Have Some Fun

Life is stressful. 

Stress caused by home or work impacts us big time.  Some studies predict 75-90% of visits to healthcare providers are due to stress-related conditions.  A study by Catalyst, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and business, puts the cost of workplace stress between $50 - $300 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. 

Think about it: if we're heavily stressed, we typically make more mistakes, have trouble concentrating, become disorganized, angry or just stop caring.  A Wall Street Journal survey reports that one third of people even considered quitting their jobs because of stress and 14 percent actually did.

In today's world we've got lots to worry about.  Changes in workplace procedures are happening more rapidly than at any other time in history. Add to that the 'information age' moving everything at a faster pace and keeping us connected 24/7.   Technology and a global marketplace have contributed to downsizing and leaner workplaces which brings on stress from uncertainty and added changes for all. 

Those who stay are rewarded with added work hours -- the equivalent of a 13th month every year -- along with new responsibilities and retraining.  Those let go face an uncertain future and all the problems that go with it, while searching for work in one of the worst job markets of our time. 

For women, who by many measures continue to be responsible for the majority of tasks at home, the 5 o'clock whistle offers little relief.  So what's a girl gotta do to restore her sanity?

Girlfriend, have some fun.

That's right.  Women today, perhaps due to their increased education, status in the workplace, power of their own purse -- or just simple stress overload -- are moving beyond 'Calgon, take me away' to creating a full blown industry that caters to all the pampering a woman needs to renew her energy and restore enthusiasm to face yet another Monday morning.  (Although bubble baths still work too.)

Spa retreats, worldwide travel, whitewater rafting or rock climbing, girls' nights out (or in), crafty classes, girlfriend getaways -- you name it, chicks are doing it -- and in the process are learning to love life again. 

My own girlfriends and I just returned from an adventure of our own, where I tried out an 'oxygen bar' and a cocktail of  'liquid oxygen' (plant chlorophyll mixed with water).  We came back refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on our lives again.  (We also noted that Ellicottville, NY, a ski town we've been holding our winter girlfriend gatherings in for over a decade, has responded to the trend with an annual women's weekend event and accommodations that cater to women only travelers.)

Does stress have you in its hold?  Then go have some fun.  Decide what makes you smile, then find some friends who might need to smile too.  Schedule some fun together on your calendar -- for an hour, a weekend or a full vacation trip. 

Having fun with friends is today's version of 'mother's little helper.'  Except this time around, it's more likely to be a little yellow tattoo applied in the company of friends that has you smiling -- and not the little yellow pill the Rolling Stones prescribed.