Lifestyle

How would you like your lifestyle to look?

Now could be your time to think about it.

During the days I was working every hour in the day all I could think about was what I could do if only I had more time. I would read novels, go out to dinner with my friends, go for a pint with a mate, start cycling etc etc etc.

Ring any bells?

So, now we are in strange times and you have been handed on a plate that time you craved, but… you have huge restrictions as to how you can use it?!

For example, looking back at my list, the novels are all I could really start doing. However, this time could be a wonderful time to reflect, an exciting time to get to grips with what is important to you.

I’ve already talked about work/life balance. It should be a given, but it is still something we must fight for. This time gives you the time to think about…

How would a social life look for you?

The things you dream of when you’re in the middle of service. Dinner with friends? Time and energy to ride a bike?

What makes you feel good?

What you want to fight for?

This reflection is important, I think. I burnt out from such a job that gave me no balance about 7 years ago. I didn’t think about what was happening and I suffered a lot of anxiety from having all this extra time and no idea what to do with it.

In essence, I craved going back to that life.

That’s not balance.

But it takes work to make such a huge lifestyle change. Those friends you used to hang out with on a Friday night have no doubt moved on. You wouldn’t fall straight back in.

But over time I have found what a life balance is for me. It's taken to this day. I enjoy slowing down. I enjoy running, I enjoy practicing and studying yoga. I enjoy cooking, eating, and drinking with loved ones.

Why you want to fight for it?

This is so important and for you needs to come before what. For me I knew that a life so far out of balance was simply unsustainable. I had myself in my 40’s or 50’s doing the same thing. I also knew there had to be more to life. I knew I needed change. For you it could be any number of reasons. Your family? Your mental and physical health?

How you are going to fight for it?

Here’ s the big one. It is going take some serious courage to see these changes. As I said above, I struggled, I really struggled.

Firstly.

The first step is to commit to the change. Mean it.

Secondly.

What do you need from your work life to make this happen? Can your current job accommodate your dreams? Can you speak with managers or whoever is going to make this happen?

Thirdly.

You’ve done it. You’ve made the change. Be ready to know that it's not going to be as easy as you thought. More space means more time to think. It's so important to take things slowly, be non-judgemental or yourself.

As ever, I don’t have the answers for you. I do however have a lot of experience of thinking about these questions. I still am. I have never found the balance of having a healthy social life. So, we are all in this together. Thinking and improving our lives together.

Namaste.