The chronicles of a swedish stress nut

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 07:20 AM

Hey guys!
Do you remember me?

I feel like you've all forgotten about me

Not having an online journal for the first time in 3 years feels a little strange. At first I liked it, but now I think I want to give it another chance

I'm having some major problems dealing with my stress. School is very overwhelming and I keep pushing myself harder and harder. I'm about to go crazy

My stress levels are on an all time high and it doesn't feel good

As some of you know I'm an exchange student from Sweden. I'm doing well, getting most As, even got 100% on a 400 level class last week. College life here is very hard for me, it's so different from what I'm used to and the language is a barrier sometimes. I'm not used to being shy, but here I find myself feeling overwhelmed and holding myself back because of fear. It's hard to deal with. Not talking much in class because I feel inferior.. I hate it! I know I have all these ideas and things that I'm not letting out, it's frustrating.
This week I have two tests. Next week I have a presentation for a mad lesbian teacher (she attacks people in class, it's horrible, no wonder I don't talk there!!) and 40 other people, I'm really dreading that. Also a research paper next week which I haven't even started

It's pretty ironic that I'm taking all these classes on how to improve peoples health when I'm not taking care of my own stress, which is doing terrible things to me. My mom suffers from Burn out syndrome and I don't want to go down that lane. She's been working on healing for 6 years and can still not go back to work. If I don't learn how to deal with this now I will be in trouble.

Oh wow, what does this have to do with fitness?

Well, stress is bad

And I have lots of it. I want to learn how to deal with it or I won't reach my number one goal in life: to be happy and live up to my potential.

My fitness life is going pretty well

I'm having great workouts (in fact I'm so sore right now that typing sucks), both cardio and weights.
Diet is going well too

I'm on a no sugar kick up until Thanksgiving, no nuts, peanutbutter or bad carbs either. 21 more days

It's been hard over Halloween and stuff when my roomates filled the whole apartment with candy

So what do I want to get out of this journal? Well, I want to log my fitness things and get feedback on it. I also want the social support system here that this site gives me

My stress levels needs to be improved.

I'm back

jstar · 11-04-2004, 07:30 AM

Welcome back Jenny!

So excited you started a journal

What are you taking up in college?

Don't stress about your papers and tests...you will get them done I'm sure. Never seems like there is enough time though, does there? As I am typing this I am late to work.

I will check in later, but I wanted to wish you well and hope you have a wonderful day.

PS - I love your number one goal in life, you WILL achieve it. You seem very determined and smart.

ncgirl21 · 11-04-2004, 07:38 AM

Hey Jenny

I missed you!!!! I'm glad your back

gwcaton · 11-04-2004, 07:43 AM

She's baaaaaaaaaaaaack

greekblondechic · 11-04-2004, 08:55 AM

We did not forget about you!!! Welcome back Jenny!!!!

I wish I knew how to tell you to manage your stress, I sure didn't know how. But you will be ok, and soon enough you'll be cranking out 10-15 page papers in a matter of hours not days. (I got really good at this lol) Do your best to find time for yourself and do things that relax and make you happy because a little fun can lead to a lot more productivity than if you have no fun at all! Breathe in, breathe out, and remember, you don't have to be perfect. So what if you don't speak perfect English..you think anybody really minds??? No! I am sure letting out your ideas will help you feel less repressed. Best of luck, and feel free to call or PM (I can pm my #) if you need to talk!!!

naturaltan · 11-04-2004, 09:00 AM

welcome back

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 09:22 AM

jstar, thank you sweety

I'm in a health science major, health promotion, it's very interesting

Andrea, thank you, it's good to be back

Greeky, thank you so much honey

I know I can beat this stress thing. I'm already improving. The thing is, everyone says that I DO speak perfect english.. I even notice when other people make grammar mistakes

People tell me I don't have a tad bit of an accent and will hardly believe that I'm not american. BUT, inside of me, I guess I tell myself that I'm inferior. I haven't taken the background classes the others have so maybe I don't know some things, BUT I have a background and a perspective that the others don't. Which is an asset to the class. In my health communication class (with the crazy teacher) I actually had a presentation about the swedish health care system and I did a great job. I was calm, spoke perfect english and gave information that the others were very interested in and asked lots of questions. So I KNOW that I can do this, I have the ability. I just need to stop being afraid, because I don't have to be

Thank you for your words sweety and thank you for letting me vent

NT, thanks

Gw, thanks

BritChick · 11-04-2004, 09:26 AM

Of course we didn't forget you. Welcome back.

