Waving or drowning?

Are you keeping on top of things? Or do you sometimes feel like you're drowning under a deluge of information, demands, commitments, responsibilities, emails, advice, ideas, tweets, offers, promotions....and so the list goes on!

And now here I am, offering even more.......sorry ;-)

In the last few weeks, I've spoken to so many people who, for a variety of reasons, have been feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or just completely overwhelmed. And in this state of mind stress levels rise, our minds become cluttered and we find it even more difficult to think clearly, solve problems or cope effectively with the challenges that face us.

So what can you do if you feel affected?

Well rather than overwhelm you with lots more information, here are 9 simple tips to help you regain your balance and feel better too;

1 The devil is in the detail - avoid getting bogged down in too much detail and keep a sense of perspective

2 Choices, choices - indecision is exhausting and time consuming, identify your criteria, decide now and move on

3 Can't say No - create healthy boundaries and practice saying No more often

4 Not enough time - prioritise what's really important, not just urgent

5 Getting ahead of yourself - woah! come back to the present and take one step at a time

6 Fear - stop worrying about the consequences, or not being good enough, and go for it

7 Perfectionism - have realistic expectations and don't judge too harshly, very often 'good enough' will do

8 Breathe - pay attention to your body, notice the signs, take time to stop........ and breathe ;-)

9 Help - you don't always have to fly solo, ask for help or get some support

And remember 'The time to relax is when you don't have time for it' - Sydney J Harris
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Human Race

Is it just me or have you noticed how fast everyone seems to be going these days?

Everywhere I look, people seem to be rushing through life, racing to complete their next challenge, frantically working to achieve their latest goal or, worse still, desperately striving to become a better person. And it's not only physically that people seem to be operating on fast forward. Their minds are racing too, often so loud and so fast that they can't relax or think clearly any more.

Everything's becoming a bit of a blur. It's as though everyone has entered some kind of race or competition and I've not submitted my entry form! ;-)

And yes, occasionally, I begin to feel myself being caught by the tide too. Marketing experts, business advisors and even so called 'spiritual business' mentors are telling me I should be implementing the latest ideas and tactics without delay, warning me that if I don't act now I'll miss their essential offer and advising that the sooner I start the sooner I too can enjoy 5 star hotels, first class travel and designer shoes just like they do!

But wait. Who says I need that? And who decided it all has to happen today?

The danger with that kind of thinking is that we start to feel a sense of lack, inadequacy and anxiety. And more often than not we then start working even harder, striving to be even better, get more and more frantic and.... become completely ineffective.

And where's everyone racing too anyway? Or what are they running from perhaps? Is it fear? Fear of being left behind, of feeling incomplete or not being good enough?

I think it's really important to remember we're not in that kind of race ;-) A dictionary definition actually describes the human race as 'all of the living human inhabitants of the earth'. And, lists it as a 'noun' not a 'verb'! The human race is simply about being on this planet not racing towards some imaginary winning post to earn a shiny new trophy, fancy title or admiration and respect. No matter how fast we run we're still human and getting there first won't alter that ;-)

So if you find yourself worrying, getting frustrated or racing through life with no time to stop and relax here are a few tips that might be helpful. (and if this is just more information than you need please feel free to ignore of course!)

1. Stop - Take time to pause, breathe and come back to the present
2. Time out - Go for a walk, meditate, stretch, be in nature or whatever else works for you
3. Remember - What's important for you? What matters most in your life?
4. Focus - Choose a small number of things to concentrate on and set your own timescales
5. Acknowledge - what you've already accomplished
6. Know - life is not a race or a competition
7. Enough - believe that you are already enough

And remember, 'There is more to life than increasing it's speed' Mahatma Gandhi
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Where are you?

Do you ever feel as though you've been hiding fom the world? Or somehow lost yourself along the way?

Last week I had a meeting with a potential client to see how I could help some of their business managers. One of the people at the meeting was a woman who I'd met several times before and who had always been a very 'colourful' character. My memories of her included her bright quirky clothes, her unusual shoes and how spirited and lively she was!

This week though I was really quite suprised to see that she was wearing a plain white shirt, conservative black suit and the most classic black stillettos ever. She also seemed extremely serious and none of the personality I remembered shone through at all.

I found myself wondering 'where are you?'

And then I remembered how I used to be many years ago while working for a large organisation. Wanting to be taken seriously by my male colleagues there was certainly a time when I took it, and myself, far too seriously. I never quite knew what to wear, how to have my hair or even how to be myself in a culture that seemed to expect something else.

I know this can be a common dilemma for women in business these days. I know some women who even use different names in work and outside work. I also know that many men, aswell as women, don't feel free to fully be themselves. And that many of us somehow lose our sense of self along this journey called life.

So this post today is really a reminder to Be who you really are.

It's only when we allow ourselves to be who we naturally are that we get to enjoy true peace of mind, clarity, and wellbeing. It's only then that we can be really authentic and tap into our inner wisdom and personal power. And it's only then that we can truly connect with others in a meaningful, honest and credible way.

If you want to get back in touch with your personal essence and uniqueness take a few moments to reflect on the following fun questions.

• If you were a party, what kind of party would you be?
• If you were a vehicle, what kind of vehicle would you be?
• If you were a holiday, what kind of holiday would you be?
• If you were a home, what kind of home would you be?
• If you were your ideal clothes, what kind of clothes would you be?

Now take a look at your answers. What stands out? What are the common themes? What does that say about you? How can you be and have more of this in your life?

And remember, 'To be yourself in a world that's constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment' ~ Emerson

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