3 Changes I'm Making for Better Balance
I feel like you see it everywhere these days. Everyone trying to figure out how to balance their lives. I'm pretty sure with the rise of blogging and entrepreneurship in general, it's become a trendy topic. And I honestly never really thought to much about it. In the beginning, I knew that the only way to get out of my 9 to 5 was to hustle (yep, i used the word i hate most, but it's true). I knew that when I got home from work, I'd have to blog, fill orders, print shipping labels, respond to emails and maybe talk to my husband for a minute or two. And there were nights that I'd be crying because I loved what I was trying to do but it was all just too much. Cut to now. I'm actually running my dream business, and I am supposed to have this free lifestyle where I get to do whatever I want (and I do, don't get me wrong), but a lot of the time I feel absolutely guilty for enjoying a glass of wine at 7pm or heading to Palm Springs for the weekend. I feel like there are so many more things that are much more productive. And now with employees... DOUBLE that guilt and feeling like you aren't doing enough.
But that is 100% not true. When I look back to when I started, I am actually doing an amazing job. I AM allowed to take time for myself... I just have to make it a priority. At the end of last year until now I had been noticing a shift in my overall well being. I never used to get sick, and I can count on at least 2-3 colds per year now. I could literally hire a chiropractor full time. And it's a struggle to run those 8 minute miles that used to be a breeze. I know why it's all happening, I just think that I don't have time to fix it. So I've recently given myself the permission to splurge on myself... little things, and bigger indulgences. And while I'm still working through that guilt. It's becoming easier. I wanted to share 3 changes that I'm trying to make to get back to that healthy, not stressed out 100% of the time, person I was.
No. 1 // Taking care of my body
This includes not eating junk (although I will never commit to giving up cheese), working out regularly, escaping social media + other noise and getting massages. It's been on my to do list for months to start scheduling regular treatments at a spa. Burke Williams invited me to try out a few of their services recently and that was my queue to start. It's shocking what hand-lettering all day followed by editing it all on a computer will do to your body... your shoulders and back to be exact. Every time I'm on a massage table, they tell me they're not sure how I walk around as tight as I am. I say, you forget about that pain after years of experiencing it;) BUT, I know that's no way to live and I could easily make it better by scheduling a massage every once in a while.
I had never visited this one, but Burke Williams actually had a location less than 10 minutes from my house. I went in on a weekday for one of their earliest appointments and was out of their before lunch with plenty of time left in the day to get caught up on the rest of my tasks. I always associate going to the spa with like, hours of soaking in a jacuzzi and steam room... which is why I never made the time. I couldn't dedicate a whole day. But having this so close to home and knowing that I can decide to spend a few hours there, or not, made me realize it was doable.
They had one of the most gorgeous waiting areas I've seen at a spa. I would've easily moved everything out and into my living room. I will say, the atmosphere and decor is a huge factor in where I will spend my time and money, no matter how great their massages are. I'd love to bring friends back for a few hours of girl time. We all have so much going on I think it's very important for us to stop and spend time on yourself.
Their staff was so thoughtful from the minute you walked through the doors, to the therapists giving you advice post treatment on what you can do to continue experiencing benefits. I received the pure relaxation massage and salt glo, both of which I will be scheduling again. I had such a great experience as they really asked you what your goals were before starting... one thing I can't stand is when someone has no idea why you're in there and just go for it. Like I said, I always need to focus on certain areas because of the work I do. It would be a waste of time if they didn't know that.
No. 2 // Reading more than my phone
I've tried this one over and over again. It never seems to stick. I think I haven't found the right reads though... I just started reading this book and am hooked. I never thought I'd be one to be into self help books, but I think I was just looking at them the wrong way. I've already put a lot of the tips from the book into action and feel like it's helping me clear my head and think differently about things. I'm going to buy this one (same author) as I've heard it's great as well.
I feel like we all get caught up in social media, and it's what we tend to go to when we have free time. But when you think about it, while it's entertaining, what are you really getting from it? Sure, it's great to catch up, see what everyone is doing and find inspiration... but only for a certain amount of time. I'd rather start spending more of that time learning new things that I can put to use in life and in business.
Do you guys have any books you recommend? I need them! I know I'm going to rip through the 2 above in the next few weeks.
Gorgeous decor from Burke Williams (above and below)
No. 3 // Get out and adventure
I have a few friends that are SO good at this. Every weekend they are somewhere new, eating new food, seeing new places, shopping new stores, etc. And I am SO. FREAKING. JEALOUS. Why can't I do that too? I can. I just don't. Because like I said, I could be working on a blog post, or addressing envelopes, or doing laundry. But where is that getting me? It's get's me to bored and anxious more than anything.
Ryan and I decided we're going to TRY and map out one mini trip each month. Whether it's just heading to a new beach or finding an airbnb 8 hours away, we'll try something new. Time flies and I want to be sure I can look back and say I didn't sit around working every weekend.
I want to thank Burke Williams for partnering up with me on this post! It started as something much smaller but ended up being eye opening after I thought more about really making these changes!
So tell me... do you guys run your own businesses and have these same struggles? What have you done to make changes?