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 09:29 AM

Thanks BC

Jill · 11-04-2004, 09:35 AM

I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad you are back!

As IF Ive forgotten about you sunshine!

Try not to stress yourself out darlin.....take it easy. Stress makes you gain weight and look old.

No seriously though girlie, dont be so hard on yourself. I see those 'perfectionist' traits coming out.....I know them all too well.

sara · 11-04-2004, 11:44 AM

New journal Jenny! you have a new journy and we all here for you sweetie

first thing to do, just close your eyes and take deep breaths everytime you start stressing. This takes practice.. maybe try it if you can take some yoga classes
we believe in you

M.J.H. · 11-04-2004, 11:55 AM

Great to see you back Jenny! It's great to see your journal.

**CowPimp** · 11-04-2004, 12:01 PM

Welcome back to the land of journals. Does that mean we get to see more picture of you?

greekblondechic · 11-04-2004, 12:06 PM

In a tough economy, the ability to understand other cultures and bring a fresh perspective to the table is priceless!

You probably speak better English than I do! And who cares about accents.. they're cool anyway! I have a Jersey accent

**CowPimp** · 11-04-2004, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekblondechic

In a tough economy, the ability to understand other cultures and bring a fresh perspective to the table is priceless!

You probably speak better English than I do! And who cares about accents.. they're cool anyway! I have a Jersey accent

A Greek girl with a Jersey accent, very interesting. Also, on that note, I would love to hear you speak Jenny. I think accents make this language more interesting, as long as they aren't so thick that I can't understand what you're saying.

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 12:16 PM

Wow, thanks for all your love

Jill, it's good to be back

Yep, definately need to deal with things differently! It's a good thing I don't use food to cope with stress anymore, this would be a FAT year if I did

Sara, thanks sweets

I have done relaxation exercies before and it really does help, I need to incorporate them more frequently

Thanks for the encouragement

Mike, thanks

Cow, there might be more pics later on

I really don't have a swedish accent, which people get very dissapointed by

I guess I've been watching too much american tv

But I can fake a swedish accent

Greeky, yeah, people are interested and it's fun to be able to attribute

I actually spoke lots in my health communication class today, I just got back

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 12:18 PM

Thursday:

Meals:
1: 6 whites, 1/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup lc milk
2: 4 oz chicken, 1/2 cup brown rice, veggies, salsa, ff ranch, jello gelatin

Workouts:
- AM: 40 min on stationary bike

greekblondechic · 11-04-2004, 12:22 PM

Look you are opening up already, that's great!

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 02:43 PM

Yeah, it's been a process all through the semester and I've been doing a lot of progress the last month

The first month in school was soooooo hard

**CowPimp** · 11-04-2004, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenny

Cow, there might be more pics later on

I really don't have a swedish accent, which people get very dissapointed by

I guess I've been watching too much american tv

But I can fake a swedish accent

That is a little dissapointing, but as long as you can fake one I'm still happy.

Jenny · 11-04-2004, 05:22 PM

So do you guys remember how I said I was on a no-sugar kick until Thanksgiving? Um, well, I've been doing that for about two weeks.. but um, change of plans

I've been expecting this package from my mom in Sweden for about 2 months now, but since she got the address wrong it took a LOOOONG ass time. Well, I got it today and it was loaded with goodies

Yep, candy too, my favority salty licorice and chocolate and what not

So yeah, I made an exeption

Great, my first day back to journaling and I have a cheat

It's all okay though, I'm not in contest prep or anything, it's all about balance

I'm actually not looking for loosing weight right now, I feel I look pretty good

I have my 4-pack abs showing and all my clothes are pretty loose. It's winter, don't wanna get too little isolation right?

The positive thing about the sweets was that it really didn't taste all that good

It was just.. too sweet

But of course I still ate it because I've been longing for cheats the last two weeks

Now I remember that I don't need it. So maybe this will keep me from having an all Thanksgiving break feast

It just happens to be my birthday weekend that weekend too, my 21st birthday

Back to the books

Justin has the salty candy downstairs now so I won't eat anymore of it

Jill · 11-04-2004, 05:26 PM

Jenny, you are still as cute as always.

Ive been craving sugars hella today. In the grocery store I wanted to buy 1 of everything!

Didnt

Today I had sf jello and that was too sweet, weird.

