Taking time out for myself is something that I am not very good at. I feel horribly behind in the run up to Christmas as I’m working as usual and have taken on new projects this week. I haven’t wrapped any presents, I don’t have any decorations up and I still need to buy my food. To say I am lacking in festive cheer is an understatement. I knew that this week would be a bit of a nightmare and found myself getting behind last week. I have been suffering with headaches more than usual so in an effort to avoid them I have been watching the amount of time I sit staring at a screen. This means that I haven’t been getting as much done as I have wanted, hence feeling behind.
I think that it is all too easy to let things get on top of us when we have a to do list as long as our arms. Luckily I have had today to look forward to to get me out of my slump. This morning I met Alice (The Middle Sister) and Lauren (Girl Running Late) for brunch at Novi. It was so lovely to see them both and switch off from daily life for a few hours. Being self employed and working from home means that unless I have a meeting I don’t really get to speak to anyone. I forget how nice it is to actually see people!
You may have seen my post about treating yourself and I guess this is a little like that. In an effort to achieve success in my career I forget about stopping and feeling grateful for what I have achieved. I chose to leave a job I had known for eight years and switch to something completely different. While it would be nice if I was earning a bit more money I have found clients off my own back and have built relationships with these companies over the last three years. I own my own car and I have a roof over my head. Sometimes I can even afford to treat myself. I spend so much time working, often doing bits and pieces seven days a week, that work has consumed my life.
Setting aside time today to see Ally and Lauren has made me realise how important it is to regularly do that, even if it is just for my own sanity. In 2017 I am going to address my work life balance and only spend time with the people that inspire and support me. Having just got home from a lovely morning I am now feeling refreshed and much less stressed and I can’t tell you just how great that feels.