The question lingers in your mind like chimney smoke on a cold winter’s day - do I risk calling in sick one more time and fear losing my job? Or get gifted the worst of projects as a subtle nod? Or suddenly be moved offices as a less subtle nod?
This happened to me. From corner office with an incredible 23rd story view, to a middle office, to an interior office with no windows. #firstworldproblems All while trying to get to the root of why my health had gone seriously awry.
Still, this passive approach to deliver a message was clear. And my self-doubt kept me from making wise and healthful decisions that would have created a deeper shift in my health I so desperately craved.
When your health is screaming for attention by way of symptoms (whether physical, mental or emotional) and you contemplate, even for a millisecond, a change in your work schedule. Yet, what gets stirred up within you is fear, take this as super valuable information. You’ve hit a pivotable moment. The fear is your indicator that you’ve fallen away from balance - in your thinking, in the stories you’re making up about your work and your value. Stories so ingrained they’re now subconscious patterns. Your body had no other choice but to exude symptoms of dis-ease.
Our bodies take on what the mind doesn’t deal with. And when it’s something repetitive like a belief or ingrained story, illness most often results.
So at this pivotal moment, you can choose to do nothing. Continue as per usual. Behind this door you'll be greeted with more health symptoms, falling further away from balance. Symptoms that you’ll try to mitigate with a cleanse here and there. This will only quiet the symptoms temporarily, but you still won’t feel like you’re back to baseline.
Taking Care of Your Health Without Losing Your Day Job - 6 Ways
These six ideas can lay the groundwork for a profound impact on your health, especially when it's in a compromised state. As you read these notice what initial reactions and thoughts come to mind:
Consider a leave of absence. If I was coaching you one on one I’d be super curious at the stories that flood your mind as you even consider this sentence. When you have your health you have a thousand dreams. When you don't you have only one. If this true for you, a leave of absence can be a valid consideration.
Negotiate a revised work schedule. From home, reduced hours, days off during the week. Propose a solution that creates an opportunity for you to heal.
Outsource as much as you can so time at home allows rest to be made a priority. Whether it’s cleaning, grocery shopping, dog walking, etc. This level of support can make an impactful difference.
Make room in your schedule for health. Have plans for Saturday? Trying to keep up your regular social life while trying to get back to health is tough. Shortlist your social circle to those that leave you filled up instead of drained. And people who respect your boundaries. Speaking of boundaries…
Boundaries. This is an ideal time to work on your boundaries. Boundaries are about your relationship with yourself. They’re not about other people. A lot of the overwhelm we experience is caused by not respecting our boundaries or being unclear about what they are.
Learn the art of saying no. “That doesn't work for me.” “No, not this time.” “No, I'm not able to help you.” (Side note: No is also a boundary). You’ll most likely get tested on this especially if others aren't used to you honouring your boundaries.
Now some of these may feel outlandish and downright absurd to you. Your fear or discomfort around any of these is always a great indicator. Bring curiosity to that discomfort instead of judgment.
I’ll leave you with this promise - the mindset that contributed to your ill-health is not the same mindset that will bring you back to a state of thriving. You’ll have to shift your mindset (and the beliefs held so tightly about yourself and yourself in relation to others). This feels incredibly uncomfortable at first consideration. But for you, my fellow empath, this is foundational to your health.
Now it’s your turn - what’s one way you take care of your health without losing your day job? Share with me in the comments below.
