Managing a busy Schedule with Mental Health Wellness In Mind
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle multiple responsibilities. I am a person to always have a little too much on the go on top of my work… such as university and learning a new language “just-for-fun” (see what I mean?) but that is how I thrive! Balancing work and your personal life isn’t easy, but taking care of your mental health is just as important as staying on top of your to-do list.
Four strategies that work best for me that help me manage my busy schedule and keep mental health top of mind are:
1: Set Clear Boundaries and take breaks
It’s so important to establish clear working hours—and stick to them. Try not to check emails or answer unrelated calls outside of those hours for maximum productivity. I always encourage taking short breaks, giving yourself time to recharge helps reduce stress and boosts your productivity. Take that quick walk with a colleague to refresh your mind (my lovely colleague Trudy is my stair-climbing partner!), do a quick stretch, or a breathing exercise to recentre yourself.
2: Prioritize Your Tasks
Not everything on your to-do list needs to be done right away! Take a moment each morning to figure out what is most urgent and tackle it first. If something feels too big, break it down into smaller steps. You’ll feel a lot less overwhelmed, and ticking those boxes off your to do list gives you an endorphin boost. Side note: Have you ever added something on to the end of your list that you have already completed, just to tick it off to feel the sense of accomplishment? I do it all the time!
3: Delegate and ask for help
It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s delegating tasks to others or outsourcing certain items (as a business owner it may help you to hand off things such as bookkeeping or social media marketing), sharing the load helps prevent burnout. If you are stuck on something for too long, ask questions for clarification and don’t hesitate to lean on others when the workload feels just a bit too heavy.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Simple mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can easily be incorporated into your day to reduce stress or help with any mental blocks you may be facing. Personally, I use the “Breathe” app on my Apple Watch to centre myself when I need it most. Taking a few minutes each day to clear your mind can help you stay grounded and ready to take on the challenges that come your way.
By trying out some of these strategies, I hope you’ll feel more equipped to handle your workload while prioritizing your mental health. When you make wellness a priority, not only will you feel better, but your work will benefit too!
About the author
In her role as Human Resources Administrator, Alissa works in collaboration with the organization’s Senior Management team, assisting with human resources, payroll, banking and regulatory needs. Alissa also acts as a liaison for CEED’s Board of Directors, serving as the primary point of contact for all administrative requests. Alissa leverages her clerical education and experience to thrive in her diverse role at CEED, and her ongoing commitment to excellence has made her into an essential player within every level of the organization.