Manage Yourself in a More, More, More Society with 5 Steps!

​Managing your attention, time and energy can be overwhelming. In fact, let’s be real – add in a personal life, family, friends, children, chores, pets, bills, along with all the jokes life plays on us, it is incredibly hard to manage everything. 

​Our society has increasingly asked us to provide more, more, more because why not?

Our innovation is progressive and technology has gifted us with opportunities to work and play far beyond our past generations, so why aren't we giving more? 

There’s been so much talk about burnout. And then there was talk about how ‘not’ to burnout. And then came the talk of balance. So which is it? Working on not to burnout or working on balance? 

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​When I’m working with clients (mid-level/senior management leaders and executives), it sometimes seems like an easy answer. More times than none I hear, "I know I know, I'll take a vacation, but I haven't had time."

People assume taking the vacation and disengaging for a little bit will solve all their problems. They will feel refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. While this strategy seems like the plausible answer and will relieve you of some of your stresses, it is not sustainable. So yes, take that vacation, but begin to assess your life's habits and start thinking about living holistically. 

Burnout > Recharge > Burnout > Recharge is NOT the way you should be living. Instead think about your work and personal life as oneself. Start living holistically by meeting all the needs of YOU, first. 

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5 Steps to Help Manage Yourself in a "more, more, more" Society:

1. Breathing Exercises/Meditation

• Meditation has been a ROCKSTAR for over 5,000 years! It's consistent, it works and if you're not meditating, you're not living.
• Benefits of Meditation from The Art of Living.
• Check Resource Page for breathing apps.
• YouTube has some great guided breathing exercises. Here's one that I like or search for "guided breathing exercises" and pick something that works for you. 

2. Brain Exercises
Most of us unconsciously and naturally lean towards one side of our brain. When it comes to work, we are dependent on what feels "natural."
Depending on your work and lifestyle, our go-to side of the brain is utilized more often.

• Use brain teasers to exercise brain muscles.
• Just as you go to the gym to exercise and build muscle strength, your brain needs exercising too – especially if you are wanting to reach your highest potential and lead at your highest capacity
• Brain Teasers.

3. Health and Wellness

• Your body is your temple – Keep is clean, well fed and in good health. You cannot work your best if you are not working with your best self.
• You’ve heard it time and time again, but it’s the truth - Stay physically active and eat the right food. 
• Apps to Help You Stay Fit and Healthy 
• My favorite app to document food intake and workouts - Myfitnesspal - They also send you great articles and food recipes directly to your email. 

4. Find Your Outlet/Try Something New

• You NEED an outlet. Photography, fishing, crafts, sports leagues, etc. You need something outside of your everyday activities to give your brain and body a rest. 
• Give yourself something that allows you to "refresh" weekly or monthly. 
• Step outside your comfort zone at least once a month and try something new.
• A new adventure will give you increased energy, self-awareness and confidence. 
• 17 Hobbies to Try if You Suck at Hobbies - BuzzFeed
• 9 Out of the Box Activities to Spark Your Creativity - Madamenoire 

5. Develop your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

• EQ is extremely important and still completely relevant. 
• Developing your EQ will: Improve your relationships at work AND at home, increase work/school performance, and increase your physical/mental health. 
• EQ works with 4 attributes: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness and Relationship Management.
• 6 Ways to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence from Psychology Today