its toll. You just have to suck it up and carry on. At least that's what I do.

Being a single mom is tough under the best of circumstances. My youngest daughter still lives with me, and though it's easier now that she's grown up and in college, I still feel the financial burden of college tuition, car insurance and normal household living expenses. Add to that a hefty-size mortgage, a potentially unstable job situation, rising prices, and an economy that is falling off a cliff, it's a recipe for out of control stress.

While I relish my independence, and pride myself on my strength and dignity, sometimes I can't help but feel very alone.

As hard as I try to not let things get to me...they still get to me.

My Stress Relievers

There are a few things that I do to try to relieve the stress. I cook. There's nothing like coming home at the end of a tough day and wielding a knife around a chopping block. An onion usually represents the head of the bozo-of-the-day.

I also practice yoga. A few times in the Downward-facing Dog position will help you forget about most anything.

I sit outside in my backyard. On weekends and warm summer evenings, I love to sit in my patio chair and look at my beautiful plumeria trees, breathe in the delicious smell of lavendar, play fetch with my dog, and listen to the wild parrots.

I do deep breathing. I "get away from it all." I pull weeds. I listen to upbeat music (heck sometimes I even sing along). And, I pray.

Really...in so many ways, I am very blessed. I count every blessing, and thank God for them all.

But, if I'm so blessed, and strong, and independent, then why do I feel so yucky...so stressed? Even when I do all these normal stress-beating things, nothing seems to help. My shoulder and neck muscles are tight, the noise in my head won't shut up, and the discomfort of anxiety plays havoc with my insides.

Jeez, I've been through much worse during my life...why am I feeling this way now?

Stress and a Movie!

So, the other night while my daughter was at work, I sat down to watch "No Reservations", the movie with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart.

Yet another attempt to TRY to relax.

Early in the movie, Catherine Zeta-Jones' character loses her sister in an accident. There's a scene where Zeta-Jones is sitting alone in a restaurant walk-in refrigerator, crying as she reads this take-care-of-my-daughter-in-case-something-happens-to-me letter from the sister.

My heart ached for her...and my eyes welled up with tears.

Before I knew it, I felt a gush of emotion hit me like a Mack truck...and I lost the battle to keep it inside. Tears were flowing from my eyes, and gutteral sobs that came out of my throat were so scary that I barely recognized myself.

I couldn't stop them, even if I tried. Quite frankly, I didn't want to. I leaned forward and put my face in my hands and just let it out. My soul hurt, and I was scared.

I was tired of sucking it up all the time.

I was sick at having to pay more for a gallon of gas than I pay for my lunch.

I was sick of hearing how the California bureaucrats want to raise taxes even though they are already the highest in the land in order to pay for their incompetent spending.

I was sick at having to lay people off at work.

I was sick of being scared that I could be laid off too.

I was sick and tired of it all, and so I cried and cried.

It was like an exorcism. My whole body shook with every sob. My every exhale reverberated the sounds of a whale who lost her calf. The demonic feelings of frustration and helplessness were coming out so thick that it was almost like one of those cartoons where you can see the faces of the evil spirits shrivel up and go spiraling out of the character's body.

Was this really ME? Strong, stoic, independent, and in-control ME?

The whole episode lasted about a minute and a half. I don't remember much of the movie during those few moments, but when I "came to" and composed myself, I felt calmer and a sense of peace.

I wiped my tears and splashed cold water on my face. It didn't change anything...I'm still sick of how things that I cannot control can have such an impact on my life. But at least I feel better.

And, while I am alone in my responsibilities, I know that I am not really all alone. God knows the Big Picture. I know He is watching, and I have faith that when He places obstacles or opportunities, they are there for a reason.

Crying is Healthy

So, this got me to thinking that there's got to be some health benefits to having a good cry....when your whole body tenses up and releases all that energy. Kind of like having an orgasm, but not nearly as much fun!

According to Dr. William H. Frey II, a researcher (as reported by Jack Zavada for ezinearticles.com) tears contain protein-based hormones and leucine enkephaline, a natural painkiller. When a person is under stress, the body needs to get rid itself of those chemicals by crying.

How Stuff Works also has an interesting article on crying and its effects on the mind and body.

I'm sure there is much more to why we feel better after a gut-wrenching cry. All I know is that it's true.

Lighten Up!

If Aristotle thought that crying "cleanses the mind," then mine must now be pure as the driven snow.

So, now that I'm 'feelin' alright' again, take a drive on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Southern California, and listen to a great song.