#002: Cooked Beyond Measure
Issue 001: Emotional Reps // The 'Hamster Wheel' of Frustration
Lord, this year DRAINED me.
It’s the last Friday of the year, and if you’re at work today—caught between the blur of post-holiday fatigue and the weight of impending resolutions—I see you.
You’re sitting there, wondering how you’ve been running on this hamster wheel all year and realizing you can’t keep doing this forever.
But here’s the thing: that frustration you’re feeling right now? That’s your light fighting to break through. Let’s talk about how to move from disconnection to empowerment, starting right here, right now.
First, play along with the interactive video game below to get a feel for the grind and how we can break free from it.
Choose your own path, and let’s see where it takes you.
Scenario 1: The Hamster Wheel
You’re sitting at your desk, stuck between post-holiday exhaustion and the pressure of impending resolutions. You’re frustrated with the grind but unsure how to stop.
Here are your choices:
A: Grind Never Stops
Pushing through might feel like the only option right now—after all, society loves to tell us that productivity equals worth. But let’s be real: burning yourself out doesn’t get you ahead.
Tip: Break your tasks into bite-sized pieces using the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focused work, then a quick 5-minute break.
B: Touch Grass
Stepping away isn’t slacking—it’s a power move. Even 5 minutes in nature can reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
Tip: Take a short walk or just stick your head out the window for some fresh air. Pair it with deep breathing to reset your vibe.
C: Scroll Therapy
Scrolling might feel like a mental escape, but be careful—it can turn into a doom-scroll spiral. Instead, try a body scan meditation.
Tip: Close your eyes, breathe, and notice how your body feels from head to toe.
D: Notes App Confession
Grab your Notes app (or a notebook) to break the cycle. Writing down what’s bugging you helps clear mental clutter.
Tip: Use this journaling prompt: “What’s one thing draining my energy that I can release today?”
How to Break the Cycle before 2025
1. Daily Frustration Journal
What to Do:
Track the small “irks” you experience today.
Write down what triggered them, how you reacted, and what you could do differently next time.
Why It Helps: Observing these patterns gives you the power to disrupt them.
2. Pause-and-Choose Practice
Before reacting, ask yourself:
What’s actually happening here?
Is this truly urgent, or can it wait?
What do I need to feel aligned right now?
3. Building Systems of Care
Once you’ve disrupted the cycle, it’s time to create routines that support clarity, intention, and flow.
Morning Grounding: Start your day with anchoring practices like breathwork, journaling, or setting an intention: “Today, I will prioritize ease.”
Evening Reflections: Review your day with questions:
What felt aligned?
What felt off?
What adjustments can I make tomorrow?
Your New M.O: Living with Clarity & Intention
When you step back from the grind, you create space to reconnect with your inner world. Over time, you’ll notice the shift:
Thought Loop Freedom: Automatic frustration gives way to thoughtful awareness.
Strategic Slowdown: Slowing down becomes a strength, not a setback.
Systems of Resilience: Intentional routines keep you aligned and energized.
Closing Thoughts
This moment, this day, is your checkpoint.
Start small.
Reclaim your energy.
And most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down and realign.
You deserve more than the hamster wheel. You deserve a life that feels like yours.
Here’s to stepping into 2025 with clarity, intention, and the courage to break free.
You’ve got this.
‘til Next YEAR hehe,
2mannymoves