Introduction
The Crash
Another exhausting day, another sleepless night. As your head crashes onto the pillow (or couch cushion), you can't possibly fathom how someone could be so physically tired and mentally wired at the same time. You begin a conversation with yourself—the same one that took place the night before, and the night before that one, promising that tomorrow will be different. That you will finally get a decent night's sleep, wake up rested, and make better choices for yourself. You'll go to the gym. Start eating better. Take more breaks. Pick up that meditation practice you've been meaning to start. Go to yoga. Drink more water. Stop the coffee habit—well, maybe reduce it a bit.
Suddenly, the thoughts of all the things that need to get done tomorrow start to beat at your busy brain. Chaotic chatter. Mental gymnastics. To-do lists, timelines, deadlines —the worry begins to flood your body as your temperature rises, your heartbeat increases, and you feel like someone is sitting on top of your chest. Panic sets in.
Did you turn the lights off? Set the coffeepot to start in the morning? Hear back from your boss about that proposal? Speaking of proposals, don't forget to buy a gift for your cousin's shindig this weekend. Oh crud, did you make those hotel reservations? Don't forget to check in 24 hours early to get your seats. Seats…did you RSVP for the networking event tomorrow night? It's last minute; you'd better do that right now.
You get up to turn on the computer, ...
