Let’s build a better balance in 2024

Now the longest January, in the history of January, is over, we can truly start to consider what we want for the rest of the year (and beyond!). One area that is a common conversation within coaching sessions is around balance, the pressure of the mental load, and how to feel like we have more time for ourselves. Rather than reinvent the wheel, and to help you get right to the juicy information, I thought I would round up some recent blogs that will help you build a better balance in 2024.

 

If you are a regular reader of the blog, you may find these articles are a little repetitive. However, research finds the best way to build a new habit or perspective is through repetition, so I am unapologetic in bringing these all to your attention again! 

So, without further ado, let’s start sharing!

 

Why self-compassion is necessary!

Compassion and kindness are feelings that many people can easily feel for others, their friends, families, colleagues, and communities. But often it’s not something we automatically do for ourselves. It’s not just nice, it’s good for you, and other people. Research has found that people who are kind and compassionate feel benefits to their wellbeing. It reduces stress, reduces feelings of isolation, connects new, positive communities, and even helps you be more productive at work. Wouldn’t you want to feel this way? Read more here. 

 

Why you balance boundaries needs to be re-evaluated.

I’ve had the joy of working with people at varying stages of parenthood. For people returning to work after their first child, to parents looking at the next step in their career journey when their youngest “flies the nest.” What has been common through all these periods of transition is the awareness gained through coaching that when life changes, so can your boundaries! Hanging on to outdated expectations of how life can look can block what they do next. You can read more about my journey and some tips here. 

 

Naming the mental load is the first step!

It’s exhausting managing all the emotions, needs and to-do lists of those in your life, as well as yourself. It may be that you are the default parent at home, the default carer in your family and the default supporter at work. It doesn’t leave very much space for yourself. So, I want you to work your way through these blogs to help you plan for yourself. By making sure that you are managing your energy and your boundaries you can begin to create a life that allows you the scope to thrive. First, prioritize rest. Next, create YOUR version of productive by streamlining your attention and your decision-making. Finally, make yourself a plan; there is only so much you can control, but creating a toolkit to help you manage pressure points can help. 

 

Learn, then apply!

There is a wealth of resources that are so useful to help build your balance toolkit. Social media, podcasts, documentaries, mentors, coaches and, my preferred tools, books! However, consuming without action can negatively affect your balance, as you can feel awash with information, with no time to apply it. So, whatever way you consume, make sure you consider this one question. What do you want to do with it? It’s the underlying question whenever I read a non-fiction book and helps me create the “lessons learned” within my book review. So, grab your highlighters, notebooks, or e-notepads, and be conscious of your consumption. If you want to find the four best balance lessons I have learned from books, you read them here. 

 

 

I’d love to know what works for you. What balance habits are you leaving in the past, and which are you establishing in 2024? Come over to Careers to Enjoy to share with over 500 people, who happen to be parents, working on creating their version of a career to enjoy not endure!