By Tim Gouw

You slumped into December feeling overworked and frazzled and promised yourself that this year will be different. That you won’t succumb to the culture of busyness and will protect your time, space and energy. The first step in mastering this is awareness. Knowing when you are showing the signs of sliding back to that place of overwhelm and overwork can be challenging, it creeps up on us minute by minute, email by email, this article shares some insights to help you recognise when you’re working too hard.

Overworking is rapidly becoming so prevalent that it’s being normalised. Resting, relaxing and recreation (yes that’s re-creation of our selves!) are an essential part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

It is not lazy to switch off your mobile in the evening, It is not lazy to skip a work-out one day because your body is screaming at you that it needs to rest. Feeling “tired but wired” is a sign of adrenal stress and is NOT an indicator that you are weak or not coping.

Here are 9 indicators that you are working too hard

1. Experiencing difficulty relaxing or switching off

2. Feeling like there are not enough hours in the day

3. Difficulty asking for help

4. Feeling overwhelmed by your never ending to-do list

5. Feeling like you are always “on the back foot”

6. Being irritable towards those closest to you

7. Craving sugar

8. Not sleeping well (tired but wired)

9. Relying on coffee to get you through the day

By Kobby Mendes

Four ways to bring more balance into your life - and we don’t mean balancing donuts!

• Schedule rest and relaxation time into your week as a priority. Protect this space in the same way you would a meeting with an important client. YOU are your most important client.

• Consider using a default diary approach to your calendar. Productivity Coach, Kate Galbally shares how in this blog.

• It may seem counter productive, but down tools and go for a walk.

• Share how you are feeling with someone you trust

Our NETwalking sessions are a great way to help you get out for that much needed walk with great company.

You’ve spent the last 3 months juggling working from home and keeping your business afloat with home schooling, caring for relatives and the more vulnerable members of your community. You’ve promised yourself you’ll get out for that walk or run tomorrow, but tomorrow comes and you’re back on the hamster wheel again.

If this sounds familiar then Active Coaching is 100% for you, I take the guilt out of “me time” by combining your desire to exercise and spend time outdoors with working on your business, leaving you just that little bit more time to tackle that to do list!

What is Active Coaching?

Active coaching is life or business coaching ‘on the move’.

As an active coaching client you decide whether you would like to spend the session walking, jogging or running. We will work together to find an enjoyable route and decide on the level of intensity on the day based on your energy levels.

After a short check-in session where we will explore and agree the business/life focus for the session, we will set out on foot for up to 45 minutes. While walking, expect challenging questions asked with empathy to get to the root of what’s on your mind, explore potential solutions, weigh up those solutions and ultimately agree your course of action.

Here’s a short video that sums things up.

How will I feel after the session?

You will leave the session lighter (of mind, I can’t promise any weight loss!), energised and ready to get to work on your action plan.

The combination of exercise, fresh air, a listening ear and constructive questioning can make a significant difference to your energy levels.

Research shows that in the two hours post exercise we experience better mood, faster reaction times and an improved ability to shift and focus attention. The ideal time to put your plan in action.

Can I access active coaching from anywhere?

Covering the central belt of Scotland for face to face active coaching and using an online to on-foot, on the ‘phone model for the rest of the UK, I’ll make sure you have guilt-free, productive “me-time” in your currently over-stuffed week. I understand, I’ve been there!

Kelly