The Power of Peace

Know Thyself

I was just on a group webinar where the host had a large topic to cover with limited time. A few of the participants commented the session was far more than they had in mind and would catch the replay later. The presenter was very supportive of that option but forged on to maintain a replay that would be available for all later. 

One commenter haunts me.

She noted she was in the process of a panic attack for the feeling of overwhelm and the firehose of information pouring at us. A few of us tried to reassure her, but the damage was done and our comments were not helping, only adding to her sense of panic. She finally did step away to regain her composure. 

I recall a similar incident recently with the same presenter when the topic was far more involved than I was prepared for in the moment. I simply stopped trying to keep up, took a few notes to remind myself of key points later, and caught the replay where I could start/stop the recording to proceed at my own pace. I had a better idea of what to expect in the presentation at that point to be prepared.

Our Fast-Paced World
Life moves fast—seemingly faster as we move forward. Mental health challenges abound. Anxiety and depression in adults is approximately 19% each (or 1 in 5) per the Center for Disease Control (CDC)—finally trending slightly less than initially post-COVID but still slightly above pre-COVID levels. 

Anyone reading this blog is on a journey to build—build a nonprofit, a business, or bring a book into the world. The ideas, opportunities, and decisions of what to do next or which direction to turn are seemingly constant. 

Mind boggling, really. 

Take A Step Back
Consider these options when you feel the anxiety rise:

• Stop. Whatever you're doing, just stop. It's ok. Breathe deeply. Turn the stimulus off. 
• Take a break. Literally. Step away from the current source of frustration or anxiety. 
• Do something—anything!—different. Reset. Care for yourself first always. Read a book. Enjoy a craft project.
• Take a walk or exercise. Blow off steam or the extra frustration/energy.
• Meditate or journal. Find ways to distance, calm yourself, and refocus.
• "Touch grass." Stepping outside to feel the sun on your face or grass under your feet is grounding.
• Hug your loved one(s). That can be a 2-legged or 4-legged friend. Remind yourself what matters most.

Time to Regroup
Now that you've distanced from the moment, consider what happened and what led to that level of anxiety.

• Do you need to be in that situation again? If you're part of a community as my incident, maybe you make a point to catch the replays later for the content at your own pace. 
• Do you need that friendship, meeting, or connection? Maybe a situation is toxic for you and every time you are in a certain situation or with a certain person, the blood pressure rises. Make a change for your health and well-being.
• Do you need a vacation? Has it been awhile since truly taking days away from your computer or situation? Giving yourself physical distance and mental space can give you time to think, clarity, remind yourself what's important, and reset.

Get to the Point
I wish for Peace for you—for anyone reading this now. I'm grateful you stumbled upon my words. 

Life is short. Live it well, with love, joy, and fulfillment, however your cup may be filled. 

Some of us live and love to be busy, but that's generally only with breaks from the pace. Learn your limits. Identify when you need breaks during a day, from activities, and even longer breaks for your peace and sanity.

As the airlines remind us on pre-flight instructions, put the oxygen mask on yourself first so you can help others.

Your Turn!
How are you doing, friend? Feeling overwhelmed in your business or your day? What can you consider doing to re-center yourself?

What works for you? Please share so we can learn from each other! Comment below or Let's Chat by email or on LinkedIn or Substack. 

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