Hello fellow writerly friends! Are you in hyper-overdrive, too?
If so, you’re in the right place. We can commiserate. Or maybe just pull up our big-author-panties and get on with things. Either way, we’re in this together, so consider it a good thing. 😉
So here, the thing…Lately I’ve been a headless chicken as I prepare for the book launches for Playing with Fire and Awakening. Now, if that was the only thing I had to deal with, life would be so super stellar, I wouldn’t even be writing this blog post. Instead, I also have my freelance clients, the start of the Windhaven Legacy kickoff (which is my run at the NYT Bestseller list in 2020), a local writer’s group I am the President of, this lovely new business (go Author Revolution!), 3-5 kids home at any given time, two husky puppies, a husband I adore, and a house to run. It’s exhausting!
When I add on top all of the author publicity stuff a normal person would pay others to do… it’s an additional full-time job. No joke. If you haven’t heard me say it before, here it is again: Self-publishing is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, devotion, and a *teenie* bit of luck. I’m not saying this to scare you off, though. I’m saying it because if I can do it, you can do it. Trust me.
However, it’s important to take notice when we start to feel a tad bit on the crazy side. I’m starting to come off my crazy train a bit as I get my big projects managed better using a cool new online app called Asana. In fact, I love it so much, I instantly became an Ambassador for the program (which means I can sing their praises and get an affiliate commission if you love it as much as I do and buy a subscription for yourself or company.) It’s THAT GOOD. And let me tell you, that was a lengthy process of courses and awesome insights to get there. But so worth it because I have a much better understanding on how to use it and share the news. I might even do a lesson on how it works for authors soon. (Stay tuned!) As you can tell, I highly recommend it if you have big projects on your plate with lots of plates in the air. All spinning. Different directions. Eh, you get the point.
Anyhoo, in order to avoid full-on meltdown, I do have a number of tips for overcoming overwhelm. Let’s check them out.
Carissa's Tips for Avoiding Author Overwhelm (mostly)
Be mindful.
Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, it’s the first sign I heed as means to be mindful. Generally, a feeling of overwhelm happens through anxiety. You’re anxious for the future, or worried about the past. Taking time to be present, notice your thoughts, your feelings, and your body responses (fast pulse, fast breath, etc.) will help you be more in tune in the moment. Anxiety simply can’t exist where presence is. When you’re in the moment of right now–it’s literally all there is. If this kind of thought is new to you, I encourage you to check out Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now.
Take a breather.
This was never more true for me as it was the past few days. Nothing was working. Computers were being slow. My time has been cut short. I don’t feel as though I’m being as productive as I’d like… and yet, I’ve forced myself to take a time out. I’ve walked away from it all, and instead, tuned into my daily meditation practice. I’m loving Deepak Chopra’s Ananda meditation app. I can sit down, find a meditation I like, and set it to go for however long I have time for. I’ve done as little as 5 minutes, and as much as 45 (so far). It’s heavenly. I also like the 21 Day Meditation Experience Deepak does with Oprah (which is coincidentally going right now). Maybe for you, it’s going outside to walk in the woods. Or taking a break for a cup of tea. Listen to music. Whatever it is, get away from whatever’s freaking you out. Disengage you brain’s fight or flight and de-stress, for god sake!
Workout.
I talk about this a lot. To everyone. Many roll their eyes, but you know what? It’s true. Get your ass moving. Science is proving that not only are you improving your cardiovascular system, your muscle conditioning, etc. You’re also de-stressing (reducing cortisol levels in the body). Not to mention, you’re also spurring on neurogenesis (new brain cell growth) in the brain. Don’t believe me? Check out this article I wrote for one of my clients. They’re a Canada pharmacy, so they want all the good research and writing on what keeps you healthy. When you’re done reading it, make sure to put the advice into practice. I am constantly evolving my routine to do it, too. It’s a process, people. But it’s a good one
Drink more water.
Again, it may be a health component, but it plays a HUGE roll in the way your body handles stress, manages fat stores, and keeps your brain healthy. Did you know, statistically speaking, up to 75% of Americans don’t get enough water? Check out this other article I wrote about the need for more water. Trust me, I know my stuff when it comes to a better mind and body. I’ve researched it all. No, it doesn’t mean I’m perfect, but I do know what I’m talking about and know when I need to put it into practice if it’s been slipping. 😉
Recap/Reset.
