What does a Workable Personal Schedule Look Like? 

At Verve Lead, we are big believers in the concept that what we do outside of work is as essential to our work as what takes place within our office walls and our work hours. The way we treat ourselves in our personal life will impact our work life. 

Therefore, self-care and the overall well-being of employees should be a priority for all employers. Employees who do not sleep enough at home will suffer at their desks. A person experiencing difficulties in their marriage might be more irritable with their co-workers. Someone who is stressed about their finances might be distracted at work or work themselves to burnout in order to pay their bills. 

Balancing Life

Coming out of the holiday season, many are still reeling from the chaos and stress of balancing work and the additional social aspects of this time of the year.  This is the season of low margins. Other people are eating into the reserve tank in the regular work/life balance, which is not sustainable. It’s not unusual to be cooked when you return to work. We can help you regain a healthy balance. 

The Importance of Self-Care 

If you were driving a car after a night of little to no sleep, you would feel sleepy and groggy, and if you were to doze off or become distracted, you would place yourself and others in the car in terrible danger. Similarly, coming to work while you are far from your best can lead to disastrous (albeit rarely life-threatening) results. This is why it is so important to be aware of your physical and emotional tank. How is your buoyancy gauge? Consider the long-term implications as well; can you keep going at this pace? A person can work overtime for a week to complete an important project, but they should work extra rest and replenishment into the following week. If it becomes a habit to work overtime every week, it will lead to eventual burnout and you, your coworkers and loved ones will suffer. 

For some people, it can be difficult to recognise their own buoyancy gauge is low. When life is busy and chaotic, we can slip into a survival mentality where we run on adrenaline alone and won’t see how weary we are until it is too late. Again, Verve Lead can help with this. You can find a helpful Buoyancy gauge on our website: https://vervelead.com/buoyancy/. It is designed to help people recognise patterns and signs that indicate a low emotional tank. This is a great resource for mentors and supervisors for both themselves and their clients. 

Ways to enhance mental and physical health: 

Find weekly replenishment –

What brings you joy and relaxation? Finding an interest that feels stimulating and fulfilling while also taking your mind off stress is a great way to replenish. This can also be time spent with family or friends, or time alone, to recharge. Look to our page of gauges for more information; https://vervelead.com/gauges/

Take scheduled time off –

Many ministry leaders have a strong work ethic and find their calling meaningful, yet fail to take vital regular leave and weekends to replenish. Ensure that your time off has room for true relaxation. Be aware that vacations can sometimes be as stressful as work; more people and new situations can be taxing, so make sure you get some time to recharge from your vacation if needed. For instance, arrive home several days before you are due back at work and use this time to gradually return to normal life. 

Share your burdens –

This is important at work and at home. At work, be aware of what you need to be doing and avoid taking on projects that you don’t have time for or aren’t required for. We work with others for a reason—to share the load and support each other. Likewise, at home, be forthright with your partner about what you need from them when you are stretched too thin. There is nothing wrong with asking for help! 

Find gratitude and help in Christ –

It can be helpful to look for where you see God at work in your work life and personal life. Stop and reflect on where He is directing you, and be grateful for what you have been given. 

Spread light –

There is a transference of negativity; our weariness and stress can easily spread to those around us, and before we know it, our entire environment is tired and depressed. On the other hand, we can also spread positivity—peace, joy, hope, gratitude… Be aware of what emotions and mindsets you are carrying. 

What’s next: Do you need help to adjust your work-life balance? Again, we have many ways to help:  https://vervelead.com/contact/