Trying to do all the things all the time is exhausting, Kacee Bohle, owner of AgriMinds, said during the Elevate Women in Ag conference in Des Moines. That’s why she’s investing her career in helping people overcome burnout, find balance and cultivate a more purpose driven life at home and in the field.
1. Define your priorities.
It’s important to identify your “why,” she explains. Identify what is most important in your work and family life.
“Understanding your priorities will help you make informed decisions about where to draw the line,” Bohle points out.
2. Establish clear work hours.
Do you take work calls at all hours of the day? How often are you “working” after hours? Bohle says setting specific start and end times for your workday is important. Communicate these hours to colleagues and family to help protect and ensure the balance you want to establish.
3. Learn to say no.
Even though it can be hard to say “no,” Bohle says the more you say no, the more you can say “yes” to the things you care about most.
“Practice on small things,” she says. “The inability to set appropriate boundaries at appropriate times with people is very destructive.”
4. Schedule family time.
Family time is arguably the most important time. Are you blocking your calendar for family activities like you are for work? And when you do block this time, Bohle says it’s important to treat this as non-negotiable time to ensure you are spending quality time with loved ones.
5. Set technology boundaries.
Establish rules for technology use, she adds. Consider adding in boundaries such as no work emails after a certain time or during family meals. This helps create a clear separation between work and personal life.
“Use the Do Not Disturb feature,” Bohle advises.
6. Communicate boundaries clearly.
Make sure your employer, colleagues and family members understand the boundaries you set. Clear communication helps manage expectations and reduces potential conflicts, Bohle adds.
“Don’t undo what you’ve worked so hard to build,” she says. “Create systems, set boundaries and review facts – then communicate that.”
7. Take regular breaks.
Short breaks throughout your workday matter. Use this time to relax, stretch or spend a few minutes checking in with your family, Bohle encourages.
“A simple call or text like, ‘Hey, how’s your day going?’ could be the start of to rebuilding strained relationships from burn out,” she says.
8. Prioritize self-care.
Do you spend time outside of work doing things you love just for fun? Self-care is so valuable. That can look like exercise, hobbies or rest.
“Taking care of yourself enhances your ability to manage work and family responsibilities,” Bohle says.
Don’t forget that life is always taking unexpected turns. Just as life changes, your boundaries may need to change, too. Bohle reminds people to review boundaries and adjust them as necessary.
“Your boundaries should adapt to reflect your current situation and needs,” she says.
Elevate Women in Ag was held in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3-4 and was sponsored by Zinpro. Learn more about setting boundaries at KaceeBohle.com.
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