The Ambitious, Yet Exhausted Women's Toolkit
Essential Strategies for Instant Relief from Overwhelm
Agencies are like pressure cookers; in striving to meet tight deadlines whilst undertaking demanding work at pace the constant sense of urgency is an intense pressure that never really gets released. I was someone who thrived in this environment, survived in this environment…until I didn’t.
Simplicity to Build Recall
In my role as a transformational leadership and team coach, I have the privilege of guiding individuals in crafting their own toolkit to navigate through chaotic times.
I firmly believe that simplicity is key in these moments. The more we incorporate these tools into our lives, the more seamlessly they become part of our routine. It's all about training our minds and bodies to recognise their value and effectiveness.
Here are five quick wins to help you in moments of tension and overwhelm:
Slow Down to Speed Up: In the frenzy of our daily lives, it's crucial to slow down..Whether it's in the kitchen during breakfast rush or in a high-stakes meeting, consciously breaking the pattern of thought, slows the pace down enough for you to regain clarity before your thoughts take over. I have a client who has a Post-It note on her screen that just says breath, another client who makes a conscious decision before entering any room, bathroom, boardroom, or supermarket to take a breath as they pass through the door…this moment slows us down so we can reset before we move forward. Do this enough, it becomes a habit, a habit that helps lessen the burden of overwhelm.
Practice the three C's: In a moment, sat at your desk, in the car or at the school gate and you are confronted with unhelpful thoughts and worries, ask yourself three simple questions:
Can I alter it?
Can someone else assist me in changing it?
Can I switch the way I think about it?
This is a further circuit breaker tool, that gives us back the ability to make a decision.
One Little Word: We tend to push hard in high-pressure situations; when you’ve become visibly frustrated with your children, partner or team members we can allow guilt and shame to emerge unless we give ourselves some gentle encouragement.
I have a client that says ‘Clive,’ it is their pet dog, why? Well, they recognised thinking about their fuzzy face can bring joy instantly. A further client has a word that their big sister would call them. Personally, I say ‘I am safe and loved.’ What all these words bring is the encouragement of a different emotional state.
Gentle encouragement and support can come in many guises but is a further circuit breaker in tough times.
Unplug: In a world dominated by screens and constant stimulation, unplugging can work wonders for our mental well-being. If your mind is racing, it will scroll at speed. So walk away from the phone.
Do Something Else: Overwhelm, tension and stress will cloud our sense of self-worth, making us feel inadequate in moments when we need ourselves to be present. If you can, walk away, leave the room, close your laptop, go outside, or find a way to change the energy of the moment, you have a chance to take a moment for yourself. Don’t suffer through it, unless you are trapped in a board room, even then a comfort break can be your friend.
Simpler The Better
These tools aren't just helpful; they're essential in empowering us to thrive amidst uncertainty. Their ease of use ensures that we readily turn to them when we need support the most, and I have witnessed their effectiveness on myself and my clients
If you’d benefit from creating space for you to think and challenge perspectives, get in touch, I offer a free 20 minute coaching call.
