I’m having a tough time concentrating this morning; there are a lot of thoughts and decisions swimming around in my head. Too many if, then, what if, what then, and how statements. Too many questions without enough answers. My brain is fuzzy and nervous.
I’m not usually like this. Usually, I’m very clear headed. I compartmentalize well. I manage my nerves so they don’t get the best of me. Sometimes writing helps me to get clear. Sometimes just allowing my mind to spin out the questions long enough will allow the clarity to rise to the top. Sometimes I just need a nap. Today, I need yoga, a walk (despite the cold temperatures outside), and a day of rest from this computer. I know, I know, I’ve got a lot to do. A lot to write and plan and prepare. I know. But today, I’ve hit that point of diminishing returns. More time at this computer will not improve my focus; actually, it’s making it worse. Even my computer is slowing down; it’s tired, too. I’ve got to give my weary mind a rest, the same way that a marathon runner takes a rest the week before the big race in order to recharge her body. So it’s time to climb down from my cyber chair and go “out there”.
My friend, Sharni, unplugged earlier this week because she was in the same state. Too many screens and not enough time out in the physical world. I’m going to join her for the rest of the day today. Sometimes when we need to focus, the best thing we can do is let go.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I’m having a tough time concentrating this morning; there are a lot of thoughts and decisions swimming around in my head. Too many if, then, what if, what then, and how statements. Too many questions without enough answers. My brain is fuzzy and nervous. 
Christa Avampato 
Good for you Christa. This is why I have a no blogging on the weekend policy for myself. I only have my blog posts scheduled for weekdays and I stay off the computer (for the most part) on the weekends.
Aine
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Thank you, Aine! I love your weekend policy. Now I know how you keep all of your posts fresh and full of insight!
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Good for you! I didn’t stay away as long as I had hoped but feel better for it 🙂
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Hi Sharni! Your break inspired me. Even a day-long break was so helpful. I feel great this morning!
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hope your recharging is going well and that y ou don’t see this comment til you’re good & ready!
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Thanks, Col! The recharging totally helped. I feel terrific today and full of ideas. My Mac appreciated the break, too. 🙂
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Christa:
I appreciate your honesty.
You are wise to admit you are exhausted.
That’s life. Trust me, we are all sailing in the same boat.
We are not machines or robots, after all, we are human beings.
We need to re-charge our batteries from time to time.
Whenever I feel low on energy–or there is an inability to focus–I go for a casual stroll in the outdoors. It feels right.
Are you a member of a gym? Have you tried swimming?
I find swimming to be the total body work-out: it is great especially for your cardio-vascular health. After a swim, you really feel pumped up and full of energy.
Just like the proverbial rabbit in the ad, “It takes a licking, but keeps on ticking.”
Also, maybe it would help if you try massage therapy.
Massage can be an antidote to stiff joints and muscles that feel awkward. And try a steam bath too (sauna?).
I hope these suggestions help you. And be kind to yourself, take things really slow even if you feel sometimes like you are overwhelmed with the “to do list.” Bless you.
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Hi Archan,
I love all of these suggestions. I actually didn’t learn to swim until I was 30 so I’m actually not all that comfortable in the water. I wish I was! Something to work on in the coming year. Massage I do love, and I find that yoga is so incredibly helpful! I like the idea of “all sailing in the same boat.” Makes this feeling of being a bit overwhelmed much easier to bear!
Great blessings to you, too.
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