Dessie’s Coaching Corner

April, 2003

 

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In This Issue:

·        Addicted to Adrenaline

·        Horse Trivia

·        What’s New?

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 Addicted to Adrenaline

Many people today are addicted to adrenaline.  I even knew one man who said it was his drug of choice.  He also died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 46.  Adrenaline is another name for epinephrine.  When we are under stress this hormone is released in greater amounts, thus increasing heart rate and blood pressure.  This is a life saving measure if we are threatened and need to run for protection.  However, constant or near constant release of this hormone at high levels is a threat to our health.

If you answer, “yes” to two or more of the following you may be addicted to adrenaline.

1.      I usually rush from one project to the next.

2.      I usually do two or more tasks at the same time.

3.      I don’t feel like I have time to stop and breathe.

4.      I am often late for appointments.

5.      I feel guilty if I take time for myself.

6.      I have trouble saying, “no”.

7.      I don’t have time for things I enjoy.

8.      I am continually playing “catch –up”.

9.      I don’t have time to call or write my friends.

10.  I don’t rest even though my body feels like it needs to take a break.

 

The Good News

  There are many positive ways to work with this addiction.  Below is a list of some strategies you can put in place to lessen your addiction to adrenaline.

  1. Create time in your schedule for downtime.  Set aside time each week to do something relaxing.  Some ideas are reading, writing, gardening, walking, a hot bath or horseback riding <grin>.  The idea is to have scheduled time to do something you love every week.
  2. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to and from appointments.  Don’t allow others to intrude on your time and cause you to be late.  This will allow you to arrive at your appointment relaxed and not rushed.
  3. When someone makes a request of you take time to decide.  Tell them thanks for asking and that you’ll check your schedule and get back to them.  This often takes care of a need to always say, “yes”.  This will allow you to only say, “yes” to the things you really want to do.
  4. Make a commitment to rest when your body and mind needs it.  Mental exertion is just as taxing as physical.  Give yourself permission to nurture your spirit.  Sometimes all that is required is a good nap.
  5. Set up your environment to support you.  Do whatever you need to do to make your environment work for you, not against you.  This may require hiring a housekeeper, delegating some responsibilities, buying a new office chair that supports your back, etc. 

Have fun experimenting with ways to diminish your dependence on adrenaline.  Why not start today?  Your heart will be glad you did!

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Horse Trivia

The Quarter Horse is naturally suited for ranch work and is a very skilled cattle herder.

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What’s New?

Coach Ingrid and I will again be offering a two telesessions this month.  Crafting Your Environment   will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 8:00 PM Central Time.  Finding Sanity In An Insane World will be offered on Tuesday, April 22nd at 8:00 PM Central Time. We invite you to join us for either one-hour class.  We will meet on a telephone bridge line.  We will be sharing tips on how to take really good care of you!  The fee is $19.95 per class.  Just e-mail: CoachDessie@earthlink.net and I’ll get you signed up!

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If you or someone you know wants to work with An Executive Coach to:

  1. Balance stressful work with personal needs and self-care.
  2. Create time, space and privacy.
  3. Eliminate energy-draining situations and relationships.
  4. Focus on “what’s next?’ once goal are met.

I can help!  Let my good sense, corporate experience, education and formal training in Executive Coaching work for you!  E-mail: CoachDessie@earthlink.net

 Happy trails to you!   Dessie