Avoiding Burnout

My need for a better work life balance

In the whirlwind of running my creative business, the concept of a good work life balance seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford, rather than a necessity. Clocking in over 60 hours a week, I found myself trapped in a relentless cycle of deadlines and demands, where the joy of creating had dimmed, and the shadow of burnout loomed large.

I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It was a wake-up call I couldn't ignore. So, I embarked on a transformative journey to reclaim my time, my health, my personal interests, and my passion for my work.

In this post, I'm sharing the pivotal changes I made to foster a healthier work life balance, the self care routines that became my lifeline, and the productivity strategies that helped me rediscover the joy in my work.

Whether you're an entrepreneur teetering on the edge of burnout or a creative soul seeking harmony and healthy balance between your passions and your peace, this story is for you.

I was tired and overwhelmed and I knew I needed to create some healthy habits.

Work related stress

Have you ever woken up with a sense of dread, feeling as though the weight of the world rests on your shoulders, anticipating a mountain of problems awaiting your attention? That was my reality every morning. Opening my email, I was greeted not with the promise of a new day, but with a heavy sense of foreboding.

As the day progressed, the initial sense of foreboding would fade, but in its place lingered another heavy burden that shadowed me throughout the day. Bound by self-imposed deadlines, the joy in my work had vanished, leaving me to wonder how I could sustain this pace.

The situation was further complicated when Dom left his job over a year ago to work from home and help me. His support lightened my workload, and we accomplished more together. However, the loss of his steady income introduced a new layer of fear; the financial security we once relied on was gone, and it all rested on my shoulders now.

I was stuck on a hamster wheel of relentless demands and unyielding pressures, running faster and faster yet finding myself in the same place - exhausted, unfulfilled, and yearning for a change.

Personal time went out the window over the past few years.

Poor work life balance - working from home

Working from home, is wonderful but it played a significant role in tipping the scales toward my poor work life balance.

My week was a relentless cycle, beginning each day around 7 a.m. in the studio, pausing only for a brief 20-minute lunch break, then pushing through until the evening. After a short break for dinner and some time with Dom, I’d find myself drawn back into work, writing blog posts and researching until I was too tired to do any more. This demanding schedule was the norm six days a week, with a slightly later start on Saturdays. These long hours began to affect my mental health. However, Sundays offered a cherished pause from this routine. On this day, Dom and I dedicated our time to our little grandson, embracing a day filled with play and laughter. This precious time became a much-needed respite from the pressures of the week.

The concept of switching off from work became foreign to me; it enveloped my surroundings constantly. My only true breaks were necessities, personal activities like dental appointments, grocery shopping or haircuts, further blurring the lines between my professional and personal life.

Tired, devoid of enthusiasm, and finding no joy in my work, I realised I hadn't allowed myself any time to relax, to exercise, or to simply be away from work. It was clear I couldn't continue on this path - I needed to make changes.

I needed to improve work life balance.

Creating a healthy work life balance

Working fewer hours

To begin the changes necessary for reclaiming my well being, I started by adjusting my work schedule. Instead of the early 7:00 a.m. start, I give myself permission to begin the day an hour later. This allows me to embrace the morning more leisurely. I still wake up at the crack of dawn but rather than diving straight into checking work emails, I do other things. Some mornings I dedicate time to read some of Eckhart Tolle's books about being present. Eckhart's teachings on mindfulness reminded me of the importance of being present, encouraging me to step away from the whirlwind of thoughts and concerns about the future that often occupied my mind.

Three books by Eckhart Tolle. "A New Earth," "Stillness Speaks," and "The Power of Now".

Now, my workday finishes at 4:30 p.m., which is when Dom brings Leo, outside for a walk. This has become a cherished part of our day, where we wander through the garden, discussing our day and planning for the next. This shift not only helped in setting boundaries for my work hours but also enriched the quality of our personal lives, embedding moments of connection and reflection into each day.

Leo on one of his afternoon walks.

I have also given myself permission to take Saturdays off. That gives me a day to myself every week where I can catch up with housework and do anything other than work.

Physical Health

Back in my younger days, I was an avid gym-goer, immersing myself in the world of fitness with a passion. Aerobics, spin cycling, and Les Mills Body Pump classes filled my schedule five days a week. However, over the past few years, my physical activity dwindled to nothing more than the short walks between my house and the studio. My body felt the neglect; the aches were a constant reminder. Living with scoliosis and various back and neck issues means that regular exercise isn't just beneficial for me - it's essential. Despite this, finding the time and mustering the willpower for exercise had become seemingly impossible tasks.

So, last October, Dom and I decided to invest in a pair of bikes, and since then, we've been cycling almost daily. Each afternoon, after our walk with Leo and - weather permitting, we cover a distance of 20 kilometres (about 12 miles).

