I busted my bum in a stressful, fast-paced, high-stakes marketing job for over 20 years. I worked tirelessly and had a relentless work ethic. My career was everything. But then…Covid. Throughout the pandemic, things (and people) became unbearable for me. I thought the pandemic would make the world kinder, but not so. Coworkers and clients became spiteful and more demanding. The workload tripled, and round-the-clock availability was the new norm. Coworkers I had considered trustworthy and loyal friends were exposed as the fox in the henhouse - and I was the hen. I felt like a wisp-thin china plate that could explode into pieces under any amount of pressure. After a year of crying on Sunday nights and dreading every email that hit my inbox, I quit my job. I was done…cooked…burned out. It was beyond scary. I was sad and disappointed. I doubted my decision constantly and wondered if it was a mistake to walk away from such a massive part of my identity. At the same time, it was exhilarating. It was invigorating. I felt like I was finally surfacing after years of being underwater.
I spent the first few months religiously checking my phone to see what meetings I had (none), what emails were coming in (none), and what projects were due (none). As old work habits faded, I enjoyed the summers with my son in a way I’d never been able to do before. I volunteered at his school, did heaps of reading, and loads of laundry didn’t seem quite so overwhelming. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of “What’s next? Should I be doing more?” After the initial excitement of daily freedom wore off, I began to feel like I wasn’t accomplishing anything. Where were the days going? So, I began to throw myself into doing everything for others. Run errands for a parent? Sure! Pick up a nephew from practice? No problem. It was as if this new luxury of time drove me to do as much as possible for others in order to feel like I mattered. That eventually manifested into anxiety. I began waking at 3 am in a full-on panic. I was snappier in the mornings because I felt overwhelmed and paralyzed with an unstructured day on the horizon. I started to feel, quite frankly, invisible. With my career on the back burner, I realized that even with the privilege of this newfound time, it felt like I had no time at all - for me. I knew I had to do something…it was time to be proactive and make myself a priority again.
This brings me to this blog. Writing every day is itching a creative scratch I’ve had for years. I’m finding my voice again. However, I also knew I needed to start developing some healthy daily habits to help reprioritize my well-being. Taking care of myself had fallen by the wayside.
By practicing new habits and active mindset shifts, I’m learning that conscious self-awareness allows me to move forward in a healthy and positive way. I realize what works for me may not work for you, and that’s okay. You do you. But I hope that sharing what’s working for me will inspire you to put your oxygen mask on first.
Mornings
The Five Minute Journal: I received this journal as a gift several months ago and tucked it away on my bedside table. At first, it seemed silly. Write down what I’m grateful for? Why? I know what I’m thankful for. However, once I started using it, I realized the power of it. Each morning, I take a couple of minutes to use the prompts “I am grateful for…” “What would make today great?” And write my daily affirmation. It’s incredible how the power of intention sets the tone for the day.
Meditation: My mom took my brother and me to learn transcendental meditation (TM) when I was just five years old. Looking back, I suspect she sought ways to calm my hyperactive brother. That being said, I have practiced on and off my whole life. I had gotten away from it the last few years and have returned to the practice. I find it helps keep me calm and centered. I’ve noticed that when I don’t do it, I feel a bit foggier and scattered. I believe that a specific meditation program does come with a fee, but there are so many other sources of information on various forms of meditation on the internet, free of charge.
Reading: After I’ve completed my meditation, I allow myself 30 minutes or so to read. Allowing myself to do something I love at the beginning of the day makes it easier to tackle things that I don’t quite love to do. Not into reading? Take the time to do something you do enjoy, even if it’s endless TikTok scrolling.
Afternoons
Mindful Lunch: Now that it’s nicer outside, I take my lunch and sit in the sun or fresh air to eat my lunch. It’s nice to walk away from the computer and appreciate the break from the day. When it’s not pleasant outside, I make a point to leave the room I’m working from and take that time, however long or short, to change my surroundings.
Daily Breaks: I try to work in 30-minute increments and take a small 5-minute break in between. I read somewhere that the most successful college students do this when studying, so I’ve applied it to my writing. I do find that when I return, I have a fresh idea or see something from a new perspective. I even keep a little timer next to me as I have a tendency to hyperfocus and let time get away from me.
Afternoon Walk: I’ve always been religious about walking. It’s the one thing that helped save my sanity during Covid. My daily walks are a necessity. I listen to audiobooks or podcasts and pay attention to my surroundings. It helps me turn off my brain and escape reality for a little while. If walking isn’t your jam, find another way to move your body, even for 20 minutes.
Evenings
Tech Hiatus: My son said to me recently - “Whenever I get home from school, you're on your phone a lot.” GAH! That gutted me a bit. I now put my phone out of eyesight (usually into my desk drawer) so I can be present with the people I love. Do I get it out later? Maaaaybe. But having those couple of hours away from any technology has allowed me to be present in the moment much more than when I'm staring at a tiny screen.
Baths: I love love love a good bath. I can’t fit one in every night, but when I do, I throw in some Epsom salts and essential oils, light a candle, pick up my book, or veg out with my thoughts. It helps me wind down, and I usually sleep better on those nights. After I get out, I use a magnesium lotion or spray on the bottom of my feet. I find it helps me stay in a deeper sleep during the night. Is that all in my head? Maybe…but using it makes me feel like it’s helping.
The Five-Minute Journal: I end my day with the final prompts in the Five-Minute Journal—“Highlights of the Day” and “What did I learn today?” It’s a great way to review the day and take stock of what I accomplished.
Again, I'm not saying the above is everyone's cup of tea, and none of this is groundbreaking or new. But it's aiding me in becoming happier and healthier and ensuring I continue to make myself a priority in my life! I would love to hear from you if you have any specific routines or habits that help you stay centered and calm!
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