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It is easy to let your mental health slip to the back burner when life gets demanding. We often wait until we are running on empty before we finally stop to check in, but staying ahead of burnout is much easier than recovering from it.
Taking a deliberate moment to see how you’re really doing, adjusting your focus, and setting a few firm limits can make a world of difference. Here are five practical, manageable ways to protect your peace of mind when things start to feel heavy.
1. Check in with your values.In the current season of your life, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What are the top most important areas of your life?
2. How do you wish to show up in those domains (e.g., your relationship, your family, your health, your job, your spirituality, your recreation, etc. - you choose the domains and define them your way)
3. Why?
Orient your compass to what is most important to you.
2. Check in on your time investment (and time return).
Does how you have focused your time and energy match your values? If not, where are the disconnects? Be a non-judgmental detective on where your time is going, and be honest with yourself.
3. Set boundaries.
Whether it’s setting boundaries for yourself on your self-criticism, or boundaries with a colleague or noisy neighbor, make sure to set limits on your time and energy so that you can fill up your battery before it drains again. Boundaries are essential for conserving your energy and ensuring you're not overextending yourself.
4. Be clear on your task priorities.
If you feel like you have too much to do and too little time (who doesn’t!), divide your tasks into four categories, and refresh every few days/weeks:
- Important, do now (or in the next few days)
- Important, do later
- Important, but delegate
- Non-important, get rid of
5. Check in with your loved ones and team players.
Have intentional check-ins with your partner, parents, adult children, or trusted colleagues on what is going well, what you need help with, and how you can support each other. Having healthy restorative social support and connection can make you feel less alone.
6. Reach out to Summus.
By nurturing meaningful connections, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing tasks with intention, we empower ourselves to pause, reflect, and realign as needed. As always, Summus is here to provide the compassionate, confidential mental health support you need.
