Hello, Friend! Happy Tuesday!
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Over the past few months I’ve struggled with how I feel about how I use my time.
Working from home allows for some freedoms in my schedule, which is great. Being a caregiver to my cute little baby, though I’m lucky to be able to do so, also limits some of those freedoms. I have less work time during the day than I had in the past, as I’m more or less limited by nap times, which can be unpredictable. When Beatrix is awake, we play, go outside, walk, read, or eat meals.
To try to give myself more time, I’ve been waking up at 5:30am and doing about an hour of work before baby gets up. That definitely helps with productivity and taking care of the check list, but I think I’ve been so used to working all day, that if that’s not happening it can feel like “not enough.”
All of this is to say that I’ve been struggling with how I “should” use my time. Like I “should” be doing work on my business (don't worry, my clients are not neglected! It’s other work aside from that!) or clean the house, or other productive activities. But, I often choose to do things like going on walks or working out instead of work. And I sometimes feel bad about it.
I imagine some of these feelings are self-inflicted, and are because things are different than what I’m used to, but I also know we live in a world driven by productivity and efficiency, and the concept of time can become a heavy burden.
And while I’m talking about working out, maybe it’s not that for you. Maybe it’s extra time spent doing a hobby, or watching a show (which I also do plenty of!), or travel. Whatever it is, I imagine you can sympathize with these feelings, at least to an extent.
Anyway, I wanted to use this post to delve into these emotions and how we may feel pulled towards productivity and away from self-care, and shed light on why the moments spent on walks, doing workouts, and completing other activities are not only acceptable, but crucial for overall well-being. Another one of my recent mindset shifts!
As I mentioned above, in the pursuit of productivity and success, it's easy to overlook the role that mental well-being plays in our lives. Constantly pressuring oneself to work without breaks can lead to burnout, negatively impacting long-term professional success. Recognizing the value of moments spent on walks or workouts as a mental reset is essential. These breaks enhance focus and contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For me personally, realizing that this period in my life with a 9-month old baby is not permanent is important. She needs my attention and care right now, and I will not always have to—or GET TO—drop everything to play with her, so it’s important to lean into this current life phase.
As far as exercise goes, specifically, we can work to see regular physical activity as not just a luxury, but instead as an investment in productivity. Exercise has been proven to boost energy levels, cognitive function, and mood. It's a key component in preventing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Encouraging individuals, including myself!, to view physical well-being as an integral part of their professional and whole-life success is a part of breaking free from the guilt associated with taking time for self-care.
I also just saw a post that said, “Feeling stuck?! Go for a walk!” Why? Because creativity often thrives in unexpected moments, moments when we step away from the work. Have you ever gotten a great idea while in the shower?! Who hasn’t?!
Embracing breaks and diversions as opportunities for fresh perspectives and creative ideas can be helpful to your creative process as well as a welcome mindset shift. By allowing oneself the freedom to explore and innovate, individuals can unlock new potentials and foster a more creative approach to their business endeavors.
This kind of “flexible” approach can also help prevent burnout. A balance between work, leisure, and self-care ensures a more satisfying and sustainable lifestyle. Variety in activities not only prevents monotony, but also contributes to overall satisfaction and well-being. Finding this balance is key to navigating the complexities of modern life without becoming overwhelmed by the pressure of constant productivity.
Maybe I wrote this whole post just to make myself feel better about how I spend my time?? Even if that’s true, as I went through it, I imagine it can apply to more and more of us who struggle with time allocations. I’m not suggesting that we all throw our responsibilities out the window, but, in a society that often glorifies constant productivity, it's crucial to redefine success and time spent. Acknowledging the value of moments of self-care and activities that bring joy is not a detour but a part of the journey. In breaking free from the chains of time guilt, we open ourselves to a more balanced and fulfilling life, where both personal and professional aspects can coexist.
While this post certainly wasn’t nutrition-centric, but more-so life- and health-centered, I hope it was helpful nonetheless. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or comments below or send me an email at sara@nutritionforlifeproject.com.
As always, thank you for reading,
xoxo,
Sara
PS— As part of my workouts lately, I have been doing these core videos at least once a week. They’re geared towards postpartum core health and pelvic floor strengthening, and also around healing diastasis recti. If you’re looking for core support, check these out! I’m not sponsored and don’t get anything from sharing these, I literally just like them and they’ve helped me!
Never feel selfish for working out. Your family and friends need the best version of you and if working out helps build that optimal you, then there needs to be time carved out for it. Selfish acts become selfless when they benefit more than just you.