Your Path to Calm Amid Overwhelm
Hello, lovely! If you’ve found yourself in the whirlwind of burnout and overwhelm, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing a powerful, science-backed method to help you recalibrate, regain calm, and move forward in your everyday life: the APEX model. This method is a lifesaver for busy women, offering an effective and efficient way to navigate stress.
The APEX model is rooted in psychology and neuroscience, addressing the deep needs of our bodies and minds. Let’s dive into how you can use this four-step approach to find calm in the midst of the storm.
A – Awareness
Awareness is the first step to breaking free from overwhelm. Pay attention to what’s happening in your body, mind, and emotions. Often, physical cues like tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or shallow breathing appear before you even realize your stress levels are rising.
Building awareness helps you catch stress early, giving you the opportunity to address it before it spirals out of control. Take a moment to scan your body and identify where tension might be building.
P – Pause
Once you’ve noticed the signs of stress, pause. This doesn’t need to be long—just a millisecond or a few minutes. Use this pause to reflect on what you’re experiencing without rushing to fix it. Simply noticing and pausing is a powerful act of self-care.
E – Embodiment
Embodiment is the game-changer. This step focuses on activating your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your nervous system that promotes calm and restoration. By calming your body, you signal to your brain that you are safe, which helps regulate your emotions and thoughts.
Here’s a simple breathing exercise to try:
Breathe in deeply through your nose until your lungs feel full. Then, add a tiny snort of extra air to expand them further.
As you breathe out through your mouth, place your hand on your chest. Press gently as you exhale, visualizing the stress leaving your body. Imagine the air leaving as a smoky grey or red, while the air entering is a calming blue or green.
Repeat this three times.
This practice is quick, effective, and can be done anywhere—whether you’re at work, in the car, or at home. With regular use, it becomes an incredible tool for self-regulation.
X – Crossroads
After calming your body and mind, you’re at a crossroads. This is the moment to make intentional decisions instead of reacting impulsively. Ask yourself:
Does this task need to be done right now?
Could it be delegated, deferred, or even ditched?
Am I acting in alignment with my values and true self?
From this place of calm and clarity, you can take purposeful action, even on challenging tasks. Alternatively, you might choose to rest or reset further, knowing you’re in control.
Why APEX Works
This model is more than a quick fix; it’s a science-backed approach to calming the nervous system and regaining clarity. Inspired by the incredible insights from Trauma-Informed Coach, APEX helps you create a sense of safety and security, no matter how intense life feels.
Try APEX and Share Your Experience
The APEX model has helped me and countless clients find peace amidst chaos. It takes practice, but it’s so worth it. Try it today, and let me know how it works for you! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—just drop me an email.
You deserve to feel calm, capable, and in control. The APEX model is here to support you every step of the way.
Love SaraLou x
