There was a time when I thought it was OK to work myself into the ground.
When I’ve been stressed out of my mind I’ve always thought the best thing to do was to shut up, suck it up, and carry on.
I used to grin and bear it.
Stiff upper lip and all that.
It used to be OK for someone else’s inability to plan to become an emergency on my
part.
I’ve put up with more than my fair share of this kind of crap and I’m done.
These days, my priority isn’t in working myself into the ground.
No.
It’s in taking care of my mental health as a crucial aspect of my overall well-being.
In fact, prioritizing mental health is becoming increasingly important to lots of people.
Taking control involves understanding and nurturing your emotional, psychological, and social well-being so that you’re better equipped to cope with life's challenges and stressors, and so you can be more mindful in terms of pursuing whatever a fulfilling life looks like on your terms.
Implementing self-care practices, seeking support when needed, practicing mindfulness, maintaining healthy relationships, and being kind to oneself are becoming integral parts of nurturing and maintaining good mental health.
So, with all that in mind, here are a few tips to help you safeguard your mental health and well-being from the impact of others' last-minute crises:
Establish boundaries: Clearly communicate your availability and boundaries. Let others know that while you're willing to help in genuine emergencies, constant last-minute crises are not sustainable.
Practice assertiveness: Politely but firmly decline to always accommodate last-minute requests that disrupt your plans. Respectfully express your need for adequate notice to assist effectively.
Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate and restore your mental health, such as exercise, hobbies, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Time management: Stick to your schedule and allocate time for your tasks and priorities. This helps you stay focused and better equipped to handle unexpected situations without overwhelming stress.
Develop coping mechanisms: Build resilience by developing coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or seeking professional support when needed.
Reflect on impact: Recognize the impact that constantly addressing others' emergencies has on your mental well-being. This self-awareness can empower you to make necessary changes.
Remember, maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care practices is not selfish—it's essential for your own well-being and enables you to be more effective and supportive when genuine emergencies arise.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Stop listening to people who aren’t doing what you’re doing.