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Excellent and timely piece on anxiety. On the phone thing, read Cal Newport's Deep Work. In my last desk job, I often wondered why, at the end of the day, I'd worked flat out and still felt unhappy and dissatisfied. This book explains why and offers good solutions. I also co-author a blog on Anxiety with my nephew (he insists on the cap): https://markmywordsltd.substack.com/

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Thanks Mark, I will take a look at both!

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Thank you for sharing your experience Steph. My anxiety flares its head at networking events where I feel SO uncomfortable speaking to strangers. It can be particularly hard when people know each other already and you try and join in. It was so bad at one event that I had to leave after 30 mins without speaking to anyone. I'm fine one-to-one but the thought of reaching out to strangers is anxiety-inducing.

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Hi Charlotte, that's really tough as so much of our job does rely on networking. I get conversation fatigue at events (I'm at a looooong conference right now!) so it helps me to find someone I do know when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed as we don't necessarily need to engage in conversation (we can do comfortable silence if needs be!) but it helps me have time to recharge. I hope you can find a way to approach events in the future!

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Oct 4, 2022Liked by Steph Dyson

Great newsletter - thank you. I tend to get overwhelmed with deadlines, especially if I’m only expected a very short turn around and it’s hard to say no to something because you never know if they’ll use someone else and never use you again.

I tend to get short and snappy (as those who know me will attest to!) so I try to stay out the way of people and not inflict myself on them, get some quiet time.

Having a pet helps greatly.

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Yes I wish I could have a pet but I travel too much for that. I think knowing when you need downtime and time to recharge (and activities that help you relax) is key to managing stress and anxiety.

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Yes. It helps living in a building where everyone offers to look after the pet! Such is life in a community based country

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Oct 4, 2022Liked by Steph Dyson

Chris Haslam's article is useful. But luxury travel is just an extension of the way we live our lives in other ways. The aspirational consumerism is a failing modus operandi for the human race, but greed is and always will be our downfall. Luxury travel is just an opportunity to cocoon yourself in a fake environment with others around you who are doing the same. Travel is and should be the best university.

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