Thank god justin is their-bf's are good for the dirty work

Jenny · 11-05-2004, 05:37 AM

Alrighty, the morning after

I don't have a hangover

The swedish candy is gone, I fed my roomates and Justin with it (except my roomates thought the salty licorice was NASTY

) and threw the rest away. I think this cheat was a good thing, because I've been this craving little girlie. I mean literally I've been dreeeeaming about food and just wanting wanting wanting it for two weeks. Seeing my roomies eat all the chocolate that has been everywhere in the apartment (still is!) and Halloween stuff everywhere has been HARD. Now that I had my candy I feel like "ugh, I don't need that stuff, give me some real food". So, I'm over it

And I don't need a super 4 day binge over thanksgiving

Just a lot of sweetpotatoes

I'm now looking forward to all the time I'll be able to spend with Justin and not worry about school (except finals are the week after

).
I feel at peace

I think this is one of the few times after a cheat when I haven't been overwhelmed by guilt. I did have a little bit of bad feelings at first, but then I realised that I don't need to

I've got new motivation now

Bad foods are not an issue anymore, I've got the cravings taken care of

I'm ready to rock and roll!

The one bad thing about taking last night off from diet and just relaxing is that I didn't get much school work done. I have an exam today

These multiple choice thingies are so much easier than the exams we get in Sweden though so I think I'll be fine

I've been getting As on all the exams in that class so far and I really haven't studied much, it's probably my easiest class

I like this journal thingie

Because it encourages me to sit down and write long ass posts like this and get all the clutter out of my mind, which is good for my stress levels. If you don't like reading it, don't come here

Almost time for morning cardio

Jenny · 11-05-2004, 05:57 AM

Oh, and weird thing, I'm not very bloated today

Still see the abbies and muscles just look full and pumped

Guess I loaded that glycogen huh?

Jenny · 11-05-2004, 07:37 AM

Friday:

Meals:
1: 6 whites, 1/4 cup oats, splash milk, salsa
2: 4 oz chicken, 1/3 cup sweet potatoe, veggies, salsa
3: 5 oz chicken, veggies, salsa, ff ranch, 15 peanuts, gelatin

Workouts:
* AM:
-30 min stationary biking, intervals
- 20 min running on treadmilll, speed 7.5 mph, last few min 8.5

* 20 min crazy biking to class and home, windy as heck

11-04-2004, 07:20 AM	#1
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	The chronicles of a swedish stress nut Hey guys! Do you remember me? I feel like you've all forgotten about me Not having an online journal for the first time in 3 years feels a little strange. At first I liked it, but now I think I want to give it another chance I'm having some major problems dealing with my stress. School is very overwhelming and I keep pushing myself harder and harder. I'm about to go crazy My stress levels are on an all time high and it doesn't feel good As some of you know I'm an exchange student from Sweden. I'm doing well, getting most As, even got 100% on a 400 level class last week. College life here is very hard for me, it's so different from what I'm used to and the language is a barrier sometimes. I'm not used to being shy, but here I find myself feeling overwhelmed and holding myself back because of fear. It's hard to deal with. Not talking much in class because I feel inferior.. I hate it! I know I have all these ideas and things that I'm not letting out, it's frustrating. This week I have two tests. Next week I have a presentation for a mad lesbian teacher (she attacks people in class, it's horrible, no wonder I don't talk there!!) and 40 other people, I'm really dreading that. Also a research paper next week which I haven't even started It's pretty ironic that I'm taking all these classes on how to improve peoples health when I'm not taking care of my own stress, which is doing terrible things to me. My mom suffers from Burn out syndrome and I don't want to go down that lane. She's been working on healing for 6 years and can still not go back to work. If I don't learn how to deal with this now I will be in trouble. Oh wow, what does this have to do with fitness? Well, stress is bad And I have lots of it. I want to learn how to deal with it or I won't reach my number one goal in life: to be happy and live up to my potential. My fitness life is going pretty well I'm having great workouts (in fact I'm so sore right now that typing sucks), both cardio and weights. Diet is going well too I'm on a no sugar kick up until Thanksgiving, no nuts, peanutbutter or bad carbs either. 21 more days It's been hard over Halloween and stuff when my roomates filled the whole apartment with candy So what do I want to get out of this journal? Well, I want to log my fitness things and get feedback on it. I also want the social support system here that this site gives me My stress levels needs to be improved. I'm back

11-04-2004, 07:30 AM	#2
jstar Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: MA Posts: 1,332 Photos: 5	Welcome back Jenny! So excited you started a journal What are you taking up in college? Don't stress about your papers and tests...you will get them done I'm sure. Never seems like there is enough time though, does there? As I am typing this I am late to work. I will check in later, but I wanted to wish you well and hope you have a wonderful day. PS - I love your number one goal in life, you WILL achieve it. You seem very determined and smart.
	"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." Michael Jordan

