The Frog Blog: How To Turn Down The Heat
Have you heard that if a frog is placed in a pan of boiling water it’ll jump out quickly – yet when it’s placed in cool water with the heat turned up gradually, it won’t realise the danger and will stay in the pan and boil to death? (Not a nice picture…)
Think about this analogy in relation to your own life. Are you so used to running around juggling balls and spinning plates that worry, stress and impatience have become your new normal?
Are you ignoring the danger signs instead of jumping out of that hot pan?
Living on the edge sends huge amounts of cortisol zooming around the body – not a good thing. Too much cortisol depletes your immune system, affects your sleep, gives you unhealthy food cravings, lowers your sex drive and makes you feel like crap.
You’re far more likely to flip your lid over any and everything, let small things get you down and lose your ability to think straight.
It’s taken me a while to get to the place where I actually notice the heat. Now I’m so used to feeling good that as soon as I get a tightness in my chest, pang in my stomach or feel hot headed – I’m like – Whoa! What’s going on?!
The old me would have ignored the warning signals and carried on. The new me hits pause and does some ‘me search’.
I ask myself – what’s wrong?
If I’m overwhelmed, I whip out a Magic Matrix Action Sheet. Once I’ve got my to-do list onto the grid, I have a clear picture of what really needs doing now and what can wait. It clears up mental headspace fast. Try it for yourself.
When I’m feeling anxious or pondering a decision, I know I need to get it out of my head and onto paper. I grab a Challenge Solver Action Sheet and find a quick solution. I no longer ignore it or think I’ll deal with it later.
If I’m snapping at my kids or husband, I know I need to feed myself with some patience inducing self-care. Getting to bed earlier, eating healthier, allowing myself to relax and drop perfection all help.
A bubble bath followed by a chapter in one of my inspirational books is one of my greatest gifts to myself. I’ll read Danielle La Porte’s The Desire Map or Buddhism for Mothers and the next day my patience is that bit more restored.
The power of immersing yourself in positivity is not to be underestimated.
That box-set of Breaking Bad isn’t the ticket to a calmer place. Trust me.
Other tools in my box include a great yoga session, Deepak Guided Meditations on my iphone and writing it out in my journal.
I also meet with my Power Posse once a month to hash out any bigger issues with my two girlfriends and I can’t recommend this enough.
I no longer live with problems or worries long enough that they become my new normal. I now recognise when something’s up and take action to do something about it.
I gently urge you to become the expert of you. Learn to listen to your inner guidance system. Recognise the signals that something’s up.
Find ways to take care of yourself. Create your own toolbox of resources, inspiration and help when you need it.
Make Project Me your weekly fix.
Don’t be the frog who’s in the boiling pan. Jump out now!
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Fantastic advice and reassurance that I’m on the right path. How strongly my ego says no don’t do yoga now you’re too grumpy and then presto grumpy gone and loving space created. I also have a weekly wise women meeting with my three girlies and it really does help having that support. And yes my project me is also now on my list of tools so thank u to you all you gorgeous inspirational women! Xxx
You are so very welcome Zoe – we’re thrilled you are creating your own Project Me!
We love the sound of your Power Posse too and are HUGE fans of support groups like this to lift and empower you. Look out for our Coaching With Friends pack coming soon! It’ll help take your Power Posse to the next level 🙂
I find that I audibly start to sigh when I feel overwhelmed. I’ve found my best results when I concentrate on being present, even in in the little things.
Reading this blog, i didn’t check email. When I answer my email, I won’t check on my blog stats. One thing at a time, and I’ll do all I can. The rest is for tomorrow!
Thanks for this awesome reminder.
I love how you identified the signal your body sends you when you get overwhelmed Eli. An audible sigh! Knowing that and recognising it will help put you in proactive instead of reactionary mode.
One thing at a time – GREAT advice we can all use! Thank you!