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Episode 38 How to Stop Worrying About Work
Description
Do you get that dreaded Sunday night feeling before the workweek begins? Are you constantly replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or feeling the pressure of never-ending expectations? You're not alone—and you're not broken. In this episode, Sarah shares practical, science-backed strategies to help you stop worrying about work and start feeling more calm, confident, and in control. Whether you're dealing with high workloads, tricky relationships, or simply have a tendency to overthink, this episode will give you powerful tools to reframe your thoughts and regain your headspace.
Show Notes
[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable
[00:01:00] Why even senior women leaders feel stuck or doubt themselves
[00:02:00] What this episode covers: Sunday dread and work-related anxiety
[00:03:00] Common causes of workplace worry: workload, relationships, fast-paced culture
[00:04:00] When to consider burnout vs. situational stress
[00:05:00] The personality traits that make you more prone to worrying
[00:06:00] How a new leadership role can trigger unhelpful thought patterns
[00:07:00] 1. Don’t catastrophize – get some perspective
[00:08:00] 2. Isolate the specific worry – identify the trigger
[00:08:30] 3. Reframe stress as a sign you care
[00:09:00] A personal example: Sarah’s own podcast launch nerves
[00:10:00] 4. Channel stress into forward action (not rumination)
[00:10:45] Recommended read: The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
[00:11:00] Techniques to reduce Sunday night dread:
- [00:11:15] Make a to-do list to decrease cognitive overload
- [00:12:00] Try journaling to process emotions
- [00:13:00] Be self-compassionate instead of self-critical
- [00:14:00] Move your body – physical activity reduces worry
- [00:14:30] Try short meditations to calm your mind
[00:15:30] Recap: Practical takeaways for workplace worry
[00:16:00] When to reach out for coaching support
[00:17:00] Final words: You are capable of more than you know
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety at work is often a sign that you care, not that you’re failing.
- Worry doesn’t need to be a permanent mindset—you can retrain your response
- Journaling, meditation, physical movement, and perspective shifts are simple but powerful tools
- Coaching can help break embedded patterns of chronic workplace worry.
Useful Links
The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
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