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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith life coach

January 26, 2022 7 Ways to Rejuvenate WITHOUT Taking a Vacation

You’re worn thin. You’ve been busy juggling several different work projects with family life and other commitments. You haven’t taken quality time for yourself in ages. In short…you’re EXHAUSTED. What to do? How can you rest, rejuvenate, and forge ahead?

In past blog posts, I’ve talked about the merits of taking a break (a long break, if possible!), but not everyone has the luxury of being able to pack up and go on vacation whenever they’re feeling worn out. If that’s you, you might try taking some “mini breaks.” These brief moments away can help renew your energy and fortify you so you can face the stressors of work, relationships, or simply everyday life.

Keep in mind: when you take these mini breaks, it’s best to do so completely. Turn your phone to airplane mode, schedule “you time” on the calendar, and step away as much as possible. Otherwise, you’ll never fully relax…and that pretty much defeats the purpose!

Here are 7 ideas for ways to rejuvenate without taking a full-on vacation:

1. Set aside a “favorite things” day

What do you enjoy doing more than anything? Do you like to read? Watch movies? Wander through gardens, conservatories, or the woods? Visit museums? Enjoy good food and/or good company?

Pick some of your favorite things and plan a day around them! This mini vacation is all about YOU. Grab brunch in the morning, catch up on your reading list, go to a basketball game or a movie–whatever makes you happy.

Don’t forget to plan ahead! If you have responsibilities (young kids, work commitments, etc.) make sure they are taken care of so you don’t have to divide your attention during your “favorite things” day.

2. Designate a “slow cooking” night

If you enjoy cooking, make an effort to set aside one night each week to fully immerse yourself in “slow cooking.” Instead of rushing to put dinner on the table, luxuriate in planning a menu, prepping your dishes, cooking, and enjoying the fruits of your labors. If you don’t love cooking, have a nice night out instead. In many cultures outside the US, food is savored and enjoyed, rather than rushed through. Rediscover the pleasure in eating a nice meal.

3. Try an unplugged workout

When you go to the gym or take a walk outside, are you tempted to check your phone and reply to emails? Do you constantly see notifications coming in?

These little distractions take away from what could be very healthy, and potentially relaxing, activities. Instead of letting your phone derail your active time, turn it to airplane mode and listen to music or an audiobook you’ve downloaded. If you need to keep limited notifications on, try your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” function and only let priority phone numbers get through. That way, when you work out you can truly immerse yourself in the activity.

4. Have an art night

Do you enjoy photography? Painting? Woodworking? If you have an artistic hobby that you haven’t indulged in a while, set aside some time for it! You might even decide to have a weekly art night, dedicated to your hobby.

5. Take a spa day

There’s nothing quite like a spa day when it comes to self-care. Indulge yourself with a massage, haircut, facial, or whatever you need to help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. If you’re on a budget, make it a DIY spa day with an at-home facial, a bath with Epsom salts, scented candles, etc. On the other hand, if you’re able to spend some extra cash, consider going to an all-inclusive spa where you can relax and spend the night (there’s something to be said about being away from your own home and the mounds of responsibilities that await you there!).

6. Catch up on your reading list

Do you have a mountain of to-read books you’ve been meaning to get to? Take a long afternoon to enjoy a hot beverage or a glass of wine, and curl up with a good book. Take a “book afternoon” whenever you need to–whenever you’re feeling tired and need a cozy getaway.

7. Have a slow morning

Whenever you need it, set aside a day to have a late morning. Block off time on your calendar (just as you would if you had a doctor or dentist appointment), and clock into work around noon. Use your slow morning to sleep in, practice yoga or meditate, read a newspaper or book over a cup of coffee, or perhaps grab brunch at your favorite breakfast joint. It’s amazing what a relaxed morning can do for productivity!

If you find yourself feeling burnt out, but can’t spring for a real vacation, try some of these mini breaks! Spending intentional time relaxing and unwinding can work wonders for your energy and productivity.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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January 19, 2022 How Bad Could It Be? (Combat worrywart tendencies)

Are you a worrier? Do you tend to dwell on something and envision the worst possible outcomes? There is something to be said for preparing for the worst; however, constant worrying and catastrophizing can also lead to anxiousness, constant fear, and difficulty finding enjoyment or joy.

