Does any of this sound familiar?

- Spinning out of control
- Can't make a decision
- Sleepless nights stuck in fear
- Feeling trapped, believing that nothing will ever change

Now don't get me wrong - when life throws major curve balls in our direction, everything goes out the window. We are in survival mode to just get through it. But I'm talking about the day-to-day worry, anxiety and overwhelm, a really common theme I see with my clients.

And boy do I get it. I spent years living this way. I felt like I was failing in every aspect of my life. My relationships sucked. I was exhausted all the time. I was frustrated and sad and couldn't see any way out.

I "knew" that if I just worked harder, my life would magically be better. So I did work harder, 14 to 16 hour days. I "knew" that if I was just a better person, life would become easier. So I spent a lot of time people-pleasing.

I know now that those beliefs came from my childhood growing up in a dysfunctional family. I remember when someone asked me how working harder and people pleasing was working out for me, and I replied that it wasn't and I was utterly exhausted.

He suggested I do LESS! To set aside a chunk of time every day and simply BE with my thoughts; to ask myself what I really wanted and how I wanted my life to look, and listen for the answers.

Well, let me tell you I fought against this concept. How could doing less help me? I needed to get MORE done. But I tried it and found it DID help.

It helped the constant hamster wheel in my head that kept me awake at nights. It helped the overwhelm. It helped my feelings of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and anxiety and overwhelm.

It gave my inner voice space to speak to me, the part of me that has my back and only wants the best for me.

What doing less did for me was to give me a break from that cycle of my own thoughts and fears. Yes, the work I had to do was still there and the dishes were still there and all the other things I had to do, but I had more energy, I was more focused, I was less exhausted. I was able to prioritize better.

I had greater peace. It also gave me a deep seated belief that I was good enough just as I am.

I took a hard look at where my overwhelm came from and realized I could make some changes. I didn't need to cook every day - I could cook in batches and freeze meals. I didn't need to keep an immaculate house - if I wanted, I could hire a housekeeper. I could ask other people for help in my business. I didn't have to be wonder-woman all the time, in all aspects of my life.

I realized that a LOT of my overwhelm was self-imposed and came from a place of control. By making some changes in the expectations I put on myself, it was easier to get through my day. So set aside some time every day for the next week and do less. I'd suggest between 30 and 60 minutes. Listen to your inner voice.

Chronic anxiety and overwhelm wreaks havoc on our life: it shortens our life span; makes it almost impossible to focus; increases our risk for major health issues; impairs our memory and so much more.

That's why I put together my 3 month Journey to Freedom and Joy program for women. Reach out if you’d like to know more! https://alisonzeidler-appointments.as.me/PassagetoPower