I know this is a style website, but if you are following me for a while you would know that I believe that “style is more than fashion, it is a way of life”. So therefore, and now more than ever, you are going to see more than just fashion on this blog. I made a promise to myself to be very conscious and intentional about the content I am creating because I want you to be more intentional too - in the way you consume, dress, feel and work.
So think of My Virtual Stylist as your serve of style with a side of strategy to elevate your potential in all areas of your life.
No doubt you are all aware that there is a a lot going on in the world right now and no one is immune to the ripple effects it is having. Right now I would hazard a guess a great source of your overwhelm is COVID-19 and the ramifications that is having on your emotions, finances, business, well-being and mental health *insert double hand emoji*.
Like many of your I am now homeschooling, getting used to having a WFH husband, postponing styling appointments and halting projects, grappling with no time to really work on growing my business and basically taking on a the role of teacher, secretary, cleaner and snack bitch. IT’S ALOT to process - did I mention that already? I won’t pretend the adjustment has been easy - I am a driven and ambitious people person with a solid routine and active social life, so the whole social distancing, do-not-leave the house, do not pass go (couldn’t resist chucking this in!) self-isolation thing feels a bit tough and I have found myself on a few occasions feeling frustrated, moody and operating on an undercurrent of anxiety.
Week 1 of homeschooling
To be honest, I feel like I am on a rollercoaster that has more twists and turns than a “who done it” mystery murder novel but not enough clues for how to solve the whole bloody case. Sound familiar? *insert all the emojis*. On the plus side, I have been here before. At the point of overwhelm, rendered helpless - in fact My Virtual Stylist was born out of a time where I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed with life as a mum-of-two and the ever changing landscape of life as a freelance stylist as the demise of print media continued to play out before my eyes!
During this tumultuous time in my own personal life I started to take small but actionable steps to regain my sense of self confidence and realised the power style had in altering my mood, productivity and intentions. This whole experience also taught me a valuable lesson in how to overcome overwhelm and gave me the framework for my
“THREE “I” STRATEGY”.
IDENTIFY the problem, challenge or feeling affecting your productivity
IMPLEMENT an actionable plan to overcome said problem, challenge or feeling
INNOVATE take small steps every day to implement change, new ideas or ways of thinking
Over the last few weeks I found myself coming back to my “THREE “I” STRATEGY” as I continuously evolve my business during the COVID-19 pandemic and help my coaching clients do the same! We all find ourself at a time where we can’t let circumstances define us or detract from our areas of expertise. Instead we need to pivot our skills and knowledge into a business offering that can exist online and speak to our clients pain points and needs virtually. I have been walking some clients who work in the beauty and fitness industries through my “Three I Strategy” and it is exciting in a time where all seems lost to see their eyes open to the new possibilities that exist for them!
So with that in mind, I wanted to share 5 actionable ways I combat overwhelm in a hope it will inspire you to take back your power from feelings of desperation and turn helplessness into hope, because if there is one thing I understand it is that hope gives us meaning and meaning gives us motivation. So here goes…
1. MOVE MY BODY DAILY: For me keeping my body strong, keeps my mind strong so I ensure that I move my body in some way almost every day. For me on the days I am really struggling mentally I find a really tough workout helps me breakdown any mental blocks / barriers. Of course exercise boosts those feel good endorphins which I find really important in helping me to feel upbeat and better able to cope in challenging situations. (If you fancy a list of my fave workout apps see this Instagram Post). P.s I would also just like to say I DO NOT LOOK like this when I workout! I just happened to do a late afternoon workout after a client meeting on this particular day!
2. DRESS TO ELEVATE MY MOOD: I have always used style as a form of self-expression but only in the last 5 years really realised the power of it to boost my mood and productivity. Even though I may not be leaving the house, I still make a point of “getting dressed”. That being getting out of my gym gear after my workout and putting on an outfit that makes me feel great - even if for a few hours! Now really is better than ever to re-shop your own wardrobe (but another post on that soon!). Over the last few weeks I chose bright colour, muted prints, bright whites to add some light to my days and some daring double-denim looks. Here’s a little gallery from the last 2 weeks to get you inspired to up your “ISO STYLE” and elevate your mood. On the day I had meetings I dressed exactly as I would have if I were to have met that client in person - even popping on a pair of heels. Don’t forget your style helps create the energy you need to take on the task at hand. For more mood-boosting outfit ideas check out my earlier blog, 5 Easy Ways To Elevate Your Mood With Style.
3. CREATE A NEW ROUTINE: A great source of my frustration with all the family home 24-7 was not being able to create content and work on my business. So I just surrendered to it last week and in the space I created for myself realised that I needed to switch things up for the time being. It’s still a work in progress nailing it as daylight savings will have an effect on my children’s rise times, but this is the loose morning schedule I am hoping to implement for myself this week here at Casa McKay is
5am-6:30pm: Create, write, work and drink a coffee in peace!
6:30-7:30am: Workout.
7:30am : Kids up, school time, and see how the day plays out!
In all honestly getting to stuck on trying to work throughout the day just sets me up for meltdown. My husband works all day so unless it a client booking, all my work gets done before or after kids have gone down. Saying that, I do write down two things I want to do each day to keep the wheels turning on my content creation and business as this is my third baby.
I created these affirmations below as a reminder to choose love over fear every day.
4. FIND A CREATIVE OUTLET:
Cooking and baking has always been a form of therapy for me, and over the last few weeks has become a little lifeline to settle my unsettled state! Food has always played a big role in my life. I am from an Italian background so it really is the cornerstone to every celebration and I grew up up always surrounded by amazing home cooked food and baked goods. I have been channelling my need to keep my family safe and my anxious thoughts settled by cooking up a storm. I also find this is the best time to brainstorm and cook up with ideas for ways I can keep pushing the needle and grow this community. And can I just say, I have a lot of incredible ideas in the pipeline that will come to life over the next few months - I just have to remember to take it day by day! I have also started sketching what I hope one day will become my very first fashion collection. Creating a capsule collection of the fundamental classic pieces every woman’s wardrobe needs is something I have dreamed of doing for a really long time - since I was designing and sewing clothes from my Barbie dolls! So, I decided to just start sketching my dream collection because the thing about dream is sometimes they can come true!
5. UPSKILL & EDUCATE:
I am one of those people who needs to know how to do everything like it is my vocation! Now I am not saying that is healthy, and says a lot about my perfectionist, A-type tendencies, but it also means I am eager to learn new skills so I can understand how to do many different things to the very best of my ability. And as anyone who owns their own business knows, you often wear many hats in areas you are not an expert at! So part of my plan to keep my mind from wandering and feel truly prepared to soar when this pandemic is over is to take short courses - some paid and some free - so at the very least I come out of isolation with an even bigger toolbox! Check out The Digital Picnic & General Assembly for anything social / digital media skewed and Tafe NSW has also just released a range free courses.
I know this was a long one, but I wanted to share some of the strategic ways I am continuing to get on with life, the good and the bad days, through COVID and show you how style can provide the relief and motivation you need to out-smart overwhelm so you can continue moving forward.