Coping with the mess in your head — how to deal with everyday freelance stress
Overthinking, anxiety and stress is pretty common for freelancers and remote workers. However, my advice is never despair: there are ways to overcome negative thoughts. Here are a few simple things which work for me.
Settling into a new city can be challenging and overwhelming at the same time. I moved to London last year to jump-start my career as a German/English-Italian translator, and get a taste of this exciting city that has always fascinated me. Yet when I got off the plane from Italy, I knew very few people. Not only was I starting a new phase of my professional life, but having to make new friends in the process.
Although the move felt exciting and liberating, at times I found myself in a spiral of negative thinking, in the most wretched place on Earth: the land of self-belittlement, that corner of your mind where thoughts like “How am I ever going to reach the goals that I have in mind?”, “Why am I doing this?”, “This is too much!” or “All my ideas are boring!” grow like a poison ivy. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself overwhelmed and entangled in them.
Every time I realise I am ensnared in this mess, I first try to find a moment of peace and understand what is going on, then act on it by working on the small things that I know will take me out of that dark corner. I want to share with you how I usually break this vicious cycle of overthinking, and get back to what really matters.
Walking
One of most effective things to do is going for a walk in a place that makes me feel good. It could be a quiet park, or somewhere with a beautiful view. I like walking down the high street wearing my headphones, escaping the bustle around me and watching the people on the street move around with a soundtrack in my ears — it almost feels like I’m in a film!
I love to observe people with their delighted or furrowed faces, in animated conversation or completely absorbed in their daily routines, carrying their grocery bags or walking their dogs.
My favourite place in London to take walk when I feel stressed at the moment is Southbank. It might be quite touristy but that view… When I stand on the bridge overlooking the river, usually at night, watching the city lights and their reflection in the water, I can’t help but smile.
Writing
Writing also helps me to get everything out. I write through whatever is going through my mind, on a scrap of paper, in my journal, on my phone, anywhere is fine. I don’t pay any attention to the form or style, it’s usually just a big stream of consciousness transferred on paper.
When I’ve finished, I often just close my notebook, or even throw away or delete what I wrote. When I write something down, it feels like that moment you finally decide to throw out all the old things collecting dust in your house.
When you fill that huge black bin back with rubbish and haul it into the bin, you walk away feeling like a lighter person knowing you’ll never have to see it again.
DIY
Engaging in something completely manual and using my hands helps me to relax my brain when it’s working overtime. If the principal part of your body you use to work is your head, if you have a creative job and have to constantly be thinking of new ideas, you know how hard it can be to tell your brain to stop whirring and get some rest.
I’ve always had a thing for DIY. When I was little, I was addicted to an Italian DIY TV show for kids and used to fill my parents’ home with glue, paper, fabric and thread. Ever since then, if I can, I try to make things from scratch. My latest projects have included a headboard for my bed and an earring organiser (which didn’t turn out that great, I have to admit!).
When all my attention is focused on a project where I’m using my hands, something magical happens: I forget about the deadline, about my translation not being up to the client’s standards, or the errands that I need to run. I am able to relax and focus on the present.
Cooking
Another thing I love to do with my hands is cooking. I love imagining what the dish will look and taste like. Chopping, stirring and kneading have a soothing effect on my mind, and again, while I’m focusing on the ingredients to choose, seeing them transform in the pan or the oven, I find some tranquillity. And when the results meet my expectations, I feel even more happy and proud.
Flylancer
Lastly, joining Flylancer. When I first came to London, I wanted to meet other freelancers and save myself from professional isolation — I found out about the Flylancer community online and decided to join. I haven’t looked back, and am so happy to share some ideas that have helped me get over the many difficulties of being a remote worker.
The independence that comes with freelancing is empowering. It can also be overwhelming however, and make people feel stressed and anxious. Small habits can help to alleviate these feelings, and bring you back to the things which are wonderful and positive about life.
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Anna is a translator and a member of the Flylancer community in London. Flylancer is a global community for location independent professionals to meet, share and have fun together. Find out more info here.
