Work-Life Harmony: Blending Real Self-Care and Productivity
Written by Holly Perez, Life Coach of H.A.P. Organizing
While most people talk about the concept of work-life balance, and that being the ultimate goal, I don’t look at it that way. In order to have “balance”, that implies 50-50 balance. True 50-50 balance does not exist. Knowing us entrepreneurs of small businesses, it seems near impossible to structure an actual schedule that’s only half work. A lot of us started the business because we’re passionate about helping people, and to attract the right audience, customers, workshop attendees - well that takes time and effort. So instead, I encourage people to think of going for work-life “harmony” instead. It is attainable!
Here’s the hard part - my big struggle in life has been making myself a priority. Day to day, that looks like, forgetting I need food to fuel my energy, neglecting to take a break to use the bathroom, and ignoring an ache to where it eventually becomes chronic pain before addressing it in any way. I’ve hit burnout 3 times, in overworking and losing myself at my desk. A lesson that I’ve learned throughout all of this is that I cannot truly have a thriving life and business if it takes sacrificing my own well-being. Often, productivity and success can come at a cost, and if that cost is literally your mental and physical health, then is productivity and success really worth it?
Now, if you’re like me and haven’t made yourself your number one priority, it is going to be necessary that we come up with our own particular strategies for REAL, restorative self-care. This differs from person to person. It’s listening to your body and your heart - what you specifically need, and then providing it to yourself. That can change from season to season, and even times throughout your day.
The reality is that taking some steps toward work-life harmony can involve small actions. As long as they are intentional and rooted in what really matters to you, and what’s going to restore you.
So I encourage my friends, family, clients, and mentees to just do what they can to harmoniously blend in the self-care they need, amongst their busy schedules.
I challenge you to make a list of ideas to implement, with the aim of improving your own self-care. Below are some preliminary ideas to get started in your brainstorming. I admit, it’s often hard for me to carve out the time and space to do this, but every time I make the choice to use a strategy or two, I’m way better off for it, and afterwards I can get back to actual productivity without feeling like I’m burning the candle at both ends.
The strategies are separated into three categories by how much time, effort, money, energy they take. The goal is to sprinkle just what you can throughout your days, weeks, months, and beyond. I think you’ll be surprised at just how impactful smaller steps can be, if done frequently. They can help prevent burnout, frazzle and overwhelm. They’ll help you feel better, and in turn, help you make the impact you want to make in your client’s lives, as well as your families, households, and communities.
Easy steps getting started in your self-care journey
-Taking 5 minutes to journal per day. A simple practice that could include 1 thing you’re proud of yourself for, 1 thing you’re grateful for, 1 thing you’re wanting for yourself, and 1 thing that’s taking up a lot of your current brain space.
- Taking a walk or doing some kind of mindful movement.
- Taking a shower or listening to calming music without distractions or outside input.
- Laying down on a yoga mat with eyes closed.
- A 10-minute helpful video of a practice to follow along with. Some of my favorites are Yoga with Adrienne (Neck, Shoulders, and the upper back body), and Tai Chi and Mountains (Wake Up and Warm Up).
- a simple snack, something with fruit and protein, for example.
- a warm cup of herbal tea
- go through and declutter a drawer
A level up in taking time for yourself
- a group Sound Bath with Cinsy Dinges at Harmonic Glowing
- an hour long bubble bath with candles lit
- wellness class such as pilates
- Hike at a nearby nature trail
- meditation for 30 minutes to an hour, focusing on the breath
- a trip to the gym just for hot tub time
Even better when really committed to your personal wellbeing
- 1:1 therapy or coaching
- 1:1 service such as massage, facial, sound meditation session
- vacation with friends that “get you”
- a nourishing retreat with like-minded business women such as the WEbiz retreat ;)
Because it can be hard to just read off a list and remember what to do, you can download a free Self-Care Menu printable. That way, you can pick and choose based on what time and ability you have to take a step.
When we really take care of ourselves, we can better serve others. I know it’s cliche to say that, but it really is true - our mental and physical health does matter as business owners. You didn’t start the business to sacrifice your ability to thrive. And we want you to thrive in all the ways you deserve.
This blog post was written by Holly Perez, a life coach who brings practical organizing, decluttering, and time management strategies into her work with recovering perfectionists. Holly dives deep with clients into the root of their mental and physical clutter, and works with them to remove the roadblocks in the way of living the life they want to live. Find out more at www.haporganizing.com.