You might be wondering, "20km every day? At your age, how is that possible?" Well, let me clarify - they're pedal-assist electric bikes. So, while the exercise might be considered moderate, it certainly counts as physical activity. We return from each ride with our faces flushed, sweat on our brows and tired leg muscles 💪🏻. Given the numerous hills in our area, attempting this on standard bikes might have been overly ambitious for us oldies.

This ritual of daily cycling serves as more than just physical exercise; it's become quality time for me because it helps me to unwind after a long day. Our home is in a rural area, and the road we ride on is quite breathtaking. It winds through the forest, bringing us up close to nature, and stretches across lush green paddocks where cows graze peacefully. Along our journey, we see lots of different birds, some kangaroos and wallabies, and even a few snakes 😳. Twice we have stopped to help a little turtle cross the road safely. These rides not only provide me with exercise but they help my mental well being. They help me to feel like I'm beginning to achieve a healthier work life balance.

Going on a bike ride in the afternoon as often as possible.

Dom moving a turtle off the road and into the nearby creek.

It’s a picturesque ride and I pass lots of cows on the way.

One of the many friendly cows I encounter on my afternoon bike ride.

Time Management

Cutting back on work hours necessitated trimming my to-do list as well. A significant time consumer was the creation of YouTube videos. For years, I released one video per week. However, due to the time-intensive nature of video production, maintaining this pace became unsustainable. I've since decided to publish a new video biweekly rather than weekly. Making this change has felt incredibly liberating, as if a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Now, I find myself with more time to focus on work that is more important.

Finding Time for Other Activities

In my search for a better work-life balance, I realised the importance of reintroducing other things to home life that once brought me joy. Reading fiction, was a passion I had neglected for over a decade. Determined to reignite this love, I recently visited a bookstore and selected a few titles that sparked my interest. Now, each evening after dinner, I carve out time to immerse myself in a book, diving into a few chapters while Dom finds his own escape in video games on the PlayStation. This simple change has added a new layer of enjoyment to my daily routine, allowing me moments of peace and escape.

Another pastime I've rediscovered is the world of jigsaw puzzles. I find doing a puzzle helps to manage stress levels. There's something calming about piecing it together; it's an activity that requires focus yet allows my mind to rest. So I invested in a jigsaw table that conveniently folds away, along with a selection of puzzles. Now, when I'm not lost in the pages of a book, you'll find me engrossed in assembling jigsaw puzzles, piece by piece, finding peace in the quiet concentration they demand.

Some books from Anne Cleeves I’m currently reading.

I love doing 1000 piece, or more, jigsaw puzzles to relax of an evening.

I've discovered that taking breaks to enjoy activities unrelated to work not only rejuvenates me but also makes me more focused and productive when I am working.

Some ideas for work life balance

If you find yourself, like me, stuck in a rut of deadlines and work demands here are some ideas to help you to reduce stress, practice self compassion and spend time doing things you love.

Set clear boundaries

Define specific work hours and try to stick to them. Ensure you have a dedicated workspace, and when it's time to stop working, physically step away from that space and make yourself do things other than work.

Cultivate a morning routine

Start your day with a routine that energises and centres you. This could include exercise, reading, meditation, or a creative hobby. Beginning your day with something uplifting can provide a positive outlook for the work to come. Leave the emails for later in the morning.

Delegate when possible

Delegating work is crucial, especially when it involves tasks that don’t necessarily need your personal touch. Learning to trust others with these can free up a significant amount of your time and reduce stress. For instance, I've entrusted Dom with several responsibilities I used to manage myself. One of the tasks he has taken over is the reviewing of tutorials before I export them, ensuring the content is clear and the editing is polished. This allows me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work. Effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also empowers others, enhancing overall productivity.

Incorporate exercise

Regular exercise isn’t just good for the body; it also helps you to feel less stressed. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or a bike ride, find something that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Connect with family

Ensure you carve out time in your schedule for family and friends. Relationships are crucial for emotional support and can provide a pleasant escape from the pressures of work.

Me and my grandson outside on a beautiful winter Sunday.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness has been transformative for me, especially in managing burnout. By focusing fully on the task at hand and setting aside negative thoughts, I've noticed a significant shift in my stress levels and overall happiness. Eckhart Tolle teaches that by concentrating more on the process rather than the outcome, we can disrupt old patterns driven by ego. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of our actions but also makes the experience more fulfilling and joyful.

Pursue a hobby

I like to crochet when I’m in the mood.

Engage in hobbies that disconnect you from your work and reconnect you with your passions or interests. Whether it's painting, music, crafting, or cooking, spending time on these activities can be incredibly therapeutic and fulfilling.

In summary, adopting a healthier work life balance isn't just about reducing work hours; it's about enriching your entire lifestyle. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and making time for physical health, family, and hobbies, you create a life that's not only productive but also joyful and sustainable. This journey might require some adjustments and patience, but the payoff - a life where work and personal fulfilment coexist harmoniously - is undoubtedly worth it.

If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.

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