I spoke to several female business owners/professionals in the past few weeks and they all have one thing in common, they’re exhausted. Just absolutely burned out. Their mental health is shit.
Now is as good of time as any to remind you, you’re not invincible. Your physical and mental health is important, make it a priority. As women, we tend to take on the world’s problems as our own and when we can’t solve then we internalize it.
Stop it.
I hit a wall about a month ago, it wasn’t pretty, but I realized I needed to prioritize my physical and mental health. These last 2 years have been a real bitch and it’s catching up to all of us. Here is my advice, take it or leave it. I’d suggest taking it and running with it.
Throw out the coping mechanisms
I realized I had formed some pretty shit habits as a way of coping with stress. When I’d get home after work, I’d immediately open my laptop back up and start working again until bedtime. If I wanted to avoid work, I’d drink wine and scroll mindlessly through social media, email or the news. I was using all of this as a crutch to avoid making the changes I needed to so I could get out of the slump I was in.
Put the phone down
We are overly connected to social media, the news and technology. It’s like the rise of the machines, it’s gonna kill us. When you get home at night, take off the smartwatch (or put it on DND), set the phone aside and do something that doesn’t require technology. I’ve been reading, which I forgot how much I f*cking love. I just finished the book, Get a Grip, an EOS business parable, and You Don’t Belong Here about three female Vietnam combat reporters. Talk about putting shit in perspective. Want to know the best part? It’s helping me sleep.
Get your ass moving
This is very funny coming from me, I abhor exercise, so I convinced myself walks are not exercise. I take one of our seven dogs for a walk everyday after work. I created a playlist that energizes me and I throw in my AirPods and go. If it’s raining, I get on the Peloton and try not to die, for all of those who high-fived me last time I rode…thanks.
Get a damn hobby
If you don’t find something else to occupy you, you’re gonna fill it with work. I’ve decided I am going to be a less shitty golfer and maybe I’ll gradually progress to just a bad golfer – goals. I’ve also been baking like I’m fucking Martha Stewart, but without the skillset or pot. I’m making a cake for Easter, it’ll be lopsided and misshapen but I’m gonna serve that damn thing up on a cake platter like I’m on the Great British Bake-off. It makes me happy, and it cancels out all the exercise…so win/win.
My point is you guys, you gotta take back control of your life before you become someone you hate. If you need baking tips, you know where to find me.
