Take Time to Regroup
Do you need to catch your breath? I’ve been hearing this from many people. I also experienced it myself. This has been a very long and trying season for many. It’s even more difficult for sensitive souls. You may need to take time to regroup.
Even though business has picked up for many, including me, it’s easy to feel just plain worn out. Take a woman I’ll call “Anna.” Too many things were piling up and getting to her and this very strong woman began to unravel.
My prescription
My first piece of advice for her was one I had to give to myself: Unplug! You just need to give your brain, your spirit, and your central nervous system a rest. It’s ok to take a break. Here’s what I learned when I did.
1) The world won’t end if you unplug for awhile. I went to the mountains for a few days and stayed off my phone. Guess what? The world didn’t end and my business didn’t dry up.
2) Self-care is really important. If you never take any time off, you’ll burn out. I can still pray about people and situations but I have to give the rest to God. If you can’t afford a vacation right now, take little breaks during the day or schedule a day off.
3) Nature is very restorative. You don’t have to head to the mountains to enjoy the beauty that’s around you. Richard Louv first called it a Nature Deficit Disorder. It’s important to unplug, clear your mind, enjoy nature, and just breathe.
4) You can’t control everything. I can’t control COVID or all the bad things happening in the world. But I can keep the faith, trust God, and do what I can where I am. And that gives me peace. Think of ways you can give back and make a difference.
5) Find a creative outlet. Obviously, I prefer drumming but any creative activity can help you release those pent-up emotions and soothe your soul.
If anxiety is getting the better of you
You have to keep things in perspective. You can’t change the past and you can’t predict the future. Most of the things we worry about never happen. Others are beyond our control. Worrying doesn’t change anything. Never has and never will.
I’ve learned to just pray and then hand it over to God. I then take a few breaths and tap out some beats. Here’s a video that may give you a better idea and may help you feel more relaxed.
How about you?
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, know that faith and fear cannot coexist. Sooner or later, you have to choose. One path brings more hope and peace. The other does not. Which will you choose? Need help balancing the two? Let’s chat! Here’s a link to schedule your free call.
Dori Staehle, MBA is from the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, percussionist, mentor, ADHD specialist, Toca percussion artist, inspirational speaker and author, and owner of Next Stage Drumming. Dori’s mission is to share the joy and healing power of drumming with as many people as she can. Her unique blend of mentoring, motivation, and music has helped clients all over the world move forward – fast!
