Balancing client sessions with self-care: Can you find time to prioritize your well-being?

Feeling burnt out, but your client calendar's overflowing? Don't despair, self-care superhero! Here's your guide to well-being while conquering your workload: Schedule Self-Care: Block time for activities that recharge you, like exercise or meditation. Treat it like a client meeting – non-negotiable! Batch Similar Tasks: Group client calls, emails, or paperwork for focused efficiency. Free up time for mental breaks! Boundaries are Bosses: Set clear limits with clients. Respect your time, and they will too. You're a therapist, not a 24/7 hotline! Delegate When Possible: Can an assistant handle scheduling or admin tasks? Delegate to free up your energy for clients who truly need you. Remember, a happy you helps happy clients!

As a life coach, your self-care isn't optional. I highly recommend having at least one day off where you don't schedule clients and focus on self-care. Additionally on work days create a work space that fuels your well-being. Whether it's through aromatherapy, candles, standing desk, etc. have a space that is conducive to peace of mind while working.

As a coach, I have my personal time scheduled and I have strict communication boundaries. It’s important for us to model what we are teaching our clients. Personally, I have found back to back meetings burned me out fast. Instead, I schedule walking and tea breaks between each session to rejuvenate and energize myself.

Managing your time well is crucial for balancing clients and self-care. Focus on what needs immediate attention versus what's most important. Schedule client sessions close together to free up time later for self-care. This way, you avoid being always available and ensure you get the rest you need. Remember, looking after yourself isn't just nice—it's vital for giving your clients your best.

Time Blocking: Time Blocking involves setting aside dedicated time blocks for specific activities. For instance: 1. Allocate blocks for client sessions. 2. Reserve time for self-care (e.g., meditation, walks). 3. Consistently follow this schedule to maintain balance

Setting boundaries is something that not only helps the coach, but also helps the client understand how boundary setting is done. The client is looking at a live model right in front and unconsciously enables the client to incorporate it in their own lives. Apart from that, of course, as a coach, boundary setting helps us create space for our own selves and keeps the relationship strictly professional.

Setting clear rules is super important for keeping a good balance between work and your personal life. Decide when you're free for clients and stick to those times. Tell your clients about these rules so they know what to expect. It's also crucial to set limits for your personal time. Whether it's turning off your phone after work or not looking at emails during family time, these boundaries help you relax and take care of yourself.

Remember, you are you own boss and you have the POWER to create the schedule that works for you. Your wellbeing is not a luxury, but a prerequisite, so ask yourself this question: How can I tweak my schedule so it brings me more energy, time and joy?

Boundaries are about protection. Therefore because I am my biggest tool when it comes to working with clients I am focused on protecting myself to give my clients the results they are seeking from me. As a result, I am constantly assessing and what energizes me personally and professionally and making small adjustments along the way. Such as noticing I am at a space in my life where i do better work seeing a max of 5 clients a day rather than 6 clients a day. At the end of each year I put all my time off on my calendar for the next year. I am intentionally about making time for the things and people that are life giving such as hiking, travelling, working out, having fun and leave space to do nothing.

Every night I take an Epson salt bath as part of the self-care routine. I also go to the gym daily and take downtime and travel for self-care. It is super important to recharge your batteries if you were working with exhausting clients.

For a majority today, running from one task to the next mindlessly has become a new norm. How then one takes care of the body - the primary vehicle responsible for executing tasks. Start simple, start small: 1) Set time for breaks - preferably a walk where you listen to some music or be one with nature. 2) Before starting a new task, sit still, breathe deeply 3 times and set intention for that new task. What is it that you want to accomplish? 3) While having meals, simply disconnect from electronics. 4) Be grateful for little things around you, ‘thank you for the delicious meal’, ‘thank you for the cup of coffee’, ‘thank you for the pleasant weather’, etc… Its the simple things that bring harmony and balance to life. Try it!

Make self-care a regular part of your day so you never skip it. Whether it's meditating in the morning, taking a walk at lunch, or doing yoga in the evening, these habits reduce stress and boost your energy. Even quick breaks help. Treat these rituals as important as your client meetings by scheduling them into your day.

I wake up every morning eager to practice my spiritual rituals. They ground me, bring clarity to my day, and align my actions with my deepest values. Starting each day this way sets a positive tone and helps me navigate life with purpose and intention.

You don't have to handle everything alone. Get help with tasks like scheduling or managing emails by hiring an assistant. This lets you focus on coaching and taking care of yourself. Investing in support boosts productivity and improves your coaching sessions.

Expand the delegation beyond work duties. Having a house help was a game changer for me as I would always prefer learning or being with my clients to cleaning dishes. There is no "should" - figure out what works for you, experiment and find what is best for your particular situation, at the given time.

It's important to check in with yourself regularly about how you balance work and life. Each week, think about how you're handling client sessions and self-care. Are you feeling energetic or tired? Adjust your schedule based on what you need. You can also ask clients, friends, or a mentor for feedback to see things from different angles. