Slow Down: How to Reduce Stress, Overwhelm and Anxiety

The Problem: Too Much of Everything

How many times have you looked around your house and felt drained by the amount of stuff you see?

The junk drawer that's moved to the kitchen counter,

That closet you avoid opening because everything might fall out,

The pile of papers and mail on your desk...

The Clutter and Stress Connection

Did you know that 84% of women report feeling stressed by clutter, messes, and disorganization in their homes? That's nothing to sneeze at. Clutter is an energy and attention sucker, and that visual chaos isn’t just messy; it’s stressing you out and stealing your focus, and don't forget about the mental clutter from the constant notifications, emails, and your to-do list.

The Coping Habits That Backfire

If you're trying to figure out how to reduce stress and anxiety, you have to start with the habits you use to cope with the stress and anxiety now.

You know the ones. They're the things you do because they feel good and you think they help you relax.

Maybe it’s scrolling social media until your thumb hurts,

pouring that second glass of wine after a long day,

or staying up late binging Netflix because it's the only alone time you've had all week.

You feel better for a little while but truthfully, you feel guilty and exhausted because they’re just numbing the overwhelm.

The Overcommitment Trap

And what about your calendar?

Are you booked solid with work projects, kid events, or volunteering because you feel like you should? There's nothing wrong with saying yes to what you love to do, but if you're saying yes to everything, hit the breaks.

Even though you might feel productive or helpful in the moment, it's a slippery slope into exhaustion and resentment when you feel constant pressure to do it all perfectly.

You’re busy but unproductive, exhausted with no time to rest, successful but overwhelmed and burning out fast.

How To Reduce Stress, Overwhelm and Anxiety In 2025?

What if, instead of making another resolution of what you want to do you asked,

“What can I stop doing?”

This question can completely shift the way you approach the new year.

Simplifying doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It means you’re wise enough to prioritize what matters most to you. Choosing what to let go of doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re choosing how and where to spend your energy for the things that actually bring you joy, success, and fulfillment.

Three Things to Stop Doing To Reduced Stress

1. Stop Over-Consuming: This includes everything from physical clutter to digital content to emotional eating. Ask yourself, Do I really need to buy this, eat this, or spend another hour scrolling? Or, am I just feeling some uncomfortable emotions that I don't want to deal with. Start letting go of what doesn’t serve you, whether it’s that extra pair of shoes or the 37 unread emails in your inbox.
2. Stop People-Pleasing: Every time you say yes to something you don’t want to do, you’re saying no to yourself. Start trusting that saying no is enough. No explanation. No guilt. Just a simple “no” so you can say “yes” to what you're passionate and excited about.
3. Stop Chasing Perfection: Truthfully, perfection doesn’t exist, so why are you exhausting yourself trying be perfect? What would it feel like to aim for "pretty great" instead? Whether it’s at work, at home, or about how you look, letting go of perfectionism frees up mental and emotional space for you to be yourself. (And that's what we really want to see!)

The Vision: What Happens When You Let Go

✨ Things Calm Down

Imagine walking into your house. You feel relaxed and clear-minded because everything is put in it's place and nothing is screaming for your attention. This isn't just for magazine photo shoots and TV dramas. "According to a Cornell University study from 2016, stress triggered by clutter may also trigger coping and avoidance strategies, like eating junk food, oversleeping or binge-watching Netflix." (Mother.ly)

✨ Your Confidences Grows

Think about how it would feel to say “no” without overthinking or explaining yourself, to trust your decisions and stand by them without guilt or anxiety. Picture having time for the things you actually enjoy—whether that’s a hobby, time with your family, or just some peace and quiet to think straight and relax.

✨ Time for What's Important To You

When you stop doing the things that drain you, you make space and time for the things that get you excited about your life. Calm replaces chaos. Confidence replaces anxiety. And suddenly, you’re living a life that feels intentional and aligned with who you are instead of who you think you "should" be.

The Solution to Stress, Overwhelm, and Anxiety

If you’re ready to let go of the things that aren't working in your life, that are keeping you stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck, and you're all in on feeling calm, confident, and having more time and energy for fun, I can help.

Coaching is about more than just setting goals; it’s about getting to the root of what’s holding you back and creating a plan that actually works for you

Just like my client Karla, you can learn to trust yourself that you're brilliant at your career without waking up in the middle of the night to check emails. You can say "yes" to activities that make you feel like a kid again and "no" to the offers that sound great on paper, but make your stomach churn when you think about them. You'll trust yourself more, feel calm and confident in your decisions, and find the opportunities to show up as your authentic self in the positions you created that are exactly what you've been looking for.

Through 1:1 coaching, we’ll identify the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overwhelm that are keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll clarify what’s important to you, build your confidence and resilience, and develop strategies that work specifically for your life.

Are you ready? Let’s talk.

What’s Coming Up This Week?

MONDAY

Move slowly when you do mundane things. Wash your hair slowly. Brush your teeth slowly. Chew slowly. Notice the difference in your energy with the simple things first.

TUESDAY

🎧 This week’s podcast is all about slowing down and doing less in 2025 so you can have more time, energy, and confidence, and a lot less stress. Listen now to hear three simple things you can give up in 2025 for a successful and calm year.

** Don’t forget to put cookies out for 🎅 **

WEDNESDAY

🌟 MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🌟

Enjoy extra hugs, naps, cookies, and love today.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday! ♥️

THURSDAY

📝 Take time to journal what brought you joy yesterday while it’s still fresh in your mind.

How will you keep that feeling alive in the coming weeks and months?

FRIDAY

🗑️ Declutter something. Whether you donate old decorations you don’t love anymore or clear out the junk drawer, your brain will thank you.

SATURDAY

📺 Check out this week’s podcast on YouTube.

Wishing you a blessed and relaxing Christmas week.

<3 Megan

P.S. Don’t wait until January to start slowing down. Taking the first step now means you’ll be ahead in creating the calm, focused, and intentional life you deserve. Schedule your consultation call today, and let's jumpstart your best year yet.