Practicing Self-Care with a Busy Schedule
The Wisdom of WOC is a weekly advice column where the WOC Community can submit its questions about fundraising and philanthropy, and have them answered by our founder, Yolanda F. Johnson, and special guest editors from the WOC community.
From Our Mailbag
Q: How can I feel refreshed and reset my work-life balance without a lot of time off and a very busy schedule?
—Frustrated in PNW
A: This is a great question! I have three suggestions for you. As a hyper-efficient dreamer who likes to see her vision come to life in real time, these are tools I use to find solace even within a very busy life and schedule.
Breakfast of Champions
First, how you start each day will most often set the tone for the hours ahead. So, I suggest prayer or meditation; whatever works for you. It will help you take time to reflect on the day ahead, who you want to be, how you want to show up, what you'd like to accomplish and energize you to move forward.
Daily Re-center Moment
Second, if you can find a moment within each day to re-center yourself, that can be a great refresher.
This can be just 15 minutes of quiet, on a walk, in your room or closing your office door, in a private break room, whatever. Just time to yourself without interruption. Perhaps you can take a quick nap or nod off, while listening to your favorite music. You may want to play a computer game or one on your phone if you enjoy that.
However you begin this time, start with a bit of aromatherapy in the form of a hand lotion you enjoy and when you end, before that door opens, breathe in and out several times before you open the door to the rest of the day.
Setting Boundaries and Setting Aside Time
Third, having a day of rest, whatever day it may be, is important if at all possible. Protect this time to do whatever it is you enjoy doing.
This may also include worship services, spending time with friends and family, reading magazines, binge watching your favorite show, cooking, trying new cuisine, you name it. Just...rest and relax and do whatever it is you enjoy.
On my day of rest, I refuse to work or check my work e-mail. And even if it’s not directly work related, if I don’t want to do it, I won’t do it. It can wait.
Then I ask myself what I would like to be doing at that moment, and within reason, I turn right around and do that instead. Am I going to really complete that paperwork? Nope. Going to go outside and sip some lemonade.
Special Mention
How you sleep can also affect your ability to refresh and regroup. So, keep an eye on how well you are sleeping and how many hours of sleep you’re getting. A sleep journal works well for many people to jot down their thoughts to release them so they don’t take them to bed.
Tired people are often irritable people who snack on unhealthy foods (see “hangry”) and make mistakes in their work. Don’t be one of those if you can help it. You deserve so much more!
This Week’s Expert
Yolanda F. Johnson
Founder of WOC
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