Let’s Talk About Stress, Distractions, and What You Can Do About It
Let’s be honest, these past few years have been a whirlwind.
We’ve been juggling so much: career shifts, evolving family dynamics, personal transitions, parenting, caring for aging parents, navigating health and wellness, even trying to squeeze in a little spring cleaning and joy. The demands on our time, energy, and attention feel relentless.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or like you’re running on empty, you are not alone.
My heart is in helping people manage and embrace their life pivots with intention, not panic. And one of the biggest blocks to doing that well? Distractions.
I love this simple formula:
Performance = Potential – Distractions
Every day, we’re performing in different roles: parent, partner, friend, employee, leader, caregiver. But when you’re carrying the weight of stress, self-doubt, or emotional clutter, it pulls energy away from your potential.
That’s where distractions show up and why it’s so important to recognize them.
Why Stress Derails Us
You might feel overwhelmed, scattered, tired, stuck, or even paralyzed. You want to be focused, present, and productive, but something’s off.
Here’s the truth: stress creates distraction, and distraction drains performance.
When distractions build up, it becomes harder to stay grounded, effective, or fulfilled. You stop making conscious decisions. You disconnect from joy. You can’t hear your inner wisdom clearly. And over time, that leads to burnout.
The 6 Types of Stress That Can Derail Your Focus and Fulfillment
Not all stress is created equal. Here are six types of stress that may be quietly (or loudly) disrupting your energy and engagement:
1. Spiritual Stress
This shows up when something feels misaligned with your values, purpose, or sense of connection. You begin questioning your “why” and feel disconnected from meaning.
2. Emotional Stress
Occurs when your needs or desires aren’t being met, or when you’re facing situations that feel overwhelming or unclear. It often comes with frustration, sadness, or emotional fatigue.
3. Mental Stress
Think multitasking overload, decision fatigue, or boredom. This kind of stress shows up when you’re pulled in too many directions or the demands don’t match your capacity.
4. Physical Stress
When your body is under strain—lack of rest, poor nutrition, health issues, or just running on fumes—it impacts everything from your patience to your productivity.
5. Social Stress
Comes from strained relationships, toxic work environments, or social situations that drain rather than support you.
6. Environmental Stress
Maybe your physical space isn’t conducive to focus. Maybe it’s cluttered, noisy, or chaotic. Your environment plays a bigger role than we realize in your sense of peace and performance.
Which One Is Showing Up for You?
Take a breath. What’s been distracting or draining you the most lately?
Now imagine what your day might feel like with a little more peace, a little more clarity, and a little less stress.
Here’s the good news: every stressor can be addressed.
You have the power to choose differently, even in small ways. With awareness, acceptance, and the right support, you can start to shift how you show up for yourself and for the people you care about.
Let’s Talk: Complimentary 30-Minute Coaching Session
If this resonates with you and you’re feeling ready to take that first step, I’d love to offer you a complimentary 30-minute private session.
During our time together, we’ll explore:
What’s currently draining your energy
How you’re showing up and where you might feel stuck
What’s possible for you with the right clarity and support
A few simple strategies to help you navigate the stress and change you're facing
You’ll walk away with insights and actions you can apply right away.
This isn’t about fixing you, you’re not broken. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strength, focus, and self-awareness.
Want to Learn More?
If you're curious about coaching, or wondering whether it’s the right time for you, let’s chat. Whether you're navigating a major life change or just need a place to regroup and reflect, I’m here for you.
And if you're part of a team or organization looking to support mental wellness in the workplace, we can also explore how this approach can support your people.
With love, light and joy,
Eva ♡
Eva Z Metro is a Certified Professional Coach trained by iPEC and Co-founder of Goodlife.com. Coaching content in this blog draws on principles learned through her training and personal practice.