Do Yourself a Favor and Slow Down…..Heres How.

Sometimes I get the feeling like I am responsible for my own craziness. For example, was it really a good idea to take a new client at 1 pm when I know I have to pick my son up at 2? Should I really open a vendor email when I am in the middle of updating my QuickBooks? For some reason I often find myself multi-tasking, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering why I can’t complete just one simple task. After a sobering view of my insanity, the Holy Spirit began showing me some small changes I could make to reduce anxiety and stress in my day. These small changes took a little practice at first, but they have made my life more manageable. Here are a few new habits I am incorporating into my life.

• Let the phone ring

Sometimes the sound of my phone ringing can overwhelm me. I don’t have a secretary or VA (virtual assitant) to assist in directing calls so I generally have to answer the phone lines for calls related to my business. I know its not the smartes move but its how things hav eworked out for me. So, over the past few months and maybe year I have learned to let the phone ring. I know the calls that need a little more time and if I dont have a lot of time its no sense in answering right then and there. Its probably best to carve out soemt time to have those conversations that require a little bit more of me emotionally and mentally. Sometimes I will send a test just to make sure the individual is okay and to acknowledge there call because it is really important for me to communicate in small ways that people are important to me. This way I honor my values but also don’t sacrifice my sanity.

• One thing at a time-no multi-tasking

I have been known to describe myself as a “grand multi-tasker. “ Multiple email accounts with multiple dings. The phone rings, then my reminder alarm goes off to alert me of an upcoming appointment I need to get to. My nerves are bad, I get super anxious, but that does not stop me from trying to spin multiple plates at one time. We live in a time where multi-tasking is praised but it can come with a costly price called sanity. I am learning to deal with things one at a time. These days I practice prioritizing emails. I am not afraid to take a healthy pause before responding to requests for my time and attention. I am letting go of the false urgency to get everything done all at once. I write down things that come to my mind that way I don’t forget them, but I also don’t get so completely distracted that I am jumping from one thing to another.

• Scheduled R & R

I try really hard to engage in planned rest and relaxation. I am learning that rest and relaxation are really important. So from time to time I have a pedicure, visit a spa, or simply watch my favorite show and simply spend time alone engaging in activities unrelated to work. It might be a meal out with a friend or doing something that I have wanted to try like a pottery class. The point for me is to choose an activity, set a date, and then see it through.

• Ask for help

One of the biggest realizations I have had to confront as a leader is the fact that I CANNOT DO IT ALL even though I want to. I am developing skills to hire smarter. I am creating realistic timelines to get things done for my business and knowing I have others invested in Gods vision has helped more than harmed the growth of the esthetics studio. Although it takes a lot to ask for help, through prayer I have been able to see the areas where I need support, and God has aligned the right people to help get the job done. God has helped me to overcome myself, see the greater vision and step outside of myself.

Beautifully Yours,

Regina