Episode Overview:
In this episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine explore the challenges of finding calm amidst the chaos of daily life. From the stresses of parenting and work to personal struggles with overachievement, they discuss how difficult it can be to slow down and prioritize peace. Both hosts share personal stories of burnout, anxiety, and the need for self-soothing techniques. Whether it's through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or simply removing yourself from a stressful situation, this episode is packed with actionable steps for anyone looking to cultivate calm in their life.
Key Topics Covered:
- Identifying Escalating Stress: Catherine shares how she uses a number system to communicate her stress levels and how she actively removes herself from escalating situations to prevent emotional overload.
- Andrew’s Inner Dialogue: Andrew discusses how his inner voice often drives feelings of stress and how he’s learning to separate that voice from his true self through mindfulness practices.
- Creating a Calm Home Environment: Catherine talks about intentionally building a calm atmosphere in her household as a single parent and how that affects her well-being and her children’s.
- Dealing with High Expectations: Both hosts reflect on the pressures of being high achievers and how that drive can lead to burnout and illness if not managed properly.
- The Importance of Daily Calm Practices: The episode highlights how small, consistent habits like walking, meditating, or breathing exercises can make a significant difference in reducing stress over time.
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
- Practice Breathing Exercises: Take three deep breaths and visualize moving from your head (where the stress lives) to your heart (where calm resides).
- Create Calm Rituals: Whether it's a daily walk, a quiet moment with tea, or yoga, find a small activity that brings you peace and integrate it into your routine.
- Set Boundaries for Stress: Use tools like Catherine's stress number system to communicate when you need space and to prevent overwhelming situations from escalating.
- Reflect on Your Environment: Notice if your home or workplace is conducive to calm, and make intentional changes that foster peace, such as decluttering or lowering noise levels.
Quotes:
"Your calm is in your heart. It’s always there, waiting for you to return to it." – Andrew Dewar
"You can choose to step away from stress, but it’s a practice. It’s not going to happen overnight." – Catherine Collins
Glimmers of the Week:
- Catherine: She’s excited about using a new app called Opal, which helps block distractions on her phone, reducing screen time and giving her back precious time in her day.
- Andrew: Enjoyed a peaceful solo movie experience where he had the entire theater to himself, turning what could have felt awkward into a calming and enjoyable moment.
Resources Mentioned:
- Opal App – A phone app that blocks distractions to help you focus and reclaim time.
- Feeling Wheel – A tool to identify and label your emotions, which can help with emotional regulation.
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