THE ART OF BALANCE

It is not uncommon in 2020 for us to juggle our 9-5’s around the side hustle and potentially even another part time job. There are so many of us juggling, hustling and grinding, it becomes the norm and you forget how hard you are actually working. In today’s climate, it is totally normal for us to get a full 8 hours nights sleep only a couple of days a week and even less if you have children. Something I have incorporated into my routine is balancing my time to ensure that I am looking after my physical and mental wellbeing. You know what they say, work hard, play hard, but before you can even get to the ‘play’ part, while you are working you need to work smart so you do not burn out. Here are some things I would recommend incorporating into your life to achieve balance.

• Write a to do list for the day ahead, the night before

I find writing my to do list a day ahead helps me to focus my time and it mentally prepares me. I used to write my to do lists a week in advance, but I found that I overestimated what I could achieve for a day and that made me feel really discouraged and I constantly felt like I was behind. The key, write realistic goals for your day, think about how long each task will take. Be kind to yourself, sometimes a day of nothing is exactly what you need. Never feel bad for prioritising your well being.

• Factor in your wind down time in to your day

When writing your to do list factor in you time everyday. I would recommend taking some time in the morning and the evening, even if it is 15 mins. Take time away from social media, and do something that makes you feel relaxed, Netflix, music, reading. I like to read the bible, devotionals, and pray, it really makes me feel zen.

• Health is wealth, get active and eat well

Sometimes when you are on the go trying to get through your to do list you neglect your health. It sounds so simple, but remember to eat well, eat plenty of fruit and veg and drink plenty of water. Alongside this, ensure you keep active. This does not have to be gym or home workouts, this could just mean going on a lunchtime walk. 

• Balance your time on social media apps

This one is a key. So many of us have taken needed social media breaks, which is amazing to do every once in a while. Something that has really helped me is social media planning apps UNUM and Unfold. Planning apps take away the stress of posting on instagram and saves so much time. You do not have to be on social media to plan and when you are ready to post, the content is already ready, win. I know that so many of us, particularly creatives, rely on having a consistent social media presence as business so taking a break once in a while and using planning apps can be really helpful to balance your time on socials and protect your mental wellbeing.

• If you have a 9-5, utilise your annual leave by taking some random long weekends in the year

The beauty of long weekends. The culture says, save up your annual leave until you go on holiday or use it when you really need it, but a little break is better than no break. Listen to your body, signs of burnout can be reduced performance, emotional and physical exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed. When you are pushing yourself as hard as you are while you are grinding, burn out is a real possibility and it is ok to take a pause to recharge your batteries.

What are some of your tips to achieving balance in your day? I would love to know what you think. 

Love Dominique