Time To Get Back On The Hamster Wheel?

As the summer holidays end in the UK, many of you are gearing up to transition back to some form of routine. You’ve spent precious time with your families, creating memories and probably thought about the changes you will make. Perhaps vowing to ensure you pace yourself this Autumn, or promising yourselves that this time, things will be different. You won’t let work consume you; you’ll prioritise your health and family and strike the balance that is just right.

Returning to the world of sustainability, where the stakes are high is tough. The passion you have for making a difference in the ecological crisis means you're seen as the ‘go-to leader’ to deliver the tough ambitions needed but that also has come as a personal cost to your well-being in the past.

It’s easy to fall back into old patterns of long hours and self-neglect. But trying to remember that your well-being is crucial not just for you, but for the cause you champion isn’t enough, I’m afraid to say. It’s about putting the effort into implementing new daily habits that will sustain those energy levels so you can stay alert, and consciously make choices when those inevitable work demands crank up.

Create Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential. Communicate your limits to your team and family. Let them know when you are available and when you need uninterrupted time for yourself. This not only helps in managing expectations but also ensures that you have dedicated time for relaxation and family. Ask yourself:

·??????? What are your boundaries?

·??????? How will you ensure others know when you are available to them?

Prioritise Self-Care

Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a morning yoga session, a walk in nature, or simply reading a book. Schedule these activities just as you would any important meeting. Ask yourself:

·??????? What does self-care mean to you?

·??????? Take action: Add these to your schedule before anything else and treat them like your most important stakeholder.

Stay Connected to Your Passion

Your work in sustainability is driven by a deep passion for making a difference. Reflect on your progress over the long term, rather than in the short term, and can see the progress of what you are doing. Spend some time with your team connecting on this as you start back to work. It’ll help them and you, remind yourselves of what’s important and how you all have a shared passion for making a difference. ?

·???????? Why do you do what you do?

·???????? What is the so what?

In summary

Balance isn’t really possible I believe but finding a mix of work, family and time for yourself to live that leaves you feeling satisfied is. You know your well-being is the foundation upon which your impactful work in sustainability is built so remember you’re not Wonder Woman, you're human. Take care of yourself, the world needs you in tip-top condition to help lead us into a new and bright future, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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