Shall we make September self-care month?
Because your career means nothing without a meaningful life behind it
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September has started with a bang and not a whisper in my house. How about you?
School doesn’t even start until tomorrow (I know…) but we’re all officially at the end of the “summer vibes” at home and growing frustrated with each other’s company.
YET, I’ll know I’ll miss my daughter more than anything when she goes back to school tomorrow - isn’t that always the way?
(Here’s a picture of a happy moment from a loooong summer!)
And it’s this picture of carefree joy that I want to take with me into what will be the busiest months of the year in my business.
Alongside my one to one coaching clients and this newsletter, I’m also running the second cohort of my group coaching programme for new and aspiring leaders (it’s called The Confident Leader and you can enrol here) and I’m stepping into a charity trustee role this month too, so I can give something back (an important factor for me in my career.)
So things will be busy! But unlike in previous years (and jobs), where I often let “busyness” turn into overwhelm, isolation and once even burnout, I do things differently these days.
I’ve learnt that burnout helps no-one, least of all you. And it’s a big thing to come back from, believe me.
It took me a good 18 months to really recover from my experience with burnout and I wouldn’t wish on it anyone. BUT I have learnt some valuable lessons from it.
And it’s in that spirit that I want to share some of my own tips for looking after yourself in busy times and I hope you’ll share some of your own with the community too. You can just add a comment to this post and others will be able to see your advice.
Alongside my work commitments and family priorities, I’m making time for ME this month (something which has been sorely lacking over the summer as I juggled too many plates), and here’s my starter list on things that tick that box.
Yours may vary! But add to the comments and share your own tips and advice for some self-care this September.
Remember, it’s not a nice to have. Self care is an essential part of showing up as the leader you know can be.
My September self-care list (add yours in the comments)
FINALLY getting my hair done (a whole three hours in blissful silence with a magazine!)
Going for a reflexology treatment to calm my nervous system
Taking advantage of September weather and going for lots of family walks - leaf rustling essential!
Sleeping in when I can (the older I get, the more I prioritise sleep, with no apologies!)
Making a plan to meet with friends in London and hopefully, Amsterdam
Buying one of those hot chocolate velvetisers for epic hot chocolates (I don’t drink alcohol at the moment, so this feels like a must buy!)
Re-watching Mad Men, When Harry Met Sally and starting season 4 of Only Murders In The Building (so good!)
Reading a new novel at night instead of doom scrolling. Nothing too heavy, a good old crime or detective thriller will do me just fine! (Has anyone got any good recs on those by the way?)
Foraging for blackberries and getting back to my allotment. It’s been a while and the weeds are, weeding…
Browsing at antique fairs and flea markets - one of my hobbies that is also a bit of a side gig of mine - and that brings me such joy! I love to rustle through all the tat to find the treasure!
That’s my starter list for 10 - there’s no work stuff on here, maybe that will be part two of this list?
Activities and habits that support me in my career and my business, and that may help you too? Would you be interested in that? Reply and let me know if so!
So that’s my list. It brings me joy to look at it and think about it, which is half the battle in my book!
Share your self-care September tips and activities in the comments below!
And for paid subscribers, on Thursday I’m sharing part two of your September Career Reset. Here’s part one in case you missed it:
See you on Thursday!
Louise