As women in leadership roles, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities at once. Whether it’s managing a team at work, taking care of the family at home, or running a business, we are always on the go. While our ability to multitask is impressive, taking a step back and slowing down occasionally is essential. Slowing down doesn’t mean we’re less productive or less capable, it simply means we’re taking care of ourselves (mind, body, heart & spirit). In this blog, we’ll explore the art of slowing down for women over 40.
Mindfulness: The first step towards slowing down is practicing mindfulness. This means being present in the moment, and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness can be practiced in different ways- some prefer meditation while others practice deep breathing exercises or simply taking a walk in nature. When we practice mindfulness, we’re able to slow down our racing thoughts and tune into our body. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our overall well-being.
Set Boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial for women in leadership roles. We tend to take on too much and say ‘yes’ to everything, leaving little time for ourselves. Setting boundaries means defining what’s important to us and not being afraid to say ‘no’ when necessary. For instance, if you find yourself taking work calls during family time, you may want to establish a boundary – such as dedicated mobile-free hours for family time. By setting boundaries, we’re able to prioritize what’s important and achieve a better work-life balance.
Self-Care: Taking care of ourselves should be a primary focus in life. It’s easy to neglect our own needs while tending to the needs of others. It’s important to take time for ourselves to do things we enjoy. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a run, taking a yoga class or having a relaxing bath, carve out time for yourself and stick to it. Self-care allows us to recharge and refocus, making us more productive and present when we return to our responsibilities.
Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Getting enough high-quality sleep can help improve our productivity, mood, and overall health. Prioritizing sleep means establishing a bedtime routine and sticking to it, turning off electronic devices an hour before bed, and avoiding caffeine and sugar before bedtime. Good quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being, and should be a priority for everyone.
Practice Gratitude: Being grateful for what we have and the people in our lives can help us slow down and appreciate what we have. Taking time each day to reflect on what we’re thankful for can help alleviate anxiety and stress and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. Whether it’s keeping a gratitude journal or simply saying ‘thank you’ to those around us, practicing gratitude can help us slow down and appreciate the present moment.
As women over 40, we have so much to integrate- family, career, personal goals, and more. It’s so important that we take the time to slow down and take care of ourselves. By practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care and sleep, and practicing gratitude, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and achieve a more work-life harmony. Slowing down doesn’t mean we’re giving up control or being less productive; it simply means we’re taking care of ourselves and being mindful of our needs. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and slow down. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Cheers to Choosing You!
XO
Lenita
Your Self-Mastery & Wellbeing Guide/Mentor & Facilitator
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