Ask the Coach
Solution to stress Hey, Coach! I would like to know what ways I could help my boyfriend eliminate the stress that he encounters on almost a daily basis.
He owns two businesses, which I manage. He also has four older spoiled kids who seem to cause him the most stress.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated since the effect of the stress is causing him health issues.
Signed…..Concerned Girlfriend
Dear Concerned Girlfriend: After having a little more than a week to think about your question, the Coach was still struggling to think of something to which he would sign his name.
As I believe we all may know, stress may sometimes lead to serious health issues, especially if prolonged over time. Owning (managing) two businesses in itself can be very demanding, as you probably have found out.
Since opting out of these businesses is probably not an option — somehow, some way — your boyfriend must find a way to accept, or at least deal with, all of the issues that come along with this difficult territory.
Perhaps talking with a professional would be a good suggestion, in order to receive quality methods of coping.
Also, if you and your beau could sit down and have great two-way communication, perhaps you could come up with some ways to solve, or at least reduce, many of the issues that you face.
Some things you may not be able to control, so perhaps looking at the things that can be changed is the way to go.
One way to try to overcome any stress issues is to just walk away from the job every so often. Taking a 15-minute break in mid-morning/afternoon is a good way to break up the day.
Taking a longer walk for lunch, or going to work out in the middle of the day may also be an option. Exercising after work could also offer some relief.
Perhaps, sitting down and making a wish list to help identify issues is a start.
However, please remember that thoughts and words are a start — but it is action that gets the job done.
Again, speaking with a professional may provide great dividends.
As for the four older kids, the Coach believes that sitting down with them and exchanging great two-way communications may have a good chance of seeing results.
Communicate the importance of their cooperation and understanding at their ages, and that their help is needed in X, Y and Z ways. Make them accountable for their actions, or lack thereof.
Try to make this a positive and productive talk, as opposed to being in an “attack mode,” which would only escalate any problems.
No one said life was going to be easy, so it is important to made lemonade out of lemons to the best of our ability.
Good luck, and best wishes.
Barry Bonds
Hey, Coach! Barring injury, Barry Bonds is about to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home-run record this month or next. I saw on ESPN where most black people are supporting his quest, while most white people are not.
Many of our racial barriers have been broken over the last 30 years of my life, but obviously some barriers still remain.
Why is there such a racial divide over a home-run record?
Signed….Bonded
Dear Bonded: You pose a good question.
There was also a great racial divide over whether or not OJ Simpson was guilty.
The Coach will suggest that for those that do not support Bonds, that the overwhelming majority probably believes that he used performance-enhancing drugs, plus he has acted in arrogant manner for almost 20 years.
Let’s not forget that Hank Aaron, who is black, has refused to embrace Bonds because of his alleged use of steroids.
While this is supposed to be perhaps the most celebrated record in all of sports, it appears that the fanfare that will be associated with it will not match the greatness of the record.
If that upsets Bonds, the Coach believes he only has himself to blame.
Coach’s Comments: Making a mistake is many times better than doing nothing at all. Thanks for making the Coach a part of your day.
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You can contact the Coach at askthecoach2003@yahoo.com.