I’m Taking a Break…

Summary

In this episode of the Calmly Coping Podcast, the host shares the decision to take a short break from recording weekly episodes to recharge. After years of consistency, the host reflects on the importance of self-care and the fear of letting listeners down by not adhering to a strict schedule. By stepping back, the host aims to return with more thoughtful, well-researched content. Upcoming topics include managing Sunday anxiety, recognizing work-related mental health issues, and finding fulfillment outside of work. The host expresses gratitude to the audience and invites feedback while taking this necessary pause.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistency matters, but it's important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed, even in high-achieving environments.
• 😀 Taking a break can feel uncomfortable due to fears of disappointing others, but it's necessary for long-term well-being and creativity.
• 😀 Self-imposed expectations can create unnecessary pressure, and it's okay to reassess or change these expectations when needed.
• 😀 Rest and recharge periods are crucial for improving productivity and creative output in the long run.
• 😀 Practicing what you preach is essential, especially for those promoting mental health and work-life balance. Taking breaks is a form of self-care.
• 😀 Identifying fears that prevent you from taking breaks helps to overcome resistance and make more grounded decisions.
• 😀 It’s common to feel trapped by expectations you set for yourself, but you can always reframe and change them without facing catastrophic consequences.
• 😀 Gut feelings and intuition are powerful tools for discerning whether you need a break, especially when creative burnout sets in.
• 😀 Taking breaks can lead to new perspectives and better ideas, even in the context of creative or intellectual work.
• 😀 The upcoming podcast episodes will cover key topics like managing the 'Sunday Scaries,' high-functioning depression, and the pursuit of balance in life and work.

Q & A

Why is the host taking a break from the podcast?

The host is taking a break to recharge and ensure they are practicing what they preach about self-care, avoiding burnout, and maintaining quality content. The decision to take a break comes from recognizing the need to step back and reassess to create better, more impactful content.

How long has the host been consistent with releasing weekly episodes?

The host has been consistently releasing weekly episodes since May 2020, with only occasional missed episodes.

What fear did the host experience before deciding to take a break?

The host feared letting listeners down and not being consistent with the weekly episode schedule, even though they recognized that the expectation was self-imposed and not something the audience necessarily expected.

How did the host overcome their fear of taking a break?

The host identified and worked through their fear by reminding themselves that most people would understand and that pushing through without rest would be counterproductive, potentially leading to burnout.

What options did the host consider to maintain consistency while taking a break?

The host considered playing a popular past episode, recording short episodes, or pushing through to release content on schedule. However, each option felt wrong to them, signaling the need to take a proper break instead.

How does the host differentiate between anxiety and intuition?

The host has honed the ability to discern between anxiety and intuition by paying attention to their gut feelings. They recognize that their body often signals when something doesn't feel right, such as the resistance they felt toward continuing without a break.

Why is taking a break particularly important for creative work?

Taking breaks, especially in creative work, allows for new perspectives, ideas, and fresh insights. It provides the necessary distance to return with more thoughtful and high-quality content rather than simply churning out work to maintain a schedule.

How does the host intend to use their time off?

The host plans to use their time off to relax, recharge, and gain perspective. They aim to return with better ideas and energy to create content that is well-thought-out and impactful for their audience.

What are some upcoming topics the host plans to cover on the podcast?

Upcoming topics include coping with the Sunday scaries, recognizing when work negatively impacts mental health, high-functioning depression, finding fulfillment outside of work, and taming the mind, among others.

What is the host’s intended timeline for returning with new episodes?

The host aims to return with new episodes by the end of November or the beginning of December, with a break lasting no more than two months.