Creating More Balance
Regardless of your line of work, it is likely you feel a constant pressure to be continuously productive, either self-pressure or due to society’s normalisation of busy; of always being ‘on’, always being available.
Balance can feel elusive. As a coach, I witness the deep unhappiness and dis-ease this way of life creates over time. Burnout was a word not commonly used a few years ago, now it is evident (to varying degrees), in the majority of individuals I coach.
I am deeply passionate about role modelling to all I encounter, the importance of living a balanced and fulfilled life. My story however, did not start here. I was once upon a time, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at my desk. I felt a constant stress in my jaw and a tightness in my stomach. I paced (stomped!) the work floor with speed, and my mind lived in the future, rarely in the present.
So, how can you start to create more balance in your life? More health. More happiness. More alignment. Less exhaustion. Less scrambling. Less overwhelm. Less despair.
Do What You’re Doing - If you are going for a walk for example, go for just that; a walk. Listen to the birdlife and be present with what you’re doing. Simply because your phone is available to you, you don’t need to check it, or call someone, or listen to something whilst walking. Decide right now, to reduce the constant stimulation. Recharge and be present with nature or whatever reenergise’s you.
Reclaim Your Power - You have far more control than you could ever imagine. Your current life is largely, a result of your decisions. Therefore, what decisions do you need to make to create more balance? What do you need to ditch? This could include outdated storylines, other people’s expectations (real or imagined), and burnout-inducing habits or workplaces. You teach people how to treat you. So, what are you going to teach others about how to treat you?
Digital Wellbeing - It’s time to get brutally honest with yourself. Ditch the meaningless scrolling and the information overload - the sources hitting you from all angles and promising you happiness are out of control; podcasts, non-fiction books / audio books, marketing emails, social media to name a few. Practice discernment in the information you choose to consume.
Grounding Choices - What practices or habits do you have in your life that truly support you to build stability and strength both physically and mentally? What do you know supports you and what do you know needs to go. Create a list of habits that support you to be your strongest and most resilient self. You may wish to use the headings ‘stop’, ‘start’, ‘continue’.
Time Block - “Batch” responses to messages, email and work. A scattered approach is a major drain on your time and focus. Most importantly, time block space for yourself and the activities you know support you, and build in ‘buffer time’ to your day so you’re not constantly scrambling and feeling like you didn’t achieve what you wanted at the end of the day. Decide now, to set yourself up for success!
If you wish to work on your career or any these specific areas, please reach out today to discuss how coaching can support you to shift from where you are, to where you want to be.