This was the only email I opened this morning and it hit me right in between the eyes! I ONLY consume “learning” media. It’s gotten me to the point I’m so overwhelmed and brain fried that some days I just sit and stare at my planner with no clue what I’m doing at all. I needed this after a very stressful week when my only plan for the weekend so far has been - ”don’t open a single social media app! No scrolling what-so-ever!” So, now I know what else to do 🙌 woohoo! 🥳
Thank you Christine! "Learning" media, you nailed it. The brain fry is real, sometimes we have to turn off the hose and chase the butterflies so to speak! Have lots of fun this weekend!
Thanks for this, Carolyn! I've been having some similar overwhelm and took an unplanned but cleansing break from Instagram a month ago. I also get overwhelmed by Substack notes! (She says as she clicks "also share as note.")
Carolyn, I love this. I’m following your and Michelle’s suggestion on the no information diet. Just focused on the fun and the lightness so I can focus on my work.
Of course as I read this, I was like “how can I find a recording of Michelle’s webinar?” (And I’m sure I could), but your points summarize my need to gather and consume, and thus, overwhelm myself… so rather than downward spiral in or out, I’m going to lovingly accept of the reflection, thanks to your map and writing and work
I love this! Genius! I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I’m trying to focus on exercise and hobbies and this was just the validation I needed to continue the journey ❤️
Sounds like a really good plan! I’ll definitely try this approach. Classes and the never ending supply overwhelm me but I keep signing up and then feel guilty because my brain just can’t take anymore. Classes are also a way of procastinating for me if I’m honest.
"This overwhelming “productive media” often adds to my anxiety over what I could be implementing and learning and making. It fills my brain with endless pathways and possibilities. It’s not only overwhelming but also distracting me from the work I have in flight."
This is exactly it. I wanted to be more productive and I wanted to make more money and there are almost endless ways to try and achieve that. I'm currently trying about 5 of them simultaneously! Because of this I easily get overwhelmed, start procrastinating and end up achieving nothing. My creativity has plummeted.
I have creative projects I want to do, I want to read, I want to go for a walk. This is all I really think about most days and I'm not doing any of it.
I'm going to try this kind of media detox and see how it goes.
I love the way you articulate this! I never put it together until you said it here that my quality of life improved immensely when I gave up nonfiction books for mystery and fantasy novels before bed.
I think this is concerning I could incorporate in my planned summer break! Else I don't see how I can avoid "learning" besides my day job and child caring :)
This was the only email I opened this morning and it hit me right in between the eyes! I ONLY consume “learning” media. It’s gotten me to the point I’m so overwhelmed and brain fried that some days I just sit and stare at my planner with no clue what I’m doing at all. I needed this after a very stressful week when my only plan for the weekend so far has been - ”don’t open a single social media app! No scrolling what-so-ever!” So, now I know what else to do 🙌 woohoo! 🥳
Thank you Christine! "Learning" media, you nailed it. The brain fry is real, sometimes we have to turn off the hose and chase the butterflies so to speak! Have lots of fun this weekend!
Thanks for this, Carolyn! I've been having some similar overwhelm and took an unplanned but cleansing break from Instagram a month ago. I also get overwhelmed by Substack notes! (She says as she clicks "also share as note.")
It's so nice when the breaks are spontaneous, it's more effortless somehow! (Notes is very effective & convenient so I understand lol!)
Carolyn, I love this. I’m following your and Michelle’s suggestion on the no information diet. Just focused on the fun and the lightness so I can focus on my work.
Of course as I read this, I was like “how can I find a recording of Michelle’s webinar?” (And I’m sure I could), but your points summarize my need to gather and consume, and thus, overwhelm myself… so rather than downward spiral in or out, I’m going to lovingly accept of the reflection, thanks to your map and writing and work
I’m grateful thank you
Haha Sara, I totally relate to that compulsion to find the webinar 😆 Hoping you tap into all the fun and levity so you can keep on going!
I’ve said YES to quitting work at 5:30 for lots of Larry David shows in the last 30 days and can confirm it was a solid choice!
I love a snarky Larry! Is it Seinfeld or Curb for you?
I'm trying the whole "make bad anything"! Thanks for the reminder.
I love this! Genius! I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I’m trying to focus on exercise and hobbies and this was just the validation I needed to continue the journey ❤️
Sounds like a really good plan! I’ll definitely try this approach. Classes and the never ending supply overwhelm me but I keep signing up and then feel guilty because my brain just can’t take anymore. Classes are also a way of procastinating for me if I’m honest.
"This overwhelming “productive media” often adds to my anxiety over what I could be implementing and learning and making. It fills my brain with endless pathways and possibilities. It’s not only overwhelming but also distracting me from the work I have in flight."
This is exactly it. I wanted to be more productive and I wanted to make more money and there are almost endless ways to try and achieve that. I'm currently trying about 5 of them simultaneously! Because of this I easily get overwhelmed, start procrastinating and end up achieving nothing. My creativity has plummeted.
I have creative projects I want to do, I want to read, I want to go for a walk. This is all I really think about most days and I'm not doing any of it.
I'm going to try this kind of media detox and see how it goes.
I love the way you articulate this! I never put it together until you said it here that my quality of life improved immensely when I gave up nonfiction books for mystery and fantasy novels before bed.
I think this is concerning I could incorporate in my planned summer break! Else I don't see how I can avoid "learning" besides my day job and child caring :)