Weekends: Do they really help your stress??

A homeowner is somebody who is always seen walking out of a hardware store.  Bag of hinges, box of roach killer, toilet plunger, bucket of paint.  It's always something.  The weekend is quickly filled with an endless list of chores, or "honey-do's".  No problem if these chores are relaxing and provide stress relief.  For most, however, weekends have lost their value as stress-busters. 

Several years ago, I was involved in a Hilton Hotel survey of over 1000 people across the US.  Each was asked a series of questions about their stress levels before and after the weekend.  Surprisingly, over 80% stated that they were more stressed on Monday morning than they were when they left the office Friday afternoon. 

In terms of stress relief, most people got nothing out of their weekends. 

The reasons were myriad:

• the chores in the house
• doing the laundry
• the yard work
• taking the kids to their activities
• getting the dog washed
• car wash
• preparing for a dinner party



• cleaning up afterwards, etc. 

So the stress levels at the office were nothing compared to the chaos of the days "off" at the end of the week.  

My own patients tell me the same thing.  Stresses have never been higher, especially in today's economy, and the traditional "down time" seems useless at best.  That's why I've learned to value a true break from weekend stresses, just as we need a break from the mid-week stresses.  Even as a special treat once in a long while, there is great merit to a weekend "getaway".  Not to your own cottage, boat or tent, because the chores just change.  The real stress relief is to go to someone else's place, like a hotel, or boutique bed-and-breakfast. 

Now you can fully relax,  and know that there are NO CHORES to spoil your time.  You can even sleep in, then go back to bed a couple of times,  unless you brought young children with you.  Come to think of it, if you have youngsters, pick a weekend when it's their turn to be overnight at their friends' homes.

One of the amazing results is that you will be able to give in to your fatigue, even if you start off thinking of a very ambitious schedule of sightseeing or shopping. 

Bargains exist for great weekend rates, even in your own town (that way you don't need to factor in the cost or time of air travel).  A short drive can also add to the feeling of relief, by physically changing the scenery.  In Aspen, locals often travel to Denver for a weekend of city stimulation.  We live in Denver, and occasionally "take the mountain air" in Aspen.  For both directions, stress is relieved: the body gets a rest, the mind gets a break, and the face relaxes its furrows!

As we age, our faces become a visible indicator of our stress levels.  The invisible indicators, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels,  you will have to see your doctor about. 

For more information on how to take the stress out of your face, visit www.facemaster.com.  

For more information on Dr. Hanson's stress management techniques, visit him at www.peterhansonmd.com. 

If you want an affordable way to pamper yourself on a special Colorado weekend, visit www.aspenresidence.com. 

If you live elsewhere, and want to bring your pet along, visit http://www.petswelcome.com/.