This subject line is bad because of ✨ anxiety ✨
+ TikTok adding audio gifs + if you feel guilty for relaxing
Hi friend,
Anxiety doesn’t need a reason to pop up. Anxiety doesn’t always make sense.
Earlier this week, I tweeted about how I’ve been feeling a lot of anxiety recently.
And there doesn’t have to be a huge reason why. There doesn’t have to be a massive shift.
Sometimes anxiety just creeps up on us until it consumes us whole.
If you’re not feeling anxiety now or have never felt feelings of anxiety, I’m super happy for you! You should be really happy and proud of that (seriously, no sarcasm, that’s awesome).
But I’m willing to bet you’ve felt anxiety at least once or twice in your life (or if you’re like me, every day).
No matter how you interact with anxiety, all I want you to take from this is to remember that anxiety can just happen.
Anxiety doesn’t always look like a panic attack or being stuck under blankets all day. Sometimes it does, but sometimes anxiety looks like trying to focus on finishing one task amidst the chaos of your brain.
No matter how your anxiety or challenges manifest themselves, you are not alone.
You probably already know the “fixes” so I won’t list them here for you. But sometimes the “fixes” don’t work and all you need is time.
I hope you can take the time you need this week to conquer everything you’re going through. You’re not alone.
with warmth + love,
N
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📚 The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
Fast Company: Why it’s a bad idea for startups to make their branding distinctive
This is a hot take but it makes a valid argument – many of the recent big rebrands (even Baskin Robbins’ controversial one) involve paring down. Is there a case for detailed brand design anymore?
NiemanLab: Algorithms, lies, and social media
This longer think piece covers the evolution of how social media transformed from a force of social good to a source of dangerous manipulation. If you’re into the sociology + politics behind social media (a la The Social Dilemma) definitely check this one out.
AdAge: What TikTok’s Giphy Library Means for Brands and Creators
TikTok’s adding gifs with audio! So yeah, basically mini video clips to sample. Fun for personal creators. Huge IP copyright red flag for brands. This piece outlines potential ways creators may use the feature.
New York Magazine: Journalism’s Twitter Problem Is the Journalists
Yet another hot take piece. Recently New York Times leadership imposed a company-wide reset on how staff should conduct themselves on Twitter. Do you think journalists should be allowed free reign on social media? Or should they hold themselves to more editorial standards?
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🧘🏼♀️ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
This week’s mindful moment is a website tool for all of you who love more resource-based mindfulness. Here’s what you have to do:
One time today, click the link below, set a timer, and take a break. Actually take a break, walk away from your desk, go grab some water or a warm beverage.
Follow this link to use “Take a Five” to schedule your break now ✨
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🔗 Link(s) in Bio
Things I’ve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
Refinery29: Feeling Guilty For Relaxing? That’s Your Brain on Capitalism – I screamed YES to this piece so many times while reading it. This piece addresses a lot of solid points about burnout and our work, such as: Why can it feel so difficult to rest?
GoodGoodGood: 32 Reasons Why Everything Will Be Okay – In case you need a reminder of the good things in life, here’s a list. My favorites are #21 and #27.
Vox: The new entitlement of the American consumer – This piece dissecting credit card rewards and the gradual decline of customer attitudes in America is, well, incredibly unsurprising for anyone who’s worked in retail or service industries. But it’s also important + eye-opening.
Morning Brew: Therapy is going viral – My entire Instagram explore page is filled with mental health help and therapists providing advice. This piece dives into the stories of some of them and the good/bad of giving mental health advice on social media.
New York Times: Welcome Back to the Office. Isn’t This Fun? – As offices are reopening with hybrid offices, many tech companies are campaigning to get workers back into the office. Would you go into the office for a private concert with Lizzo? Or stay working from home?
Real Homes: Turns out, a mindful home isn’t just about zen looks after all – When I’m not writing about marketing or productivity or mental health, I really love working on home design and decor. Taking some of these notes into the weekend with me as I’m making more calming, mindful spaces in our home!
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💭 Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
It’s okay to spend time on the things you know will work.
Read that again.
Yes, it’s important to go out of your comfort zone and create new, inventive work.
But there’s no shame in going back to what works for you and your brand.
Sometimes we get stuck in the idea that this is less inventive or worthwhile.
Is the work still getting done, even if you do it the way you know will work?
Great, get the work done.
It’s okay to spend time on the things you know will work.
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👋 The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel