Balancing act - appropriately defined as 'an action or activity that requires a delicate balance between different situations or requirements'. From the outside you could say my life conforms to that of a 'balancing act' - full-time PhD student, serious athlete training 5-6 times a week, working part-time in a pub/restaurant, and having just taking on a new role as a Casual Research Assistant at my university. All of this on top of social activities and having time to eat etc. I'm often asked 'how do you do it?'. And i often rhetorically ask myself this same question. Well you're all in luck boys, girls and those who identify as neither, I'm about to share my most deepest secret - how I balance my life!
Prioritisation: Well, to be frank, it's not much or a secret, and there's not a lot to it. Well, at least I don't think I do very much? Simply, it's about prioritisation and prioritising the right things. Prioritise = to designate or treat (something) as being very or most important. For me, my job and university work come first. The former, providing income and (to an extent) a social aspect. The latter, also my main source of income, but also important in terms of my life long goals and where I am to be in the future. So, I'll get my rota, which tells me what shifts I'm down to work. I'll usually get a mix of weekday/weekend/day/evening shifts. So, during the weekdays where I am not working I'll get on with uni working during the day. If I've been given a bunch of weekday-day shifts then I'll do some uni work into the evening and maybe a little on the weekend. My athletics training is also a big priority to me, so I made sure to inform my workplace of this so I am never scheduled on when I have training (Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings).
Planning: Secondly, being able to plan is equally as important. Planning = the process of making plans for something. For me having a visual, physical planner is a great help. I'll write down when I'm working, training, any social plans, any physio sessions, nail/hair appointments, and any trips I am taking. This basically helps me to keep on top of things, manage busy weeks and make sure nothing is forgotten. This is also where I'll add in any important uni deadlines or to-do items.
Burnout: Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Busy modern day lives can often leave you in a state of burnout. The trick is being able to identify when you are experiencing burnout and acting quickly. Some common signs include: feeling emotionally exhausted, headaches, muscle tension, lack of motivation, lower productivity, self-doubt and low self-esteem, and feelings of detachment. They key to avoiding burnout is to invest in daily acts of self-care to help develop a healthy relationship with work. This doesn't necessarily mean using a sheet mask on your face every week, or running a bath, but can be literally anything. I started journalling a little while back and even though I have been fairly inconsistent with it, I have found my mental wellbeing has benefitted from it. I also attend yoga once a week, more specifically, HotPod Yoga!!! It is honestly the best thing ever, if there is one near you definitely have a go.
When things don't go to plan: I am quite terrible at this, I'll admit. Changes in routine or plans can be somewhat unsettling for me and I can struggle to get back on my feet and maintain a level of productivity. But recently I have been trying (and not always succeeding) to just accept it and go with it. This is something ongoing that I am trying to better within myself. And although It can be extremely stressful, I am finding I am getting better at coping with the stress that comes with last minute changes to plans or schedules. Baby steps and little wins.
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