How can you combat your worrywart tendencies?

Psychiatrist Katherine Pannel recommends a thought exercise. If you’re faced with an uncertain situation, picture the very worst outcome, then shift your thinking and imagine the very best outcome. After that, consider the most likely outcome, which will probably land somewhere in the middle of the two scenarios. This exercise helps you to refocus and “redirect your thoughts to a more realistic, comfortable place.”

Another way to stop worrying so much is to focus on preparations.

When you know you’ve put in the leg work and are thoroughly prepared, there’s less cause for worry. Tell yourself that you’ve done everything you can, and the outcome will be what it will be.

When I’m preparing for a presentation or an important meeting, I try to allow myself time to A) prepare the material B) practice and C) anticipate possible questions. Ideally, when you practice it should be out loud, in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. When you’re anticipating possible questions, think about the things people are likely to ask AND anticipate any follow-up questions to those initial questions. When you’re prepared, you tend to feel more confident and less worried. You’ve done what you can, and the rest is out of your hands.

Lastly, if you’d like to stop worrying so much it’s important to accept your imperfections.

Recognize that you are not perfect, and you don’t have to be. Nobody is! If you make a mistake, it’s okay (truly). Pick yourself, attend to any necessary damage control, and try again. Many of us have unrealistic expectations for ourselves (we would probably never treat others the way we sometimes treat ourselves!), and that isn’t healthy. Instead, be kind to yourself, recognize you’re an imperfect human being, and simply try your best.

Let’s combat worrywart tendencies once and for all! Most of the time, things are not as bad as you fear them to be.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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January 5, 2022 4 Ways to Make Peace with Uncertainty

Graphic of person in the middle of four yellow arrows pointing outward

It is said that nothing is certain in life besides death and taxes. Let’s add one more item to the list, shall we? Uncertainty. While this addition might seem obvious, it’s important to acknowledge the uncertainty of life. When things are uncertain in terms of finances, health, relationships, or anything really, we can become anxious, withdrawn, and our health can even suffer.

Lately, life seems more uncertain than ever. Many people are out of work or still working from home; people are feeling isolated from friends and family members due to caution about COVID, or because of differences in philosophies or political beliefs. With so many changes and uncertainty, it’s difficult to know where tomorrow will lead (let alone next year!).

How can we confront the uncertainty of life? I recommend starting with the following four approaches, and going from there.*

*“Going from there” might mean seeking support from a qualified therapist or counselor. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!

1. Be Kind to Yourself

When you’re attempting to deal with feelings of uncertainty, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and take your time. It doesn’t pay to ignore your feelings or push through when you truly need to pause, take a meaningful break, and/or recenter yourself. Acknowledge that uncertainty is inevitable, and it has always been part of your life in one way or another. When you were a child, you often had to release control while adults made decisions. In your adult life, you’ve never been able to control things such as the weather, the influences of your genetics, or other people’s feelings/reactions toward you. Remind yourself that you are strong, you have overcome past uncertainties, and you will continue to overcome uncertainties.

2. Redirect Your Energy

It is completely fine to enjoy a healthy distraction from your present woes. Sometimes it’s helpful to occupy your body and/or mind by regularly engaging in meaningful activities. Try learning a new language, baking, painting, or simply catch up on your reading list. Exercise is also a great way to distract yourself from current troubles and gain some positive endorphins and muscle while you’re at it! I believe there is a form of exercise for everyone, whether walking, swimming, weight lifting, yoga, or cycling.

3. Connect with Others

You are not alone, and you are not the only one who has struggled lately. Even though the feelings associated with uncertainty—anxiety, sadness, fear, anger, etc.—can seem very private, it’s not healthy to let those feelings take control and lead you to become isolated or withdrawn. Before you reach this point, reach out! Connect with friends or family members. Seek the camaraderie of a club, volunteer organization, or church group. Just being around people you enjoy can have a positive effect.

4. Take Meaningful Breaks

Taking a break is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it’s absolutely necessary. Rest when you need to; step away from your work when you need to. And if you are completely burnt out, it may be time to take an extended break or sabbatical. Many workplaces would rather grant an extended leave than going through the process of hiring and training a new person. If your workplace refuses to give you time off (or, if you don’t envision a positive future in your workplace), it may be time to make a change.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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