ROCHELLE — Theresa Crystal admits at one point her life became overly stressed, which eventually compromised her health.

After evaluating her situation, along with tons of research, she wants to share her story and pass along what she has learned to other women at an event hosted by the Rochelle Area Women’s Connection next month.

The event, “PJ’s and Pampering,” will be held Friday, Jan. 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle. The evening will feature several “pampering” stations including shoulder massage, makeup consults, nail techniques and meal planning. 

Free childcare is available and there will also be sandwiches, chips, beverages and desserts.

Crystal explained the objective of the evening is to not only educate women about stress and its effects, but also to offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves. 

“This event is about learning to relax, unwind, and take care of yourself, which many women struggle to do,” Crystal said. “Research shows that during the holiday season, 50 percent of women are stressed beyond their already busy lives. Most women find it difficult to balance the additional imposition on their time, energy, and finances this time of year. In addition, they have a harder time relaxing during the holidays and are more likely to fall into bad habits to manage their stress, like comfort eating. Depending on how well we manage stress, this can have a long-lasting impact on our body and mind.”

Too much stress

While pursuing a master’s degree and raising children, what Crystal described as being “involved in every sport imaginable,” her body began reacting to the stress. After a trip to the doctor, she was forced to evaluate her life and make some much-needed changes.

“I had to learn how to manage my stress, so it’s been a real journey of discipline and evaluating your life and stepping back,” she explained. “It’s really hard to do, especially us women. We want to please and we want to take care of everybody. I tried that route and it doesn’t work. That’s when I took a step back and started researching stress management and asking myself what I can do about it.”

Now, years later Crystal is armed with techniques and strategies and she is ready and willing to share what she knows with others.

“We have a team of 10 women who plan our Women’s Connection events — we get together once a month and we have a great time together … we are friends and we are a support system,” she said. “So, when we were brainstorming I volunteered to share what I know. I have a whole story on this because I have pretty much come full circle.”

All that time I was stressed and overloaded … I would be up till midnight or one in the morning … my body reacted and sent me to the doctor,” she started. “I learned from that and that’s what brought me to want to share my story and what I know. I’ve done a lot of reading and research over the years. I really was not evaluating my life and looking at everything and planning well and eliminating.”

Event details

Along with the pampering stations, there will also be several trading stations for women to exchange books, DVDs and/or gently used accessories such as handbags, scarves and jewelry. Crystal requests the movies to be “chick flicks” please. 

RSVP through their Facebook event or call Susan at 815-501-9097. Free childcare is available.