The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #394 - 5 Ways to Feel Grounded in a Busy Month

Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In Episode #394 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, Kendra Adachi delves into strategies for maintaining a sense of grounding during particularly hectic periods, such as the bustling month of December. She challenges the conventional pursuit of "balance," proposing instead a focus on feeling grounded amidst chaos. Kendra emphasizes that striving for balance can often be exhausting and counterproductive, suggesting that grounding offers a more sustainable path to peace and productivity.

1. Find a Busy Month Mantra

Timestamp: [02:30]

Kendra introduces the first strategy: adopting a busy month mantra. A mantra serves as a personal affirmation to anchor oneself amidst the whirlwind of expectations and responsibilities. She offers several examples:

• "I will match my expectations to the energy I'm willing and able to give."
  "Most of our frustrations in life are due to unmet expectations. And busy months, especially December, are chock full of expectations." ([02:45])

• "I don't have to make the most of everything."
  "Women already have to tell themselves that it's okay to just be okay at something... Just let your life be what it is." ([04:10])

• "Good is here right now."
  "This mantra can help bring you back to that grounded place of noticing Good is here right now." ([05:00])

These mantras help shift focus from external pressures to internal resilience, allowing individuals to navigate busy times with greater ease.

2. Actively Release the Expectation That Everything Has to Be Great

Timestamp: [07:15]

Kendra underscores the importance of letting go of the obsession with perfection. She critiques the societal and commercial pressures that equate productivity and quality with self-worth:

• "Our culture and the time management industry and retail in general is all about making you think that you need to level up." ([07:30])

• "Actively release the expectation that everything has to be great. It does not." ([08:00])

By embracing mediocrity in less critical areas, individuals can conserve their energy for what truly matters, fostering a more grounded and less stressful experience.

3. Activate Your Senses

Timestamp: [09:45]

The third strategy involves engaging the five senses to anchor oneself in the present moment. Kendra provides practical tips to incorporate sensory activation into daily routines:

• Touch: "Ground yourself by touching something natural like grass or dirt or even a soft blanket on the couch." ([10:05])

• Smell: "Light a candle that you love and smell it." ([10:20])

• Sound: "Have some playlists at the ready that you play while you're driving or working or making dinner." ([10:35])

• Sight: "Look around your space and look at things that bring you joy." ([10:50])

• Taste: "Enjoy a favorite beverage mindfully." ([11:00])

These sensory engagements help interrupt the stress cycle, grounding individuals in the present and enhancing their overall well-being.

4. Schedule Rest

Timestamp: [12:30]

Kendra highlights the necessity of intentional rest, especially during hectic times. She shares a poignant story of a friend balancing grad school, research, and personal life, illustrating how even small, scheduled moments of rest can make a significant difference:

• "Sometimes when we hear the idea of scheduling rest, we see it as starting from scratch... But I wonder if most of you already have some rest scheduled most days already." ([12:45])

• "Schedule rest. Just be where you are. What a gift to give yourself." ([14:15])

By recognizing and valuing existing restful practices or introducing new ones, individuals can ensure they maintain their energy and mental health.

5. Remember That You're Not Missing Anything

Timestamp: [16:10]

The final strategy centers on alleviating the fear of missing out or not meeting every expectation. Kendra reassures listeners that it's impossible to do everything perfectly and that it's okay to let some things go:

• "You are not missing anything. It’s going to be okay." ([16:30])

• "There is not a magical approach that somehow makes everything line up and work out." ([17:00])

This mindset fosters self-compassion and reduces anxiety, allowing individuals to navigate busy periods with a sense of relief and acceptance.

Conclusion

Kendra wraps up the episode by summarizing the five strategies to feel grounded during busy months:

1. Have a Busy Month Mantra
2. Release the Expectation That Everything Has to Be Great
3. Activate Your Senses
4. Schedule Rest
5. Remember That You're Not Missing Anything

She encourages listeners to embrace these practices, reminding them that it's possible to thrive even in the busiest of times by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary pressures.

Lazy Genius of the Week

In addition to the episode's main content, Kendra celebrates Sarah Parsons as the Lazy Genius of the Week. Sarah shares her innovative approach to preserving meaningful cards and notes by creating a digital keepsake box, demonstrating how technology can aid in maintaining cherished memories without the clutter.

Note: This summary omits advertisement segments and non-content sections, focusing solely on the valuable insights and discussions presented in the episode.