The Coach’s Corner Newsletter #106
Halfway through 2025, I’m hearing from many of you about the weight you’re carrying around. Weight from intense pressure at work, an inability to catch up on your to-do list, or feeling like you’ve tried everything and now you’re depleted.
This week, I’d like to share what I’ve gleaned from clients when they face this early summer pressure and know it’s time to recharge.
To recharge is to gain energy or spirit. Jordana Harshman, wellness manager and certified wellness coach at Stanford Children’s Health, says that involves relaxation and rest – something that resonates well with me.
· A state of being free from tension and anxiety
· Recreation, especially after a period of work
· The loss of tension in a part of the body, especially when it ceases to contract
In other words, relaxation is giving your mind and body a break to restore your energy, support your cognitive function and regulate your mood.
THIS WEEK’S INSIGHT
Time to recharge: tips from those who are overwhelmed
I work with people who sometimes feel crushed with the stress of work and life. So this week I asked them, “how do you relax so that you feel restored?” Here’s what they shared with me.
Chief security officer
1. The first thing I do when I’m overwhelmed is put away my phone. It’s usually the number one thing that drains me: from texts to emails to news updates.
2. When I’ve hit a wall and need to change things up, I get outside and walk for 30 minutes without an agenda. It’s the best way to clear my head!
Mom of little ones
1. I use one of my kids’ nap-times to totally stop what I’m doing. That means I’m not picking up or doing laundry. I journal or read or lie down at the same time.
2. When I sense I’m getting to that overwhelmed stage, I ask for help. Maybe it’s to help clean the house, take the kids for an outing or give me space to get a massage. The power of asking is a game changer.
Creative director
1. At work, when I have too many meetings and tasks on my plate, I look at my list and decide to do ONLY one thing. That permission to finish one thing at a time takes me out of the spiral and I can breathe.
2. After a tough day, I make a choice about getting to bed on time. Funny how sleeping for more than 7 hours truly does energize me!
Startup founder
1. I have a variety of vendors and clients vying for my time so when I’m stressed out, I set up a coffee with a friend with an agreement: no talking about work!
2. I end my day early and head into my wood shop. Being creative and cutting wood ignite my senses and I feel like I have options again.
Executive coach
1. On those days where my work and life feel out of balance, I take a break and head to my garden. When I’m digging or planting or pruning, I actually figure out ways to approach situations differently.
2. Sometimes, the best way to clear my head happens on my regular walks with my dog. The routine is comforting and gives me room to clear my thoughts.
I’m so grateful for the depth of these amazing folks!
My takeaway
For me, the act of slowing down allows me to discover what I need to do next. When I’m not rushing, I consider what energizes me and what depletes me.
So I ask myself:
· Did I get enough sleep?
· What did I eat or drink?
· When is the last time I took a break?
· Who have I connected with today?
· What is going well today?
· When am I going to get outside?
Then I lean on the things that nurture me: my relationships, the garden, flowing water, birds singing, spiritual connection, laughing with little ones, preparing a meal. This is where I find my rest and relaxation and restoration.
Taking time to rest, renew, and refresh yourself isn’t wasted time. Recharge. Choose what energizes you.
Melody Beattie
