In last month’s blog I shared 5 ways to manage your energy at work as an introvert. But I feel like it’s only half a story. You don’t stop being an introvert when you get home.

The pressures of modern life can be overwhelming. Switching off and relaxing when you get home from work can feel like a luxury and, as a working parent, keeping up with after school activities, homework, school fayres, WhatsApp groups and of course the comparison it is that comes from social media, it’s easy to neglect your own needs to recharge your own batteries.

It’s taken years for me to realise that some of the overwhelm I experienced (which I just put down to the busyness that comes with being a parent) could have been eased if I’d used these strategies to manage my energy.

Disclaimer: there is no getting away from the fact that parenting can be all consuming and leave little time for yourself but finding ways to recharge your batteries will serve you twice over and enable you to be more present when it matters.

Here are 5 ways I’ve found that help me to manage my energy at home:

1. Create a sacred space

It’s not always easy to relax and find calm when you have a busy household. There will always be washing to put away, dishes to do, somebody wanting your attention. You want your home to feel like a sanctuary, but instead, you just want to escape. If this sounds familiar it can be helpful to protect a designated space just for you, somewhere that you can retreat to for a moment’s peace and solitude, free from clutter or demands on you. Whether it’s your bedroom, living room or bathroom, protect it and make it your safe haven.

2. Get outside to recharge

The benefits of spending time outdoors in nature are well known for both your physical and mental health. Take yourself out into the fresh air – walk, run, cycle – whatever works for you. Where possible go somewhere you can be free from distractions and don’t be mis-led into using it as an opportunity to tick ‘just one more thing’ off your to-do list, like making a quick phone call or catching up on messages. It’s time for you!

3. Plan quiet time in your day

For some people this might mean waking up before the rest of the house to get some alone time and prepare yourself for the day ahead. If you’re not a morning person you might find more peace when everyone else is tucked up in bed at night. Take opportunities to run errands alone where you can – a Sunday morning tip run has never been so appealing!

4. Let go of the guilt

Taking time for yourself to recharge is not about being lazy. You can’t pour from an empty cup so let go of the guilt that comes from wanting time alone, turning down an invitation to socialise or allowing the kids more screen time.

Practice mindfulness

Bear with me here! I realise this might not be for everyone because I once felt like that too but I read a book a few years ago that made me see it differently. If you feel like you’re living your life on auto-pilot, finding ways to be present in the moment can really help to quiet your mind and be more focused.

‘Peace is not something I need to wait for after I’ve finished my to-do list’

This was a quote from the book which I feel I could have written myself. If you’re interested, the book is called ‘Be Present in this Moment – a Practical Guide to Mindfulness’ by Tessa Watt and I highly recommend it, especially if this is a topic that has previously felt like it’s not for you.

These are just 5 ways I’ve found that help me to manage my energy at home. If you have others, I’d love to hear them – send me a message and let me know: hello@heatherhillcoaching.com

If you missed my previous blog, Managing Your Energy at Work as an Introvert, you can find it here: https://www.heatherhillcoaching.com/blog/managing-your-energy-at-work-as-an-introvert  

 

April 1, 2024