Note from Kirsten – Quick Tips to Decrease Stress

Life has been busy, busy, busy but good.  Lots of new projects in the works and great new clients.  It’s definitely been a time to chunk down tasks!  Yes, even I, “the life balance guru” need reminders.  Living in a state of overwhelm is not healthy.  I always say, you can live that way for a sprint but not a marathon!

Here are some basic steps to use to move from overwhelm to calm – or at least calmer!

Step #1 Do a reality check.  What can you either:

• stop doing,
• lower expectations for
• or delegate?

I’ve definitely been doing this.  My two boys are old enough to take on more responsibilities and they certainly have!  I have also had to lower my expectations around some of our household tasks.  It just isn’t going to look the way I prefer it to look right now and I just need to be okay with it!

Step #2  Prioritize and Chunk Down

Everything left on your plate needs to be prioritized and chunked down.  Which things must be done today and which can sit a bit longer?  Maybe you can complete a smaller part of a task today and then leave the rest.

Step #3  Create a List!

The written or typed lists are essential!  If you don’t get it out the list sits in your head.  If it sits in your head you have to keep rehearsing it to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything.  I know you are laughing right now because you’ve done it or are doing it now!

Rehearsing a list makes you less productive in the moment and stressed.  Your mind will think that there is an endless number of tasks.  And you will be afraid of forgetting something.  It will also rob you of sleep.  Lying in bed when your mind is supposed to be quiet is the prime time for rehearsal.  Get it out of your head and on paper into a digital format!

Wishing you a life of joy, balance, passion & purpose!