11-04-2004, 07:38 AM	#3
ncgirl21 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2,134	Hey Jenny I missed you!!!! I'm glad your back
	http://stephlg.proboards44.com/index.cgi#general

11-04-2004, 07:43 AM	#4
gwcaton Lookin' for abs ! Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: central missouri Posts: 9,271 Photos: 28	She's baaaaaaaaaaaaack
	My Last Journal Before The One You're Reading Now Old Journals : My P/RR/S Journal My GWcaton Journal My Bulking Journal Just remember, when you think you're done you've just started . DEADBOLT . 2005

11-04-2004, 08:55 AM	#5
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	We did not forget about you!!! Welcome back Jenny!!!! I wish I knew how to tell you to manage your stress, I sure didn't know how. But you will be ok, and soon enough you'll be cranking out 10-15 page papers in a matter of hours not days. (I got really good at this lol) Do your best to find time for yourself and do things that relax and make you happy because a little fun can lead to a lot more productivity than if you have no fun at all! Breathe in, breathe out, and remember, you don't have to be perfect. So what if you don't speak perfect English..you think anybody really minds??? No! I am sure letting out your ideas will help you feel less repressed. Best of luck, and feel free to call or PM (I can pm my #) if you need to talk!!!
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

11-04-2004, 09:00 AM	#6
naturaltan Going nowhere fast! Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 9,935 Photos: 7	welcome back
	just kick'in it in the ole Charger

11-04-2004, 09:22 AM	#7
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	jstar, thank you sweety I'm in a health science major, health promotion, it's very interesting Andrea, thank you, it's good to be back Greeky, thank you so much honey I know I can beat this stress thing. I'm already improving. The thing is, everyone says that I DO speak perfect english.. I even notice when other people make grammar mistakes People tell me I don't have a tad bit of an accent and will hardly believe that I'm not american. BUT, inside of me, I guess I tell myself that I'm inferior. I haven't taken the background classes the others have so maybe I don't know some things, BUT I have a background and a perspective that the others don't. Which is an asset to the class. In my health communication class (with the crazy teacher) I actually had a presentation about the swedish health care system and I did a great job. I was calm, spoke perfect english and gave information that the others were very interested in and asked lots of questions. So I KNOW that I can do this, I have the ability. I just need to stop being afraid, because I don't have to be Thank you for your words sweety and thank you for letting me vent NT, thanks Gw, thanks

11-04-2004, 09:26 AM	#8
BritChick Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: BC Canada Posts: 5,449 Photos: 7	Of course we didn't forget you. Welcome back.

11-04-2004, 09:29 AM	#9
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Thanks BC

11-04-2004, 09:35 AM	#10
Jill Back to reality Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Re-Motivated Posts: 5,861	I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad you are back! As IF Ive forgotten about you sunshine! Try not to stress yourself out darlin.....take it easy. Stress makes you gain weight and look old. No seriously though girlie, dont be so hard on yourself. I see those 'perfectionist' traits coming out.....I know them all too well.

11-04-2004, 11:44 AM	#11
sara cRaZy!!! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 6,304 Photos: 2	New journal Jenny! you have a new journy and we all here for you sweetie first thing to do, just close your eyes and take deep breaths everytime you start stressing. This takes practice.. maybe try it if you can take some yoga classes we believe in you
	www.metzgerbodies.net www.myspace.com/smbdybldr

11-04-2004, 11:55 AM	#12
M.J.H. Obsessed Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Delaware Posts: 3,587 Photos: 12	Great to see you back Jenny! It's great to see your journal.
	Stats! 23 years old, 5'11.5", 206 lbs., ~8% bodyfat 380/455/655 bench/squat/deadlift (current) 405/495/675 bench/squat/deadlift (goals) The M.J.H. Chronicles

11-04-2004, 12:01 PM	#13
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,428	Welcome back to the land of journals. Does that mean we get to see more picture of you?
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

11-04-2004, 12:06 PM	#14
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	In a tough economy, the ability to understand other cultures and bring a fresh perspective to the table is priceless! You probably speak better English than I do! And who cares about accents.. they're cool anyway! I have a Jersey accent
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

11-04-2004, 12:16 PM	#16
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Wow, thanks for all your love Jill, it's good to be back Yep, definately need to deal with things differently! It's a good thing I don't use food to cope with stress anymore, this would be a FAT year if I did Sara, thanks sweets I have done relaxation exercies before and it really does help, I need to incorporate them more frequently Thanks for the encouragement Mike, thanks Cow, there might be more pics later on I really don't have a swedish accent, which people get very dissapointed by I guess I've been watching too much american tv But I can fake a swedish accent Greeky, yeah, people are interested and it's fun to be able to attribute I actually spoke lots in my health communication class today, I just got back

11-04-2004, 12:18 PM	#17
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Thursday: Meals: 1: 6 whites, 1/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup lc milk 2: 4 oz chicken, 1/2 cup brown rice, veggies, salsa, ff ranch, jello gelatin Workouts: - AM: 40 min on stationary bike

11-04-2004, 12:22 PM	#18
greekblondechic I'm special :) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 7,791	Look you are opening up already, that's great!
	I can do it I WILL be a size 5.

