When nothing is wrong... but something feels off
- Carolyn Frost
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Last week, I realized something that stopped me in my tracks.
I’m very good at giving myself permission to keep going - and much slower to let myself slow down without a good reason.
There was a time when moments like this would confuse me.
Feeling tired despite doing “everything right.”
Wanting space without wanting disconnection.
Looking forward to plans… then feeling relieved when they’re canceled.
Lately, I’ve been trying to relate to these moments differently.
They’re not problems to fix - they’re information worth paying attention to.
✨ I N S P I R E
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
- Alan Cohen
✨ T H R I V E
7 Brain Protection Signals You’re Probably Ignoring
(And What They Really Mean):
⚠️ Sign #1: Celebrating canceled plans
↳ When your brain is in survival mode, socializing takes real effort
↳ Prioritize 2–3 relationships that genuinely energize you
⚠️ Sign #2: Simple decisions feel heavy
↳ Even small choices start to drain you like big ones
↳ Clear one surface, desk, counter, inbox. Less visual noise = less mental load (This is a go-to for me!)
⚠️ Sign #3: Feeling irritated by other people’s happiness
↳ Your own “joy tank” is running low
↳ Reminder: happiness isn’t scarce - your capacity just needs refilling
⚠️ Sign #4: “I’m fine” becomes automatic
↳ You’ve stopped checking in with yourself honestly
↳ Replace “I’m fine” with one real word (tired, steady, stretched, calm)
⚠️ Sign #5: Simple tasks take double the time
↳ Your brain is conserving energy by slowing you down
↳ Work for 25 minutes, then fully stop for 5 - stand up, stretch, or walk
⚠️ Sign #6: Feeling too tired to rest
↳ Your stress response is stuck in high alert
↳ Once an hour, take 5 slow breaths. It sounds small, it changes everything
⚠️ Sign #7: Weekends don’t feel like enough anymore
↳ Your stress tank is filling faster than it can empty
↳ Schedule one long weekend day off every 6 weeks - put it on the calendar now
Your brain isn’t trying to slow you down.
It’s trying to protect what allows you to keep going ✨
(Read that again...)
Always cheering you on,
Carolyn
✨ R E S O U R C E S
The Beauty of the Slow Down: Why slowing down isn’t giving up, it’s often the fastest way back to yourself.
7 Types of Rest You Need: A powerful reframe on rest, it’s not just sleep, and you’re probably missing a few.
Feeling Undervalued at Work? Read This Before You Burn Out
Why burnout isn’t always about workload, and often about meaning and recognition.
3 Essential Shifts for High Performers If this resonated, you’ll love what we’ll be working through together live! 3 Essential Shifts for High Performers is a 45 min masterclass where we’ll unpack what’s actually driving stress, pressure, and mental overload - and how to respond differently before burnout sets in. 📅 Thursday, February 12 ⏰ 2:00 PM EST 📍 Live on Zoom We’ll work through everything together in real time. A replay will be sent to everyone who registers. |
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