A lesson in prioritizing mental health

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love."

(Brené Brown)

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At the beginning of this year I decided to write a post every week if possible because I really enjoy it. It wasn't planned as mandatory, yet, last week, as the days passed and Sunday evening approached, the pressure grew as I hadn't written a post that week. The guilt set in, and then I realized I was being too hard on myself.

The expectations we often place on ourselves create unnecessary stress and affect our mental wellbeing. We need to self-reflect and understand that we need to allow ourselves some flexibility.

We tend to place high demands on ourselves, be it in our professional endeavors, our fitness goals or our personal projects. While ambition and dedication are admirable qualities, it's important to recognize the importance of self-compassion. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we must learn to adapt and change our plans accordingly. And when we do, we shouldn't feel guilty or the need to constantly apologize.

Missing our own deadline for a post or skipping a training session shouldn't be a reason to berate ourselves. It's important to listen to our bodies and our minds and understand when we need to take a break or readjust our priorities.

Putting extra pressure on ourselves will only affect our mental health and overall wellbeing. Instead, we should strive to maintain a healthy balance, be kind to ourselves and treat ourselves with the same compassion and understanding we would show a friend in a similar situation. - You wouldn't talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in such circumstances, would you?

So if you find yourself in a similar situation and feel guilty about missing your personal deadline or skipping a workout, be gentle with yourself. Life is a journey with ups and downs, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Be flexible, prioritize your mental health, and remember that self-compassion is the key to a fulfilling and balanced life.

With this being said, I wish you a lovely Sunday,

E

6 simple tips for improving work-life balance in the New Year

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life."

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I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this time I did: I promised myself to have a better work-life balance in 2024.

Last year, I found myself constantly working overtime or not taking breaks and neglecting my personal time. So towards the end of last year, I started making a conscious effort to find a better balance.

This resolution has a huge impact, improving not only mental but also physical health and leading to an increase in overall wellbeing and happiness. By focusing on maintaining a healthy balance, this year can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life.

If you too would like to achieve better harmony, here are some tips for an improved work-life balance:

✨ 1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific working hours and stick to them. Avoid working outside of the defined hours and - depending on your job - checking work emails or calls.

✨ 2. Prioritize and delegate: Learn to prioritize tasks effectively and delegate them when necessary and possible. Identify the most important tasks and focus on completing them efficiently.

✨ 3. Take breaks and rest: Make sure you take regular breaks throughout the working day. Step away from your desk, stretch, take a short walk and refresh your mind. Also try not to eat your lunch in front of the computer. Additionally, ensure that you get enough sleep every night and when you are on vacation, stop thinking about work and recharge your batteries.

✨ 4. Plan and organize: Plan your days and weeks in advance so you don't find yourself rushing at the last minute. Set realistic goals and create to-do lists to stay organized. This will help you to reduce stress.

✨ 5. Learn to say no: It's important that you learn to say no when your agenda is already full. Taking on too much can lead to burnout and negatively impact your work-life balance. Prioritize your own well-being and be selective about additional commitments.

✨ 6. Engage in self-care activities: Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress. Whether it's playing sports, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones or engaging in other personal interests, make sure you take time for yourself and enjoy the process.

Remember that work-life balance is a long journey and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. Be patient and persistent in implementing these tips to achieve a healthier balance in the long run.

How do you maintain balance in your life? If you have any other tips, leave them in a comment below.

I wish you a great journey. 💕

With best wishes,

E