Recent Newsletters
September 2010 -
How to Rise Above the Pitfalls of September
Now that the days are getting shorter and summer is coming to an end, many of us tend to switch into busy mode. Children are getting ready to go back to school, often with our help; college and university students are preparing for a new term and perhaps leaving home for the first time; and for many of us in the work world, the pace is about to shift from decidedly languid to high-gear as we all say goodbye to summer. The air has become crisp, the days have shortened and, somewhere in the back of our minds, we are reminded that winter and the end of this year are not far off. The change in seasons and the shift into a busier, more urgent schedule can be exciting and intense, but can also invoke feelings of anxiety, sadness or even being overwhelmed. So what can we do?
These are some of the typical Pitfalls of September many of us encounter, and some suggestions on how to deal with them:
1) "Superperson Syndrome." For many of us, this is a huge issue. If you had some down time over the summer, you may feel you are ready to take on the world, and do it all! It is important to recognize that taking on events, projects and responsibilities at a reasonable pace will allow you to produce your best results, leading to a sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done, while helping to keep your stress levels at a healthy level. If you tend to be a "superperson," practice saying "no" to things that you really do not want to do. It is a starting point for you to decrease the number of obligations you find yourself committed to. Once you have mastered saying no to things you don't want to do, you may be surprised at how much your stress levels can decrease, and the amount of room you can create in your life for things that are truly important for you to say "yes" to. For more information on Superperson Sydrome see my video on YouTube.
2) If you find you are someone who struggles with being disorganized and/or frequently feeling scattered, you may want to try this simple technique: get a large, highly visible calendar and place it prominently where you are sure to see it on a regular basis. I suggest a large calendar that you can hang on your wall or keep on your desk, wherever you tend to do your scheduling, or spend the most time trying to organize your events, activities, deadlines etc. Having a big, visible calendar nearby is a constant reminder to mark things down. It is the first step in becoming more organized. Having a visual of what you have to do, and look forward to, can provide a greater sense of control over your schedule, and your life!
3) Feeling Anxious? The anticipation of the upcoming season can create anxiety for many of us. I have a client who says she is always nervous in September, as if she is still a young girl going back to school. She equates this to the fact that September tends to be a critical month at her office, with everyone feeling the pressure to perform. If you begin your day feeling anxious, take a few minutes of quiet time for yourself. Try starting your day out with a mini-meditation, or a mantra such as, "I am calm and centered," along with a few deep breathes. When you start your day off feeling more centered, your anxiety will greatly diminish. If you tend to be more anxious at night, try the above suggestions in the evening. When you are more centered, you will begin to feel more in control of your emotions, and better able to handle whatever challenges life may present, allowing you to make better decisions. Your energy will begin to flow in a more fluid fashion, contributing to a greater sense of calm and well-being.
For most of us, September represents a change in pace. Regardless of the form this change takes for you, try to keep the bigger picture in mind. Great accomplishments don't usually happen overnight, but rather with consistent effort over time. Being aware of the challenges you face, and having a plan to address them will improve your confidence and ability to embrace the onset of fall constructively and calmly as you Rise Above the Pitfalls of September.