And the second BREAKTHROUGH TIP #2 is ESTABLISH YOUR BOUNDARIES. As I got a bit older, those around me at work started to have families, and I noticed many parents would consistently leave at a certain time every day so that they could get home to spend valuable time with their kids. Working from home during the pandemic has made this a bit easier, as well as a bit more difficult, in terms of needing to be disciplined about turning-off from work at a certain time. Many of us have not had a clear delineation of working versus parenting time, given our kids have been home for most of the past two years. Many people would say that they now have more flexibility, but they would also admit that they are actually working more hours than before, have more difficulty turning off from work and being present as a parent/partner. This is why it is so important to SET & PROTECT YOUR BOUNDARIES, whether you are working remotely or going into a work location, or full-time parenting.
Many of us have not had a clear delineation of working versus parenting time, given our kids have been home for most of the past two years.
Here are 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SET & PROTECT YOUR BOUNDARIES:
- Establish a consistent schedule, and depending on your parenting and personality style and child’s needs, you may find it less stressful to be strict with your schedule, or to more use it as a guideline with some flexibility as needed. If you are working (outside of the home), set your start time, end time, and your sacredly protected times and stick to them. This will help you to not only work less, but better prioritise and timebox your work activities. Set an alarm in advance of your end time to signal it’s time to wrap things up.
- Have a plan, but be flexible to adjust as needed. For example, we need to give ourselves permission to change and adjust, as unexpected things can happen (e.g., priorities shift, deadlines change, people get sick, or resourcing/support falls through). So, have your plan, but be flexible, within reason and your non-negotiables.
- Plan “down-time” daily. Turn off your laptop and phone outside of working hours. If you’re not working, you’re not working! You’re not available. If you’re parenting, schedule some breaks or at least changes of scenery for yourself (e.g., going for a walk, taking a bath, meditating, etc.)
- Decline more offers / invitations to avoid overcommitting yourself. For example, set a limit on the number of activities that you will participate in weekly and monthly. If you’re already feeling stressed, do not take on extra commitments such as organising or hosting an event, or taking on an additional project at work or home.
- Optimise and protect your valuable energy by doing things like eating healthy, avoiding people who drain your energy (so important!), minimising or delegating tasks that you dread and/or drain your energy, and also planning activities in your schedule that lift / bring your energy back.
Optimising your energy is really a whole topic unto itself. In fact, we have a coaching program specifically focused on practical ways to help people improve their energy. Here is a testimonial from a mum who recently completed that coaching program:
After the birth of my second child, I was looking to improve my overall health and increase energy levels….The “90 Day Energy Boost” program gave me the motivation and accountability I needed to get myself back on track. The weekly check-ins were fantastic, and by the end of the program not only had I achieved my goals, but I’d also created some new habits and adopted some new creative ways of thinking. I would definitely recommend Stephanie’s services.
If this is of interest and something that you struggle with, please check out our coaching services/programs, contact us for a chat, or download our FREE GUIDE TO SELF-CARE here: www.elevateyourlifecoaching.com.au.
I sincerely hope that you are able to SET & PROTECT YOUR BOUNDARIES AND ENERGY as two key ways to reducing your stress and improving your happiness in your personal life as well.
Originally published here.
Video/audio format available here:
Stephanie Sullivan is a dual certified Life and Health Coach and founder of Elevate Your Life Coaching PTY LTD. After 23 years in demanding, high-stress corporate roles as a business consultant, then a corporate executive, she knows firsthand about stress and trying to balance career and parenting demands, along with personal needs and wellbeing. Now Steph’s purpose is helping people to make life changes to reduce stress, increase energy, and achieve their personal goals, life ambitions, and wellbeing.
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