Recharge Yourself

It’s Important To Take Time Out For You When Your Work Life And Social Whirl Makes You Feel Pulled In Different Directions

- Simone Momberg

We hear about people suffering from burnout at work due to the stresses of their professional environment, but feeling emotionally, physically, and mentally drained is something that can occur in our social lives too. While doing our best to achieve that elusive work/life balance, we can sometimes end up putting too many demands on ourselves to always be available. Although it’s great to get out and go for dinner, or catch up over a glass of wine – if you feel as if you’re spending a lot of time and energy trying to meet social expectations while juggling everything else in your life – remember that it’s entirely acceptable to take a step back from it all. Easier said than done, you might think, but if you’re feeling socially fatigued, here are some points to mull over.

» It’s okay to say no

Saying no can be tough, especially to your friends, but if you know you need a break – take it, they’ll understand. Think of it as healthy prioritisation, a way to take control of your wellbeing and not put yourself in situations that will leave you feeling exhausted.

» Set some boundaries

If you have a really tough time refusing people, try setting yourself some boundaries. Whether it’s making a deal with yourself to take the weekend off from attending any social engagements or setting a limit on how many times you’re out during the week, think of what would work best for you and put it into practice.

» Self-love practice

Switch off your phone, run a hot bath, grab a book, and disconnect for a while. We’re so used to spending our day checking our phones and scrolling through social media that by the end of the day we just need timeout. Take a moment for the most important person – you – and use it as a chance to reconnect with yourself after a busy day.