11-04-2004, 02:43 PM	#19
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Yeah, it's been a process all through the semester and I've been doing a lot of progress the last month The first month in school was soooooo hard

11-04-2004, 05:22 PM	#21
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	So do you guys remember how I said I was on a no-sugar kick until Thanksgiving? Um, well, I've been doing that for about two weeks.. but um, change of plans I've been expecting this package from my mom in Sweden for about 2 months now, but since she got the address wrong it took a LOOOONG ass time. Well, I got it today and it was loaded with goodies Yep, candy too, my favority salty licorice and chocolate and what not So yeah, I made an exeption Great, my first day back to journaling and I have a cheat It's all okay though, I'm not in contest prep or anything, it's all about balance I'm actually not looking for loosing weight right now, I feel I look pretty good I have my 4-pack abs showing and all my clothes are pretty loose. It's winter, don't wanna get too little isolation right? The positive thing about the sweets was that it really didn't taste all that good It was just.. too sweet But of course I still ate it because I've been longing for cheats the last two weeks Now I remember that I don't need it. So maybe this will keep me from having an all Thanksgiving break feast It just happens to be my birthday weekend that weekend too, my 21st birthday Back to the books Justin has the salty candy downstairs now so I won't eat anymore of it

11-04-2004, 05:26 PM	#22
Jill Back to reality Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Re-Motivated Posts: 5,861	Jenny, you are still as cute as always. Ive been craving sugars hella today. In the grocery store I wanted to buy 1 of everything! Didnt Today I had sf jello and that was too sweet, weird. Thank god justin is their-bf's are good for the dirty work

11-05-2004, 05:37 AM	#23
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Alrighty, the morning after I don't have a hangover The swedish candy is gone, I fed my roomates and Justin with it (except my roomates thought the salty licorice was NASTY ) and threw the rest away. I think this cheat was a good thing, because I've been this craving little girlie. I mean literally I've been dreeeeaming about food and just wanting wanting wanting it for two weeks. Seeing my roomies eat all the chocolate that has been everywhere in the apartment (still is!) and Halloween stuff everywhere has been HARD. Now that I had my candy I feel like "ugh, I don't need that stuff, give me some real food". So, I'm over it And I don't need a super 4 day binge over thanksgiving Just a lot of sweetpotatoes I'm now looking forward to all the time I'll be able to spend with Justin and not worry about school (except finals are the week after ). I feel at peace I think this is one of the few times after a cheat when I haven't been overwhelmed by guilt. I did have a little bit of bad feelings at first, but then I realised that I don't need to I've got new motivation now Bad foods are not an issue anymore, I've got the cravings taken care of I'm ready to rock and roll! The one bad thing about taking last night off from diet and just relaxing is that I didn't get much school work done. I have an exam today These multiple choice thingies are so much easier than the exams we get in Sweden though so I think I'll be fine I've been getting As on all the exams in that class so far and I really haven't studied much, it's probably my easiest class I like this journal thingie Because it encourages me to sit down and write long ass posts like this and get all the clutter out of my mind, which is good for my stress levels. If you don't like reading it, don't come here Almost time for morning cardio

11-05-2004, 05:57 AM	#24
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Oh, and weird thing, I'm not very bloated today Still see the abbies and muscles just look full and pumped Guess I loaded that glycogen huh?

11-05-2004, 07:37 AM	#25
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Friday: Meals: 1: 6 whites, 1/4 cup oats, splash milk, salsa 2: 4 oz chicken, 1/3 cup sweet potatoe, veggies, salsa 3: 5 oz chicken, veggies, salsa, ff ranch, 15 peanuts, gelatin Workouts: * AM: -30 min stationary biking, intervals - 20 min running on treadmilll, speed 7.5 mph, last few min 8.5 * 20 min crazy biking to class and home, windy as heck Last edited by Jenny : 11-05-2004 at 04:41 PM.