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Remember in December: Lessons from Quarter 2 of 2022

Katie Corbett headshot

By Katie Corbett

 

This month, I am reflecting on lessons I learned throughout each of the quarters in 2022. In the second quarter, I was offered a new job, worked a lot (sometimes three jobs at once), and started writing my novel again.

 

I think the biggest take away is that no matter how busy you are, make time for things that are fun. If I hadn’t been working on my novel during that time, I don’t know that I would have been able to accomplish all of the things I wanted to accomplish. It was a wonderful, creative outlet, and I am excited to be , working on it again. (I originally started it when I was in college, and have written several iterations since then; now I feel like it is finally coming together.)

 

What creative hobbies sustain you during times of busyness and stress? Leave me a comment and let me know.

 

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Friday Ain’t Over Yet

Katie Corbett headshot

By Katie Corbett

As I continue to recover from being sick, I am rediscovering the idea of doing what I can, and not worrying about the rest. For example, this blog post is publishing six hours later than I would like. Will any of you notice? Probably not. So I’m just going to take this space to give you a friendly reminder to just do what you can, and not worry about the rest. I would like to say thanks to anyone who is reading this, because you have come along way on this journey with me. I have been publishing for a long time, and even though I didn’t get this post out as early in the day as I hoped I would, I am publishing anyway. I don’t want to break my Friday publishing streak just because I was sick. Have a great day and take care of yourselves, readers!

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What to do When you have a Headache

Katie Corbett holds the book, "Accupressure's Potent Points"

By Katie Corbett

It was the night of a gallery event for my workplace and I sat in my office readying a few last minute things. Slowly, behind my eyes, a headache blossomed. I knew I wasn’t sick; it was just a stress headache. But what to do?

In “Acupressure’s Potent Points,” by Michael Reed Gach, I found just the instructions I needed. Here’s what I did:

Take both hands and move them along your eyebrows, away from your nose. There is an indentation slightly above the corner of each eye. I pressed and held both points for about 30-60 seconds. Massaging these points in a circular motion works, too.

After a few repetitions of pressing on those pressure points, my headache faded away. (I also supplemented my acupressure treatment by sniffing a little bit of peppermint essential oil, which helps clear the sinuses and assists with focus.) I went on with the rest of my night without pain.

I have never used this technique for migraines or when I had a headache related to the flu. This technique was used to help relieve tension due to muscle tightening related to stress. If you do try this for another kind of headache and it works, let me know.

The next time you have a stress-related headache, give acupressure a try. Hopefully, it will benefit you as much as it has me.

Note: I am not a doctor, and any advice I give on this blog is not to be taken as medical advice. I’m merely providing information about a technique that I have found to be effective in dealing with common aches and pains. Consult your doctor to get advice from a medical professional.

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How to Use Body Language to Decrease Stress

Katie Corbett holds the book "Presence" by Amy Cuddy

By Katie Corbett

 

It’s ten minutes before a job interview. This is your first time meeting anyone from the company and you want to make a good first impression. You’ve done your research. You know some ideal answers to interview questions you might be asked and you’ve come up with thoughtful, intelligent questions of your own about the company and position.

 

But you’re still nervous. Your heart is pounding and your palms are slick with sweat. In spite of all your careful planning, your stomach is in knots. Is there anything you can do? Can you decrease your stress levels in time to ace the interview? Yes. Yes, you can. It only takes two minutes.

 

In her book, “Presence,” Amy Cuddy elaborates on a method of stress reduction called “Power Posing.” This entails holding your body in a certain position for two minutes, which will lower your cortisol and raise your testosterone. The change in chemicals decreases sensations of anxiety and stress and increases feelings of confidence and empowerment.

 

My favorite power pose involves standing with my feet shoulder-width apart and placing my hands on my hips. I stand tall like that for two minutes and let the body chemistry take over.

 

I have used this poise producing life-hack in many situations, one of which was my annual review with my boss and the CEO of the nonprofit for which I work. Even though I had a feeling everything would go well, I was still nervous. My breaths were shallow, my heart was pounding and I was afraid if I opened my mouth to speak, my voice would be shaky.

 

Shortly before it was time for my review, I stood in my office and held my power pose for two minutes. When my power pose time was over, I was breathing more deeply, my head felt clearer and my heart was no longer going a mile a minute. I was able to walk into my review with self-assurance and present my ideas, feedback and opinions with a strong voice and clear communication.

 

Anyone can do this. All it takes is finding a private, quiet place to go for two minutes before an important event. Amy suggests many other power poses in her book and explains the science behind the technique, so pick up “Presence” to learn more.

 

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