DEAR HARRIETTE: I am finding myself going crazy. I accepted a new management role within my company about four months ago, and while I should be happy, I cannot be any more stressed. I’m rushing, so I’m not eating well. I haven’t been sleeping right, and gym time has been nonexistent. I’m meeting my deadlines and executing my work well, but I know this is not going to be a sustainable strategy. How can I get some order back in my life so I can regain my sanity and my health? – Not Trying to Die at 40, Philadelphia

DEAR NOT TRYING TO DIE AT 40: I recently attended a conference where Magic Johnson spoke. He described his action-packed day as starting at 4:30 a.m. in the gym, where he works out for two hours to start his day. He recommended fitting the exercise in as a way to have the energy to do all of the work before him. Because fitness was a top priority, he did not allow it to be compromised. I restarted my exercise campaign and recommend the same to you!

• • •

DEAR HARRIETTE: My dad is seriously starting to creep me out. Last year, he had to pick me up from a college class because my car broke down. After getting lost on his way to me, he met a young woman who also attended my school. She helped him find me, and they started talking and exchanged numbers. I didn’t read too deep into it at first because my dad is a friendly guy.

Over the next couple of weeks, I noticed my dad on the phone more. I know him, and I know when he’s up to something. A few weeks ago, he asked me to come over to his house. I guess he forgot because when I came in, he was on the couch kissing the girl! I was disgusted. She’s young enough to be his daughter – literally. I cannot believe he had the audacity to go after such a young woman. He tried to calm me down and told me that he was very much “in love” with her. He went on to say that there’s no one else out there for him.

My dad is 56, and the girl is 22. I just find the relationship inappropriate – especially since she goes to my school. I think my dad just doesn’t want to face the fact that he’s getting older, so he’s clinging to her. How do I get my father to see that it’s OK to grow old? – Concerned Daughter, Little Rock, Arkansas

DEAR CONCERNED DAUGHTER: You can tell your father how you feel, and you can choose to keep your distance. What you cannot do is dictate who he dates. This may be his mid-life crisis, or the relationship may stick. Step back for now, and let it run its course, out of your line of sight.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.