Q: What do you do when it all gets to be too much?

A: Have a break. (Maybe, have a KitKat...)

I’m taking a mental health day this week. (I’m actually taking a mental health week, since I’m not doing anything until next Monday…)

I’ve stirred up so much past trauma since I started this newsletter…

and some of it, I’ve been blessed to let go of in therapy…

but some of it is seriously dragging me down…

so I’m taking a break.

As much as possible, I’m putting everything on hold. I’m not processing new trauma this week (I might not even revisit established trauma; I might rather just talk about some tools to help me control these thoughts throughout the week, so maybe things don’t get this out of hand again.)

I’m not working on my new business, either. (Not my own business, anyway — I’m still doing the client work I’m obligated to do.) But I’m not taking any calls, or joining any webinars, from now until next Monday. I might not even post on LinkedIn, except for the bit of posting I’ll do on behalf of my client.

I’m not even really writing a newsletter this week — I’m just… explaining to you why I’m not writing a newsletter…

Even though I deal with my trauma every day, sometimes it gets the better of me, and I need a minute to catch my breath.

So this week, instead of writing a lengthy, well-thought-out newsletter… instead of taking steps to promote my newsletter to an ever-growing audience… instead of jumping on a call with one of my mentors to plan out my next move…

This week, I’m sleeping in, playing video games, ordering DoorDash, and doing my best to watch all the Star Wars movies from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker (along with Solo and Rogue One, for good measure).

I’m giving my mind a chance to catch up, and all my emotional turmoil a chance to settle, before I take another deep dive into my past, in hopes of clearing up even more unresolved trauma.

I’m doing stuff around the apartment, looking to connect with friends, and maybe trying a new recipe or two.

I’m reflecting on all the growth I’ve experienced over the last several months, and (hopefully) charting a course for the next few months, as well.

I’ve learned — the hard way — that when I don’t take breaks, I end up more upset, withdrawn, and introverted than I need to be… and I don’t like feeling that way anymore.

So I’m taking a break, before all my trauma gets too big and breaks me. It’s all too much for me to deal with, right now, so I’m gonna practice some much-needed self-care, and get back into it all next week, rested and refreshed, and ready to pick up right where I left off.

Because sometimes, that’s just what my mental health needs… and right now, my mental health is more important than all the other things I’m hoping to achieve in business, and in life.

What do you do when you get overwhelmed, and it all gets to be too much? Do you soldier on, or do you take time to get the rest you need? I’d love it if you’d let me know in the comments. (And I’ll see you next week…)