Recently, I found myself getting really wound up and anxious about work. I have high energy and tend to keep a busy schedule, but that week was feeling over the top. I was losing sleep, thinking about work non-stop and experiencing decision fatigue (which often renders me immobile and then no decisions get made which makes it all even worse!). When I crossed three items off my “to-do” list, five more appeared the same day.
So, one day, I simply stopped trying to DO and took some time to just BE. It’s best when I can do that on my back deck or in moving meditation in the woods, but that day, I just sat at my desk and said to myself “E, what the heck is going on here?”
When I got quiet, a few things bubbled to the surface immediately.
Stressor 1: I had ONLY been back to work full-time post-accident for 3 weeks. I was still in an adjustment period. Solution: Give myself more space and grace. Ahhhh! That felt better.
Stressor 2: I was just about to head into Q4 which is the busiest time of year for product-based businesses with sparkly, magical gift items like mine! It’s normal to be overwhelmed. Solution: Reprioritize my efforts and pare down my focus list. I quickly became more efficient.
Stressor 3: I’m getting ready to launch a book! Squeeeee! And, it’s just reality that there is a LOT TO DO! Solution: Put those tasks at the top of my priority list and move some others lower on the list. We’re a month away and I’m feeling confident!
Stressor 4: I was trying to add another BIG project to my plate—applying to speak at the TEDx Asheville conference for March 2024. Solution: Accepted that I don’t have the bandwidth for that kind of commitment so soon after my accident, so I nixed the idea. I felt immediate relief.
Stressor 5: I’ve traveled a lot this year but very little of it has been restful. It’s been busy trips with lots of family involved (wonderful, yes, but not restorative). So, I planned a quick trip to see a friend in New England where I could walk by the ocean, sit on the porch and read books, and relax deeply. I returned feeling renewed! (see pictures here)
So, how about you? Is your brain a jumbled bunch of inquiries? Are you tossing and turning in your sleep at night? Is your desk (or email or office or car or kitchen) a total mess? Are you feeling stressed and anxious with all of your commitments and responsibilities?
If so, do what I did in 4 easy steps:
- Stop what you’re doing. Ask yourself, “What’s going on here?”
- Identify the top stressors.
- Brainstorm some clear solutions.
- Celebrate the rewards immediately!
If it would help you to leave a comment and answer the questions for yourself and have me witness them, please do! I’d be honored to support and cheer you on.
We’re getting ready to head into holiday season (for me, with a pre-teen, it officially begins with Halloween! LOL) and we only have 10 weeks left of the year! Remember, less is more. Give yourself permission to pare down your list and change your plans.
And if you need help with this, you can always schedule a coaching session and let’s help you finish the year strong, not stressed!
Cheers,
Elizabeth
P.S. My Sacred Celebrations book release date is coming! I’m still waiting on the pre-order link from my publisher but in the meantime, here are ways you can support me!
Ways you can help me get ready for my book release:
- Come follow me on Facebook and Instagram if you’re not already! (I love seeing what you’re up to, too!)
- Follow my author page on Amazon. (This second book will be added soon!)
- Read my first book Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and leave a review on Amazon. (This really helps with visibility and search engine stuff!)
- Join my Sacred Celebrations VIP Team. Sign up here to be added to the list! (It doesn’t require a lot of time on your part but I promise we’ll have some extra fun together! I’ll be contacting folks at the end of October!)
- If you live in Asheville (or know someone who does), let me know if you’d like to be invited to the book release party on Wednesday November 15th!
- If you live elsewhere, stay tuned for the Virtual Book Release Party on Friday November 17th!
