Some days are tougher than others. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by our never-ending to-do list and the feeling that we are breathlessly trying to stay on top.
Always on, we don't take a break, working longer hours than we ever have and feeling growing irritation with anything that doesn't automatically work. As I write, I've been shut out of 5 different portals this week – and it's only Wednesday! My work emails, my internet banking (three times), Fraedom (which is where I go to reconcile expenses) and that's just a few places I've been denied access.
I'm peaking.
Can anyone relate? When we feel like this, we're less likely to take in the detail, to read the fine print that can help us. We get more flustered and hopelessly overwhelmed.
It's time to stop the clock. Here's a few ideas to help you back on track.
1.Non-attachment
This has been a mantra I say to myself often. Don't attach to outcomes, people, emotions or words. When you attach, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. Simply be and let be, without judgement and without resistance. You'll soon start to feel peaceful and can approach your work with greater clarity.
2.Know your triggers
If you know what causes you anxiety, take positive action to ensure you are protecting yourself from feeling those emotions. The fact is, everyone has triggers. Mine is IT, as soon as I'm shut out or struggling to make things work, my anxiety levels rise exponentially. I literally go from 0 to 100 because it's standing in my way of being productive. What I have also come to recognise is that when I'm high anxious my ability to perform is impaired anyway. Instead, its important I am aware of my triggers, I remove myself from the situation, and I give myself permission to deal with issues gracefully. Now that's the way!
3. Grow your awareness
When you recognise within yourself that you're having these feelings you can start to see them for what they are. Its feelings associated with unhelpful thoughts. Don't try to shut them down. Simply acknowledge that you're feeling this way, be comfortable in the moment and in time it will pass.
I hope this has been a help to some of you out there. Share with us your comments on FB. I'm sure we can help each other. I'm already starting to feel better!