It's official.  I'm one of approximately 40 million Americans suffering from the sleep disorder Bruxism - commonly known as teeth grinding.  This weekend I received my mouth guard, which I now have to sleep with, and I'm already noticing a real difference when I wake up. 

So what is the main cause of my Bruxism?  In a word, STRESS.  I don't consider myself to be a "stressed out" person but apparently I have enough on my mind at night that I'm gradually wearing down my tooth enamel while I sleep.

Stress affects everyone differently and we each respond to it in our own way.  In a career as fast-paced and ever-changing as public relations, I encounter stress on a daily basis.   

The great thing about working at Dittoe PR is there's always something to be done so you don't spend hours and hours doing the same thing and stressing out over it.  We move from one client's needs to another's, one project to the next [oftentimes working as a team], ensuring we have complete control and an understanding of what's going on at all times.  Every client receives our undivided attention.  We work hard for all of them and have fun in the process.  Seriously, we have a lot of fun at work.

For the first time in my life, I am excited to go to work in the morning and feel a real sense of accomplishment when I leave at the end of the day.  The stress I endure at Dittoe keeps me going and makes me want to do more - it doesn't drag me down.

Honestly, a life without stress would be boring.  I'm thrilled to be a part of this team - even if it means I have to wear a mouth guard to bed.  I guess that's just the sacrifice I have to make to do what I do best (talk, write and promote) for the top PR firm in Indianapolis.