Managing Work Life Balance as Carra Lee
As the soul owner of Carra Lee Collective, I spent 6 years striving to build a successful business, putting all my energy into my store on James Street in Burleigh. I believed that the harder I worked, the more successful my business would become. However, over time, I began to realise that my work-life balance was completely out of whack, and I was paying a hefty price for it.
The long hours, high stress, and unrelenting demands of running a business, both in-store and online, were taking a toll on my health and well-being. I was constantly exhausted,
stressed and overwhelmed, and my personal life suffered as a result. I barely had time to take care of myself let alone spend quality time with my two young boys, my partner, and my friends.
"The truth is, without balance, we cannot thrive."
The realisation hit me hard when I finally made the difficult decision to shut down our James Street store. Initially, it was tough to let go of something that had been such a significant part of my life for so long and made many incredible connections with women both locally and interstate. However, it wasn't until I started focusing on my health and well-being that I understood the true importance of work-life balance.
The truth is, without balance, we cannot thrive. If we don't take care of ourselves, it's impossible to give our best to anything in our lives. When we're overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out, our creativity, productivity, and motivation suffer. We're more likely to make mistakes, experience burnout, or even become sick. Issues that I had previously dealt with in the past.
On the other hand, when we prioritize our health and well-being, we become more focused, energized, and motivated. We can handle stress and challenges with ease, and we're more resilient in the face of adversity. We're more present in our relationships, and we can enjoy the simple pleasures of life (...this may just include a cheeky vino with dinner).
So, if you're like me and have been neglecting your work-life balance, it's time to take action. Here are some tips that have helped me along my journey to rediscovering the equilibrium of life:
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1.
Set clear boundaries:
Determine what hours you'll work each day and stick to them as much as possible. This may mean saying no to certain tasks or commitments.
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2.
Take breaks:
Now that I’m working from home, I schedule regular breaks throughout my day to rest, stretch, and recharge. This can help you stay focused and productive and prevent burnout.
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3.
Practice self-care:
Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul, such as gentle exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
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4.
Learn to delegate:
If you have a team, learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities. This can help you free up time and focus on the areas where you add the most value.
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5.
Unplug:
Take time each day to disconnect from technology and social media. This can help you reduce stress and be more present in your life.
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Remember, work-life balance is not a luxury, but a necessity. So, prioritise your needs, take the time you need to thrive, and watch as your business and personal life flourish.
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