The past few months have been exceptionally challenging and a busy season as a leader, business owner, mom and wife. I’ve had to navigate some business moves that have the potential to greatly affect our livelihood. There have been a lot of meetings, emotions to process, strategies to create, and plans to roll out. All while continuing to move forward with day to day business tasks and showing up as a strong mom and wife.
It is easier said than done!
In the past, when I received difficult news I would be overcome with anxiety, worry, and people-pleasing.
I would go into overdrive and work so hard that I would burn myself out. 🙈
Then end up exhausted, creatively drained, and irritable 24/7.
I have worked very, very hard in the past five years to show up differently in all areas of my life.
One of the areas I’ve worked incredibly hard on has been my stress and anxiety management.
This morning I was reading this in my devotional this paragraph and I want to share it with you ⬇️
I have found myself repeating that HARD is not the same as BAD through the past few weeks of personal and professional chaos.
I have learned so much about how to show up differently in difficult seasons and I want to share how as a leader I set intentions for this busy season and how it all played out.
When you go into a stressful/busy season in life here are some guidelines to follow:
Listen to my new podcast episode on this topic as well: https://on.soundcloud.com/yDvL4
🔻 Visualize what a successful busy season will look like.
I spent time visualizing how I needed to show up differently.
What can I take off my plate?
Where do I need to create space for my own quiet time?
What will I do (if/when) this busy season ends to re-align myself and rest?
I’ve literally been waiting for TODAY (Sunday, October 22nd) for the past two months. Today is the day that all my big travels, obligations, and commitments for the year come to a close. This is the first day that I have been at home without sports, travel, and commitments. I’m about to take the dog for a walk, sit in the sauna, relax on the couch with the boys, and do whatever my little heart desires. This is my REST day! This is what I’ve been dreaming of- a day to do absolutely NOTHING!
🔻 Make Movement A Must.
I have been working out for the past twelve years consistently. In the past, when I was stressed out I would push myself harder in my workouts. My workouts were my stress relief. But, what I have learned is that when you are in a heightened stress state your body is using extra cortisol. Then, add in high intensity workouts and that is also taking more cortisol. In the end, I was causing myself extreme exhaustion without realizing what I was doing.
I’ve made a few adjustments. I gave myself permission to dial back my workouts. For me, going to a heated 🧘🏼 yoga studio where they put an emphasis on breathwork has been clutch. Not only do I use that breathing to work through stress/anxiety but the detox from the heat and slower pace has helped me stay grounded. I’m still getting a great workout and doing something amazing for my mental health.
I workout 5 days a week and aim to take at least two walks a week for the fresh air.🚶🏼♀️
What movement are you doing to deal with your current stress?
I get it that you are busy and there doesn’t feel like enough hours in the day. But, you can definitely cut things out to make the time. Exercise is a great way to deal with stress.
🔻 Nutrition is essential.
When you are busy and stressed do you overeat or skip meals? Do you reach for unhealthy options? Do you self-soothe with alcohol?
I used to skip meals in busy seasons because I didn’t want to stop to eat. I would drink on the weekends and wonder why my anxiety was through the roof.
In 2021 I started working with a holistic health practitioner and through an elimination diet, we identified that alcohol is a trigger for a racing heart and increased anxiety. Consuming gluten and dairy gives me brain fog and causes skin issues.
Eating a diet high in protein, good fats, veggies, and fruits has been a complete life-transforming decision.
I can tell a night and day difference in how I show up and deal with the demands of the day based on what I ate/drank in the past few days.
Because I allowed myself to go down the path of radical elimination for a short period of time- I identified what my body needs to operate at its highest self.
Do you know what your body needs to feel its best?🥗
Each one of us is different and what has worked for me, might not work for you. But I encourage you to start exploring what your body desires to operate at high performance.
🔻 Respect your sleep cycle.
In the past, I would burn the midnight oil 🕯️ and wake before the rest of the world. I was running on 5(ish) hours of sleep and by the weekend I was out of energy and my creativity was zapped. I was hitting a wall and I was not showing up as my best self.
