"Declutter items that don’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. You’ll find each small victory adds up to a big sense of relief."

I hope this message finds you well and full of positive vibes. Today, I’m incredibly excited to share some golden nuggets from our podcast episode with Cristin Downs on Business Mojo and Margaritas. My chat with the fabulous Cristin was a game-changer, especially if you’ve been grappling with anxiety and are looking for actionable systems to manage it.

Alright, let’s dive in with a virtual margarita in hand. 

Start Your Day Right: Create a Solid Morning Routine

Cristin began by sharing her morning routine, and I can’t help but say, wow! Her routine is a beautiful blend of stretching, visualization, gratitude meditation, a session on the exercise bike, and a long walk with her dog. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it’s about setting a positive tone for the day.

Takeaway: Design a morning routine that suits you. It should be something that calms your mind and body. Maybe start with something small like a five-minute meditation or a gentle stretch. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Embrace Minimalism

Cristin and I had a light bulb moment discussing minimalism. It’s like giving your anxiety an eviction notice. By decluttering her living space, Cristin and her husband found more headspace. Suzanne here chimed in about how cleaning up her living room worked wonders. When you reduce physical clutter, you also lessen the mental clutter.

Takeaway: Start small. Pick a drawer, a closet, or even a corner of a room. Declutter items that don’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. You’ll find each small victory adds up to a big sense of relief.

Learn to Say No

Cristin highlighted the importance of recognizing what triggers our anxiety and learning to say no to things that don’t serve us. This can be so liberating!

Takeaway: Practice saying no gently but firmly. Whether it’s an event, a task, or even a conversation that drains your energy, give yourself permission to decline. Your mental health is more important than people-pleasing.

Manage Your News Consumption

Let’s be real—keeping up with the constant flow of breaking news can be overwhelming. Cristin and I both touched on the importance of staying informed, yet not letting the news cycle control your life.

Takeaway: Curate your news consumption. Follow specific news sources that you trust. Set aside a particular time each day for news and stick to it. Trust sources like The Skimm, Notable News, or NPR podcasts for concise and reliable updates.

Sleep and Diet: The Unsung Heroes

Adequate sleep and a balanced diet are pillars in Cristin’s anxiety management arsenal. Poor sleep and diet can exacerbate anxiety, while good rest and nutrition can keep it at bay.

Takeaway: Prioritize your sleep and diet. Try to create a sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Add more whole foods into your diet, and don’t underestimate the calming power of a good night’s sleep.

Stay Connected

Lastly, Cristin invited listeners to connect with her on social media and join her women’s group called the Society of Notable Women. Community can be a tremendous support system.

Takeaway: Don’t go it alone. Join groups, follow thought leaders, and engage in communities that uplift you. Connection can be an incredible anxiety buster.

I hope these tips bring a little more peace and a lot more productivity to your days. Remember, managing anxiety is a journey, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

Until next time—here’s to less anxiety and more joy! 

OTHER RESOURCES 

ABOUT SUZANNE PROKSA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HHP

I'm Suzanne Proksa. A SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified Human Resources and Business Strategist, IAWP Certified Wellness Coach, AADP certified Holistic Health Practitioner, fierce supporter of women, and autoimmune educator + advocate. My focus is supporting, coaching, and creating programs for women, people-focused organizations, and online businesses so they can positively impact their own lives and those of others.

In my time as an online strategist, I've helped thousands of women gain confidence, establish clarity in their businesses, get visible and drive audience growth, create simple strategies and automation to grow their businesses, crush their tech challenges, and start making sales. During my time in HR, I have launched and led multiple initiatives to enrich and improve company culture and the employee experience. I've had my hands in business nearly my entire life starting when I was a kid selling my creations in my neighborhood. My business Bliss Candles was a Featured Seller on Etsy, featured in the book “How to Make Money on Etsy,” and a community favorite - and also a trailblazer in online marketing for small business.

My work has been published and featured in the Huffington Post, Medium, Thrive Global, the Amazing Women of Influence Summit, and on my beloved podcasts.

I've been honored with nominations for the MISHRM Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the HR Unite! Inspire Award, and the HR Unite! TA Trailblazer Award.

When I'm not loving on my business or being the best HR leader I can be -- I'm lifting up people however I can, strength training, studying all things women's health, geeking out over technology, attending networking events, and working/living in the beautiful oasis I've built at home.

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