Sometimes we need to see how far we’ve actually come before we appreciate where we’ve been. Or something like that. FFS, start by writing down accomplishments made. Even the small ones. Yeah, yeah… I suck at it to, but it puts things into perspective for me when I start spiraling. Then I refocus my goals and manage the things that are most important. Everything else can be set aside.
Focus on the joy.
I’ve said this in other posts throughout my author career, but I can’t stress it enough. If something isn’t bringing you happiness, why in the hell are you doing it? Our lives are far too precious, and far to etherial to waste on shit that doesn’t matter. (Pardon my language, but I’m very passionate about this.) Find a way to prioritize what brings you joy and search for the joyousness in aspects of your day you can’t avoid. Attitude matters, and when you change your outlook/perspective – you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find joy.
Avoid alcohol and sodas.
Okay, I’ll probably get hate mail over this, but I’m serious. Because I take notice of the way my mind is functioning (Consider it an occupational hazard. If you’re read the Pendomus Chronicles, you’ll understand.), I’ve noticed the detrimental impact even a single glass of wine can have on my brain’s capabilities the following day. Let me just tell you, it sucks. I want to to be as clear-headed and focused as possible because I have too much to do, and too much to say. Alcohol will impede your brain, increase stress, not to mention pack on pounds when it metabolizes into fat. (So, sorry guys – avoid the booze if you want to be level-headed and more zen.) Same goes for sodas. The sugar crash, high fructose corn syrup, and other crapola mess with your body in ways we are only beginning to comprehend. Ditch them and see for yourself how much better you think, feel, and even look.
Avoid multipassion paralysis.
It’s okay to have TONS of interests. I do. They key here is that you don’t want to get to the point where you stop doing anything and freeze. Forward momentum is the goal and it’s the reason so many authors, artists, and people in general get stuck. They see the workload… see the to-do list… realize how far they have yet to go and they GIVE UP! Whaaaaaat? You will never finish anything with that attitude. Everything takes time and as Jillian Michaels always says, “Transformation is not a future event, it’s a present activity.”
Pull up your big girl (boy, whatever) panties and get ‘er done! (Hint, if sorting out all the “to-do” helps you with that, this is where Asana comes in handy!)
Narrow your window.
There are literally thousands of things you can be doing at any given time. Narrow your window down, so you don’t get overwhelmed. You won’t be able to do everything, so start with that joy tip. Next, figure out how much time you will allot your window. Then keep that window open for only book-related activities. You’ll be surprised how much an hour a day can really make a difference! Plus, it sure as hell beats the person sitting on the couch, playing Candy Crush and ignoring their stack of to-do all together. (If that person sounds like you, don’t fret – jump back to tip#1 and you’re back on track.)
BONUS TIP!
For Pete’s sake–ASK FOR HELP! If you’re truly getting overwhelmed, it’s time to reach out and ask for help. There are pleny of people you can hire by hopping on to Fiverr, asking your local writer’s group, or hopping into your favorite Facebook group for writers.
I found my amazing PA, Jenny, in the town I live in, funnily enough. But now that I have her in my clutches, you can bet your bottom dollar, I won’t let her go. 😉 She has helped me to engage my Facebook groups more, post stuff to social when I couldn’t get to it, and even ordered some awesome custom swag! Plus, she is a brainstorming MASTER. I love her to pieces and trust me, once you get a taste of some help, you will feel so much better, too.
Whew, there you go; those are my thoughts on all the ways to overcome overwhelm. I hope they’ve been helpful. Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think, or go ahead and share the blog with those you love.Â
But whatever you do, keep at your writing goals. Getting caught in overwhelm brings your progress to a screeching halt, and we can’t have that. You have too much to do. And so do I… so I better get on with it. Until next time!
Carissa Andrews | Rapid Release Queen
Carissa Andrews is the founder of Author Revolution, as well as an internationally bestselling author from central Minnesota who writes a combination of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopia. As an expert in independent publishing and audiobook production, Carissa continually writes and publishes books readers of all ages enjoy. Her plans for 2020 include hitting the NYT Bestseller list with her new Windhaven Academy series. As a publishing powerhouse, she keeps sane by chilling with her husband and five kids, playing with art in its various forms, seeking out mysteries, and being an occasional meditation and reiki badass.
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