Do You Just Want to Get Through the Day? Don’t Overthink It.

Do you want to just get through the day? Then don’t overthink it.

Sometimes the tough days run into each other. And it’s not that we don’t “like” the work. We understand the meaning, the purpose, the need. \

Yet some days, we just can’t. 

We wake up tired and realize it’s only Tuesday; we are pretty sure it’s been a full moon for months, and we don’t have a lunch packed,

And when did our scrubs get tight?

It’s easy on days like these to think, “I just gotta get through this day.”

Not the most motivating thought.

While we look for our keys, the list of all the things we “have” to do today starts endlessly scrolling through our heads. 

That’s the overthinking part, and we don’t even realize we are doing it. We haven’t even left for work, and we are replaying yesterday’s staff meeting in our heads while worrying about getting out on time to get the evening obligations started. 

Maybe you can relate; most people can, since this is a super common, super normal morning for most. 

Here’s the thing: if we don’t interrupt this pattern at some point, our day will likely go just as we predict. And that’s ok- no moral wrongdoing here, but it is a huge drag on our energy and our outlook. 

The good news is, it’s pretty simple to fix by using the Notice, Name, Reframe approach.

Notice that your brain is providing all sorts of information. 

I’m not even out of bed yet, and I am thinking about the staff meeting.

Name the feeling it produces.

Thinking about this makes me overwhelmed, irritated, anxious, tired.  You pick.

Reframe the thought. Pick something equally true that produces a different feeling.

I can be upset by this and still give amazing care today. 

Don’t believe it can be that easy? I double-dog dare you to try it. Believe it or not, we can change our entire emotional experience just by changing the way we talk to ourselves. Even with more ambiguous things,

Notice: 

I have so much to do today, and I am so tired. True.

Name:

This makes me dread the day. Also true.

Reframe: 

I am going to move intentionally through the day, I am good at getting things done. True…and now the dread is tempered by peace. 

The key is picking a reframe that is true, and it doesn’t even need to be the opposite of the first thought that you noticed. It can just redirect your thinking to something that supports you, without a lot of drama. 

You don't have to change the day. You don't even have to change the situation. You can change the conversation you're having with yourself about it. 

Try it. Pick one thing that you are ruminating about today. Notice it, name the feeling, reframe the thought. Feel better (despite the circumstances) and more in control. 

It has gotten me through a lot of hard moments- it can work for you too.

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If you find yourself spending a lot of energy thinking about how hard the day is going to be before it even begins, you don't have to figure out how to change all of it at once.

Sometimes we just need someone to help us notice the patterns we're stuck in and find a different way to move through them.

That’s what we can work on together in 1:1 coaching.

If you're ready to feel a little more in control of your work and your life, I'd love to talk with you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. Megan@NursingBeyondtheJob.com