Inspired by the recent Contemplation by Design Summit, taking time to “enjoy the power of the pause” helps re-establish balance, tranquility, compassion, and energy. As we approach the holiday season with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we are in a period that is full of gratitude and reflection … and also a busy, chaotic, and stressful time for many!
There have been many conversations happening organically in our community around the challenges of balancing work, life, and making time for self-care. There are many of you who are navigating parenthood, caring for aging parents, going to school while working, and so much more. Take a look below at a few examples of how our colleagues are managing work-life balance and self-care.
Molly Sharp
Manager, Business Relations and Planning
I have a challenging job, two teenagers, a husband, and a dog – and I want to focus my energy on all of them! Lately, my parents have started needing more care as well, and they live far away. This means more trips, more phone calls, and more emotional overhead. My biggest challenge is trying to balance all of that, and still take care of myself. Three things help me get through:
- I put on my own oxygen mask before assisting others, through prioritizing regular exercise, and some daily downtime that is just for me, even if it’s only 30 minutes.
- I’m getting better about being kind to myself in my thoughts and not criticizing myself when inevitably I can’t do everything I would like to do.
- Whenever I can, I slow down and take pleasure in the little things. Even doing the dishes can be relaxing with the right mindset, whereas in the past I might have rushed through them as an obstacle to the thing I really want to be doing.
Virginia Tang Ibarra
Revenue Operations Manager
As a working parent, work-life balance and self-care requires constant effort. A couple of things I do to help me are:
- Taking time for myself. If I don’t make the time to recharge and reset, I am no good to my family or colleagues. I also realized I have to schedule time to do this or it does not happen. So put it on your calendar!
- Taking time to build and maintain relationships, including with family members. Having a strong network of supportive relationships to lean on is so important. These relationships can help you share the load and take the weight off your shoulders when you need it.
Alicia Kirton
Service Desk Analyst
Working full time, attending college, and volunteering at two non-profits requires me to truly reflect upon how I manage my time. There are a number of things I have put into practice to improve my ability to get things done, and to help me relax.
- I remove distractions. I took away the television from my bedroom, which allows me to focus on class readings and helps ensure that I get adequate amounts of sleep. I also deleted social media apps from my mobile devices and begun to say "no" to non-required activities and sometimes even to family and friends.
- For relaxation, I take early morning walks before the roosters are up. I find the crisp, morning air to be refreshing, freeing up my mind as I prepare for a busy day.
- Each day is managed carefully by my calendar, which I keep on my mobile phone and computer. I find it challenging to engage in unplanned activities as they require me to deviate from my planned schedule. However, I try to do so as time allows, as long as I am not taking away from important plans.
- Prior to closing my eyes for bed, I read a few chapters and journal my daily thoughts, which helps me relax and prepare for sleep.
