I read recently that we have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day.
That’s a LOT of thoughts.
And then, of course, every day, hundreds of different things happen – to us and all around us. Between our careers, our personal lives and what is going on in the world generally, there is a multitude of things demanding our attention and pulling us in every direction.
When we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by the countless things that come our way – especially with today’s technology – our whole system becomes overloaded. We can lose clarity, our decision-making can be clouded, our emotions can overwhelm us, and we can start to feel like we are caught in a tornado. Learning to back away from any environment that puts you in a tailspin is imperative.
When I worked my corporate job, I used to keep going, no matter what. Even if I felt overwhelmed, depleted, or pressured, I would just keep going. I thought that if I completed one more task, ticked one more thing off my list, made one more call, I would feel better. Not true at all. I realise now that pressing the pause button at moments of stress is much more useful.
Recently I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and I was sharing with her how I had been feeling ‘out of sorts’ for a few days. Without hesitation, she asked, “Have you been journaling?” I said … “Well, no…. I don’t always have time”. She turned to me and said, “For you – journaling is essential ” you have to make the time”.
And she was right. Journaling is my anchor. When I make the time to journal daily, I quickly move out of overwhelm and into a space where I feel so much more positive, energized and focused. The shift is dramatic. There is no question for me that writing is an emotional, invigorating and healing experience. It connects me back to myself.
What is YOUR anchor?
What is it that you do, that allows you to disconnect from the frantic nature of life – combining work and home and keeping all those balls in the air? Is it going to the gym? Having a massage? Swimming? Taking a walk in nature? Listening to uplifting music? Having a chat with a dear friend? Reading a book? Dancing? Meditation? Gardening?
There is no universal solution. Any of these activities can bring you back to your joy and make you feel connected to you. But what is key is that you identify your ‘anchor’ and then adopt a regular practice into your life. If it is something you can do daily (like going to the gym or taking a walk) that’s fantastic. Start today! If your ‘anchor’ is a trip to the spa or a week in the Spanish sunshine, then I suggest that you acknowledge the significance of this time and make it your mission to schedule more regular trips.
Adopting a regular practice can keep your mind from becoming sluggish, confused, frustrated, unclear, irritated, overwhelmed. Your anchor returns you to a place of joy, clarity, and productivity. Everything transforms in this space.
I have a friend (here in Scotland) who tells me that swimming in the ocean with the sun on her face is what enables her to reconnect, and so she now plans 4 trips per year. She has made this her non-negotiable. She works really hard in her corporate job and manages a team of 40 people. But just the ‘knowing’ that she has a trip planned every 90 days allows her to remain in a place of high vibration, stay focused on the task at hand, and limit the impact (on her) of all the ‘noise’ and distraction’ that goes on around her.
So, what is your ‘anchor’? Do you know? Think of something you do in your life today (or perhaps that you used to do) that allows you to ‘unplug’ from the day-to-day stresses and leaves you feeling energized and rejuvenated. What can you do to make sure you schedule this activity regularly no matter what life throws at you?
Make it a non-negotiable. This time is essential to your wellbeing. It will connect you to your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Start today.
You won’t regret it
xxx Sending you so much love xxx
