Emotional Support Sisters

Have any of you heard of something called “post-stress let down”? No? You’ve probably experienced it. Remember when you got sick after finals every semester? Or have you noticed how frequently your kids gets sick during Christmas break?

Yeah, one reason is because it is cold and flu season. Another is because when you’ve been running in high gear because of stress and then suddenly that stress is gone, your body does stuff. Specifically, during those times of stress, your immune system kicks into high gear. Your body says, “Stress means I might be injured soon. Better get ready to deal with the imminent damage that will be inflicted from my upcoming fight.” This is all find and dandy in the short term. You fight the bear and win (of course you’re gonna win, what else is the adrenaline there for?) and now your body can relax and focus on recovering.

But what if your bear is a comprehensive exam for your physics class? That sucker haunts you for weeks in advance. Not the few short minutes your immune system was prepared to boost you for.

When you finally take that last final exam and your brain tells your body you can relax, it does just that. This type of relaxation probably looks more like ultramarathon runners after they pass the finish line and their bodies collapse because they have literally used up all their resources. Imagine if a mountain lion suddenly showed up after they collapsed over the finish line. At that point, you have no choice but to surrender. And that’s what your immune system does. It surrenders to whatever virus, bacteria, inflammation it’s either been holding off for a while or that is opportunistic and kicks you when you’re down.

My work schedule typically follows school schedules–meaning I get a Christmas break. (Wahoo!) It also means that I get post-stress let down for Christmas (not wahoo). Most years, as my regular work hours decrease, I try to push for more freelance work to make up for it.

Not this year. Yeah, I’m accepting some freelance work, but not a lot. I fully recognize that this is not an option for many/most people. It is an option for me, though. And rather than feel guilty for recuperating, I’m remembering to be kind to myself.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!