Balancing Work and Life: My Tips for Not Being Overwhelmed
Being a highly sensitive person in a fast-changing technology world is demanding. Finding balance seems to be a crucial part of maintaining good mental health. Check out what I do to prevent feeling overwhelmed and recharge my batteries
Take a break for a planned period
Taking a break means logging out from all social media, turning off all notifications, and not checking emails or any other sources of information related to your professional life. Avoid checking the latest blog posts or discussing work or technology when meeting with someone. It also means refraining from reading books about personal development or anything else. I’ve found it challenging to quiet my brain, as it continues to work on solving problems or generating ideas even during rest. However, taking this time to slow down, be present, and avoid thinking about future activities is essential.
Find physical activity that suits you
For me, it’s aerial silk. It’s a fantastic combination of stress reduction, a bit of adrenaline, and a soft material that helps alleviate muscle tension. It improves balance, focuses on the present moment, increases muscle strength, and strengthens the core, which is beneficial for those who spend long hours in front of a computer. It has a significant impact on my brain, making me feel stronger and more stable overall. Trusting my body not to fall while in the air has boosted my confidence. I’ve discovered this passion during the pandemic when spending a lot of time indoors led to back pain and declining mental health. Despite sounding like intense training, I started from scratch and found a supportive school. Over three years, I’ve realized the enormous potential in this activity, and most importantly, I genuinely enjoy spending time doing it.
Go for a walk outside the city
Nature is incredible, but we often fail to appreciate its beauty and the noisy environments we live in. This noise can impact our nervous system, sometimes subconsciously causing anxiety when entering a quiet forest. Finding this balance and spending time in nature, with its own rhythm, can bring calm. It’s something that truly helps me.
Spend time with dogs
I have two rescued dogs, and inviting them into my life was one of the best decisions I’ve made. They’re excellent teachers of living in the moment, observing their environment and utilizing their senses. Their keen sense of smell has even helped me track wild animals. Dogs also pick up on human emotions, acting as mirrors that reflect our feelings. Understanding their body language has enhanced my relationship with them and my understanding of non-verbal communication, which has improved my interactions with both animals and humans.
Spend time with loved ones
We have limited time in our lives, so it’s essential to appreciate and cherish moments spent with loved ones. Relationships can be challenging, but human connection is vital for our well-being. Avoiding this need by burying oneself in work is not a solution; it’s just another form of addiction.
I understand that implementing these practices may be difficult for many of us due to personal barriers and mental blockers. However, consider opening yourself to new communities, going outside, and creating new relationships. If you’re not ready for that yet, take your time to consider the possibilities. It’s a significant step forward.
If you enjoyed this content, let me know in the comments. I have many thoughts ready to share.
