May is an important month. It has two UK Bank Holidays in it for a start. The weather begins to warm up (usually) and the days grow longer - here in the northern hemisphere.
It’s also a month in which mental health and wellbeing are very much on the agenda. This year, more than ever it seems, we’ve seen bigger and better conversations on these topics. It’s yet another way in which the pandemic has impacted…this time, positively.
I knew I wanted to write a blog on the subject but I’ve been feeling there’s not much more to add. Rather than giving up on the idea, I thought I’d opt for a small and imperfectly formed offering. Focus: minimising the overwhelm.
There are 4 key, interconnected aspects of work and life that it’s good for us to tune into. In all the webinars, blogs, articles, videos, shared lived experience and interactions with coachees on the work-life equation, these fellas keep turning up.
I believe all increased pressure or stress comes back to these as we try to integrate our responsibilities at work and at home. And I love a mnemonic so…take CARE:
Communication - Don't be afraid to say you're having a tough time. The alternative – burning out - is a much greater inconvenience to work and/or family and YOU!
Awareness - Only focus on the things you can control. ‘Insanity is doing (or thinking btw) the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result’ (Einstein). Yes, I know you’ve heard that one before but why are you still doing it?! What are your triggers? Practise raising your awareness.
Routines - Spend 10 minutes a day being still. Switch off the phone, laptop, TV, radio, other people. Put breaks in your diary and treat them as important as work meetings. Find simple micro-moments of silence, it really is golden. Have you got 10 minutes?
Expectations - Be honest with colleagues, clients, manager , family and yourself. Manage expectations of what’s possible – ask, “Is this deadline do-able? Is that a realistic demand?” Practise ‘good enough’ over perfectionism when you can…and notice when that’s ok to do.
Paying close attention to our relationship with these 4 aspects of working and living is more important than ever in these times.
Take care…
*These tips and insights are preventative ideas and not enough for people already struggling with burnout or pre-existing conditions. If that’s you or a loved one, please seek specialist support: