It's my final day of vacation with my family, and I've really had some time to think over the last week about the power of rest and recovery.
I don't know about you, but lately I've been consumed by work and responsibilities. Desperately trying to balance competing demands from clients, family, and personal goals, things were creaking. After a sequence of 18 hour days last week (ewww)... this holiday came at the perfect time. And I should know better, I'm a freakin' Burnout Coach after all. But old habits die hard, and my boundaries with work and what I do have never been super clear because, let's face it, I freakin' live and BREATHE this stuff. Yeah I know, where's my medal?
Listen up. As high achievers, it can be difficult for us to set limits. We take on too much and feel stretched too thin. And we know the facts - having poor boundaries can lead to burnout and diminish our wellbeing.
That's why learning to set boundaries and detach is so critical. It's something I actively practice, and I'll confess I've needed to be firmer with myself lately but it's working.
Here are some simple yet powerful ways to start:
- Schedule daily buffer time in your calendar to focus and recharge. Guard this space fiercely.
- When you leave work (whether that be a physica location or ESPECIALLY if it's in your house like me) create a transition ritual - play uplifting music in the car, take a quick walk, or do a short meditation.
- Turn off notifications on your laptop and phone outside of work hours. The 'Focus' feature on iphone is your bestie!
- Learn to say no to non-essential meetings and tasks that don’t align with your priorities. 'No' is a complete sentence btw.
- Delegate responsibilities to others when you are close to burnout. Ask others for support, or outsource things like laundry, cleaning or admin tasks.
- Unplug from technology and social media for blocks of time each day or week.
- Reframe thoughts of guilt when taking time for you. Self-care preserves your mental space to excel in all areas.
- Start small but be consistent. Protecting your time and energy will help you show up as your best self at work and home. You deserve nourishment, focus and joy.
This one's for your inner saboteur 👇
You might be thinking, "Aimee it's too tricky for me right now. I have XYZ to do when I get home or finish work etc" I hear you. So I've written you some detachment rituals that I hope will help:
What boundaries will you start setting today?
That's all for this week, Glow-Getters! Remember, your Glow Zone is unique to you. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it shine.
Until next time, keep glowing!
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