Taste Life Blog

A client wrote, “I am trying to have fun everyday but my stressors are getting in my way.” My client went on to list her top stressors:  “Someone says something and I feel like I am being manipulated; being  over-committed; having clutter and piles of work in progress but not making any progress; never  having enough energy;  being late; and the worst,  having to depend on others in order for me to get a task done.”

Does this sound like you? We live in overwhelming times filled with multitasking, stress-filled days. Overcoming overwhelm is not about crossing more off your to do list or measuring “more accomplishments.” Rather it is “measuring” and connecting to what has meaning and nourishes your spirit. Then, you get stuff done because it is aligned with WHO you want to be and your values.  A new season is a new beginning to decide who you want to be and to reset your energy.

Five easy steps to reset your energy

• Make a list of your top ten “physical” and “emotional overwhelms.”  Physical overwhelms may be a closet full of clothes you want to wear again but probably won’t, a messy, disorganized office or maybe a kitchen so cluttered you can’t even eat at your kitchen table. Emotional overwhelms may be a friend who judges you or a manager who does not appreciate your work.
• Identify your top five values. Your values are things that give your life meaning and purpose.  They are activities and interests that you are naturally drawn to and are the key to a satisfying and complete life. They guide you like a North Star or guiding light.  Examples may include family, career, spirituality, travel, success, or harmony.
• Align your values with your environment. If your value is family what kind of environment is needed to live out your value of family. You would probably need a kitchen for making family meals and family memories; and at the very least a kitchen table without clutter. If your value is spirituality perhaps you would need to create space in your life to pray or mediate or go to church. If you have a value of success and have a manger who doesn’t appreciate you perhaps you would identify other ways besides your manager to help you feel successful in your job. Taking care of your “overwhelms” will help you live more aligned to your values.
• Become a minimalist. Think less is more.  The more I buy the more I have to take care of, and more clutter can feel overwhelming. Calculate the time cost. Maybe money is not a motivator for you, instead think of how much time your new “thing” will cost you. Pretend you earn $20.00 per hour, and your new “thing” costs $100.00. In time currency, your new “thing” will cost you five hours of your life. Thinking like this will help you decide if you really need it or just want it to feel good.
• Create your energize list. This is who and what charges your energy. What activities do you love? Who do you love to be with? Taking a walk, talking to your favorite friend, or reading a new book are all energizers that can nourish your spirit and give you a new perspective.

The best things in life can’t be seen or touched, only felt. Nothing nourishes your spirit more than connecting to what has meaning in your life. It is the ONLY way to have fun every day and not let stress get in your way.

You only have one life to live, imagine if it was one you loved. Better get busy!