Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024 - 12

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
Balancing Acts
Staying healthy while juggling a busy work schedule
DON'T WORRY, THIS isn't another " Follow these
fi ve steps for more balance " article, complete with
advice like using a health tracker or a meal-planning
app. We've all seen enough of those, and the
last thing we need is more reasons to feel bad
about ourselves. Let's talk openly about the real
struggles and solutions.
I'm a solo-preneur in interior design - a fi eld
I've loved for 25 years - and I'll be the fi rst to
admit that achieving balance is tricky but not
impossible. My history has shown me that
prolonged imbalance leads directly to burnout.
Looking back, the common thread was often
unhealthy coping skills.
Just last year, I was overwhelmed with teaching
and managing my business and life itself. I told
myself to just make it to June, but halfway through,
I realized I wasn't enjoying my work or my life. It
was clear I was harming not just myself but my
students, clients and my personal relationships.
Our livelihood in design depends on our creativity.
When overworked, sleep-deprived and
emotionally overwhelmed, my ability to design
suff ers. I end up creating what I call a " pedestrian
kitchen, " doing a disservice to my clients and my
own business growth.
For those who run their own businesses, it's
easy to let work consume all your time. Th ere's
no mandatory lunch hour or set vacation time.
I recently asked myself, " If I were my employee,
how would I treat me? " It's an opportunity to
become the " Best Boss Ever. "
Let's focus on proactive behaviors and emergency
triage for when you're already overwhelmed.
" Connecting
with
nature helps ground
me, inspires me
and gives me
beautiful moments
of mindfulness. "
12
/ MAY-JUNE 2024
ESTABLISH NON-NEGOTIABLE HABITS
It's easier to maintain good habits during busy times than to try to develop
them mid-crisis.
* Daily Movement: Move your body every day, even if it's just for 15
minutes. Once I'm in the habit, I fi nd I crave it and am restless without it.
* Outdoor Time: Nature and fresh air daily help reset your mind. Connecting
with nature helps ground me, inspires me and gives me beautiful
moments of mindfulness.
* Quiet Time: Instead of walking to music or a podcast, sometimes my
mind needs silence to unravel, process and notice the world around me.
Th ere can also be a fair amount of sound pollution from outside, and I
often use noise-canceling ear buds or headphones.
" It's easier to maintain good habits during busy
times than to try to develop them mid-crisis. "
* Mindfulness: Start a practice that suits you, even if it's just mindful
breathing or a walking meditation.
* Healthy Eating: Have water and healthy grab-and-go snacks with you
during the day. Your brain will thank you after that three-hour client
meeting, and you will be less tempted to overeat at night.
* Adequate Sleep: Prioritize seven to eight hours of sleep; rediscover the
power of naps if you work from home.
* Unwinding Activities: Engage in activities like coloring, knitting or
gardening - anything but mindlessly scrolling through social media.
COMMUNICATE & SIMPLIFY
* Plan Ahead: Reduce decision fatigue by planning your meals and outfi ts
the night before.
* Push Deadlines: Not everything is urgent; learn to reschedule tasks that
can wait.
* Open Communication: Keep your clients in the loop; most prefer honest
updates over rushed work.
* Reduce Commitments: It's okay to step back from volunteer work or
other commitments; you don't owe everyone an explanation.
RECONNECT WITH YOUR WHY
Last spring, I had to remind myself why I love what I do. It's crucial to reconnect
with your purpose to stay grounded and passionate. Balance isn't always
a daily achievement - it can be weekly or even seasonal. I've learned to go
with the fl ow and be gentle with myself through these cycles. You deserve the
same kindness. Let's support each other in thriving, not just surviving!
By Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, Owner of Timeless Kitchen Design,
timelesskitchen.design
http://timelesskitchen.design
Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business May/June 2024