In 2021, when I went down the path of healing through food I also started to pay attention to my sleep cycles. The more research I did on high-performing business owners the more I realized that I was really doing damage by not getting enough sleep.
Through trial and error, I realized that my sweet spot is 7-8 hours. 😴
When I do my weekly time blocking, I count back from the time I need to wake up to determine my bedtime.📆
Then, I block off one hour before bed that is my no phone/technology zone.📵
One hour before that is my “wrap stuff up from the day” reminder.☝🏼
And one hour before that is the last hour I can eat!
I am by no means perfect in this process, but this is what I aim to do most days. It is also a game-changer for my quality of sleep and mental alertness during the day.
🔻 Supplements enhance the experience.
The human body is amazing and what we can challenge it to do. I love that we have come so far in holistic medicine and there are great supplements that can help our bodies naturally calm, be more alert, and be productive throughout the day.
Instead of taking anxiety medication (which is a whole other area to chat about) I’ve started rotating in supplements to help with mental clarity, calm, and peacefulness.
Everyone is different and I’m sharing my experience in hopes that it helps you get started.
💊 Here is my current supplement routine:
L-theanine supplements up to 3x a day as needed for stress
Ashwagandha supplement 1x a day and 2 pills in the morning when stress is higher
Probiotic to support my gut health because your gut and brain are interconnected and if your gut is not healthy you will have a whole other host of challenges
Magnesium L-threaonate mid day and evening to promote calm, brain function, and restful sleep
Vitamin D drops once a day because I have always tested low in this area
When I travel or am around a lot of people I will do a monthly vitamin IV to boost my defenses and ward off any sicknesses.
These are my basics but they have helped me tremendously deal with the stressors of a busy lifestyle.
🔻 Study top performers and immerse myself in books, audio, and journaling.
When I stepped into this busy season the first thing I did was search out mentors and resources that could help me navigate the challenges I was facing.
There are so many great teachers out there who have been through situations that we are going through.
This podcast episode helped me immensely as a leader navigating through change: Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
I read the book, Boundaries For Leaders By Henry Cloud
I listen to countless podcasts and audio as a reminder that I am exactly in the position I have been called to be. This is an opportunity to lead in the trenches and set an example for professionalism and navigating change.
I have spent more time journaling, reflecting, and setting intentions than any other season of my life.
🔻Set boundaries like a boss.
Do you have people in your life right now that are energy ⚡ suckers?
I have become increasingly aware of the energy I allow into my space. When you raise your level of awareness of the people in your circle, it is hard to unsee it.
I’ve had to create distance between complainers and people who have a victim mindset. I’ve had to communicate my boundaries and adhere to them whenever someone attempts to violate a boundary. I have let go of people-pleasing and asked myself if this request is urgent and important or is it urgent and important to someone else.
This is a practice that I have to constant be aware of otherwise I can fall into the trap of woe is me, life is hard, and that is not who I am!
I’m the type of leader who attacks a challenge with a figure it out mindset and I believe that every challenge is teaching us a lesson in how to be our very best selves.
Friends, I see you! 👀 Life is not easy right now! The demands during busy season that are placed on you as a leader, mentor, business owner, and significant other are high right now. But, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. This assignment is teaching you a valuable lesson in your life and your struggle will be used for advancement and service to others.
It’s important that you don’t carry the burden alone. Surround yourself with high-level leaders who challenge you to be your best self and think differently.
I’m very excited for the next week! I’d like you to be the first to know that the Leadership Mastermind coaching program is opening for enrollment on November 1st.
I have 14 spots available (1 has already been taken) in this exclusive high-level program. If you are a leader who has an established organization, feels confident in your own personal sales and marketing, and has a desire to double your income in the next six to twelve months this is a great fit for you.
This program is by application only and I will pre-qualify each individual before accepting you into the program. The program is here to be collaborative, high-level, and high-energy!
If this sparks your interest, check out the details here and then we can set up a discovery call here to go over your questions and I can further explain the program. Like I said, there are only 14 spots available and I anticipate they will fill up fast.💫
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If you are ready to take your own health into your own hands, I would love to support you on that journey.
You can fill out this form below to chat with me more on how I can support you through your health and wellness goals.