The Sabbatical - Time Out

I planned to take time out, to allow myself some space and recovery time.

We live in an age where flexible working and a healthy work-life balance are becoming increasingly important.

It was important to me.

To travel. To rekindle friendships and relationships.

So I did just that. I've loved every moment of it.

But you know the hardest part of taking time out ...

The emotional disconnect with your business / profession.

I'm sure there are pros and cons to all sabbatical arrangements but when it is your own business (and you get to call the shots), you get to decide for how long and to what extent you retreat.

While you're in the rhythm of work / business, you build pace and gain momentum, creating a snowball effect; attracting attention.

You're visible, you're seen, you're remembered.

So yes, I guess there's a downside to taking a sabbatical (out of sight, out of mind and all that).

But there comes a time when you're ready to turn your back on...

Finding Balance

Healthy balance - where we’re mindful of our wellbeing.

For me, MESS = STRESS!

I've been clearing clutter from my house recently. A long overdue task and it amazes me how easy it is to collect, but for me, mess equals stress. I can't think straight when everything is just dropped and pushed into corners 'to be dealt with'.

I've come to realise that a chaotic physical space can equate to a chaotic mental space, so I've come up with some practical solutions, that help me overcome that sense of overwhelm that creeps in, when I don't feel I'm being organised. In turn, I feel as though I can achieve and succeed.

What is your physical space saying?

Well to begin with, each time you look at it, if it makes you think 'Ughh, look at the state of that', as you make a mental note that it needs dealing with, then you need to do something about it, as these small daily stressors can add up. In truth, you feel bad about it and the mental agitation that stirs within...