New habits for a more balanced Year

Those of us in the community sector know that our work comes with challenges and rewards. And in this post, we explore habits that could help you have a more sustainable year ahead.

1. Micro-Moments of Mindfulness

In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, finding time for extended meditation or mindfulness sessions may seem impractical. Instead, focus on integrating micro-moments of mindfulness into your routine. Take a few intentional breaths before entering a meeting or during a short break. These brief pauses can contribute to a sense of calm and clarity amidst the busyness.

For more ideas, take a look at:

• Mindful.org
• Headspace
• Calm

2. Weekly Reflection Sessions

Set aside a dedicated time each week for reflection. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate process—just a few minutes to review your accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement. Regular reflection fosters self-awareness and can guide your professional development in a practical and manageable way.

Find out more about weekly reflection sessions here:

• The Reflective Practitioner
• Reflective Practice in Social Work
• Reflective Writing – University of Reading

3. Learn a New Skill

Sometimes, if we’re feeling stuck or frustrated, one of the best ways to foster a sense of optimism about the future is to learn something new – especially if you can identify some small, complementary skills that can be easily integrated into your existing skill set. New skills can be fun to learn, while also offering you an exciting challenge, and potential career development opportunities.

Explore some of the options below, or get in touch with our team for ideas:

• ACWA Learning Hub
• Centre for Social Impact
• LinkedIn Learning

4. Replace Screen Time with Real World Activities

After a hard day’s work caring for others, it can be tempting to scroll mindlessly through social media or binge watch your favourite show until sleep overtakes you (we’ve all been there!).

While there are a definitely times when you just need to chill out in front of the TV, the reality is you’re probably be better turning off the tele, putting down your phone, and heading out for a walk or run. Or if getting moving just feels impossible, do something non-digital at home like reading a physical book, painting, or gardening.

Want to learn more? These links will help:

• Psychology Today – 10 Tips to Reduce Screen Time
• BBC Future – Why you should stop using your smartphone so much
• Healthline – Ideas for decreasing screen time

This article was originally published at BeRecruitment.com.au