Episode Summary

We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, social media updates, and a steady stream of mental noise. It feels productive, but in reality, it’s draining our focus, creativity, and mental energy.

Just like our bodies benefit from intermittent fasting, our minds need regular breaks from constant input. Yet, many of us struggle with even a few moments of true silence.

In this episode, we explore the power of mental fasting—why stepping away from constant stimulation can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and unlock your best ideas. Plus, I share my own struggle with slipping back into the trap of overstimulation and what I’m doing to reset.

What I Discuss in This Episode

· Why too much mental input creates foggy thinking and anxiety

· How regular “mental fasting” leads to clearer, more creative thinking

· Simple ways to build mental fasting into your daily routine

· Why a quiet mind isn’t an empty mind; it’s a free-thinking mind

Key Takeaways

1. Your Brain is Overloaded with Mental Sugar

• Every notification, news alert, and email gives you a dopamine hit... but at a cost.
• Too much input leads to stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion.
• Like junk food, overconsumption of information makes you sluggish and unfocused.

2. Mental Fasting Creates Clarity and Creativity

• The best ideas don’t come when you’re constantly consuming
• Quiet time helps reduce stress, sharpen decision-making, and improve focus.
• Even a few minutes of mental fasting can make a noticeable difference.

3. Start Small: 15 Minutes of Daily Silence

• Commit to just 15 minutes of quiet each morning. No phone, no music, no distractions.
• Over time, expand this to longer breaks, like half a day without your phone on weekends.
• Experiment with deeper mental fasts, such as a full day without screens.

Actionable Exercises

· 15-Minute Morning Mental Fast: Start your day with 15 minutes of complete silence. No inputs. Just sit and let your thoughts settle.

· Weekend Phone Detox: Put your phone in a drawer for a half-day on Saturday or Sunday.

· Full Digital Sabbath: Try going screen-free from sunrise to sunset once a week and notice how it affects your focus and creativity (yikes!).

Listener Challenge

This week, commit to one small mental fast—even just 15 minutes of silence in the morning. See how it impacts your clarity, stress levels, and creativity.

Hey, there. Welcome to another episode of the High-Income Business Writing podcast—the #1 podcast for freelance writers, copywriters, and solo marketers who want to earn more in less time... doing work they love... for better clients. With over 1.3 million downloads from listeners just like you across 101 countries.

You know it’s supposed to help you grow your freelance business. But the idea of reaching out to prospects and clients just to “stay in touch” or to “follow up” starts to feel awkward fast.

You don’t want to annoy people. Yet it often feels like all you’re doing is circling back to ask, “Are you ready to hire me yet?” ... which starts to feel a little desperate and kind of pointless.

But what if there were a better way to build real connections — one that didn’t feel like a game of endless follow-ups or forced small talk? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Melissa Mitri, a successful freelance health writer and content strategist who’s built a thriving business without relying on traditional networking tactics.

Melissa shares her refreshingly authentic approach to connecting with editors and brands. Her approach focuses on empathy, generosity, and strategic follow-ups instead of the same, old, boring approaches to follow-up. And you’ll walk away with simple, practical ideas you can implement right away.

We talk about:

• Redefining networking on your own terms (yes, even if you’re shy!)
• How Melissa stays top-of-mind with clients without being pushy
• Low-stress ways to add value and build trust before landing a gig
• Simple follow-up tactics that don’t feel annoying or salesy

If you’ve ever wondered how to build real relationships with clients in a way that feels good, you’re going to love Melissa’s insights.