Hi friends,
How is the start of the year treating you? I hope the return to routine has been as gentle as it can be. I had my first week back at work this week and it was pretty lovely, there were a couple of slower and quieter days and a couple of busier ones. I did my first early morning swim of the year (a habit I hope to continue) and I recorded my first podcast episode for season two of Happiful’s Finding What Works, which was a needed reminder that hey - I do know how to do this.
Of course, I did have to contend with some Sunday scaries before the week started and as I sit here at the end of that week, I know I have a few more coming this month. Next week is a busy one at work, with three podcast recordings, a press event in London and several meetings. Then the fowling week I have more podcast recordings and a half-marathon charity walk to round off the month.
All of these things are exciting and all planned by myself - but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little apprehensive. Something I’m determined to work on this year though is easing my stress about stress (anyone else get stressed, knowing they may have to deal with stress?!) And something that’s been helping are mantras to remind me of my strength.
I know from a previous course I took on happiness that us humans are notoriously terrible at estimating how much we will be affected by something, often underestimating our psychological immune system. So these mantras help me tap into this important reminder. Here they are.
I am capable of handling stress
I’m not quite sure what deep seated belief there is inside me that thinks I’ll crumble as the sight of stress, but it’s lodged in there. And of course, I have burnt out in the past, and even came quite close to it last summer, so there is something to be said for ensuring I do take breaks and make room for downtime. Equally, I have to remind myself that I can handle busy weeks when they come.
I will have downtime every day
Whether it’s the couple of hours after the washing up’s done and I can sit to watch an episode of whatever show I’m watching or the 30 minutes before work where I eat breakfast, drink a coffee and watch YouTube (a new habit started this week that I’m loving), I do always create space for downtime each day. Reminding myself of this and knowing that every day is not go-go-go is helpful.
I am in control of what I say yes to
This isn’t always the easiest to put into practice but it’s something I always try to come back to. Last summer I found myself saying yes too much, and I almost grew resentful of the people asking things of me. So this reminder, that I am the one who chooses to say yes to things, helps me take responsibility to say no when I need to. As I said, not always easy, but important.
It won’t be as bad/stressful as I think
Wow, am I good at blowing things up into huge scary things… For example, before I recorded my first podcast episode this week, I was pretty anxious, revolving my whole day around it. Of course, when it came to it, it was incredibly enjoyable (these discussions are always a joy to record) and it was only an hour out of my day. It really didn’t need to take up so much headspace. It was the reminder I needed not to get overwhelmed for no reason. I’m also using this mantra for the half-marathon. I’m blowing it up in my head to be this huge, difficult thing and while it will be a challenge… I won’t fall down and die from exhaustion. I will do it, and it will be fine.
I love my job
This one won’t apply to everyone of course - but I truly do love my job and it can be easy to forget this when feeling stressed about being stressed. I get to have incredible conversations and share them. I get to go to cool events in London and write about them! I get to try new things in my role and expand my skill set. This year is going to be one of change at work (my manager is heading off on maternity leave and I’ll be taking on some of her responsibilities) and I really am looking forward to the challenge.
I want my year to be full of challenge, change and adventure. This is why I picked the word ‘onward’ to guide me. It makes me think of someone brave who knows how capable they are, and I hope in time I see that person as me.
If you experience Sunday scaries, of even month-ahead scaries, know that you’re not alone. And also that it’s OK to have them when you love your job. I know for me it’s a mindset thing, because when I get to the things I’m scared of, I end up enjoying them. I also know this isn’t a weekly thing for me, it only happens on rare occasions, it just happens to be hitting in January this year. Of course for you it may be different - if you get to them every week and they continue to cause you stress, those scaries may be a sign you need a change.
I’d love to hear if you experience Sunday scaries, and if so, what helps you?
Until next time, take care.
Kat x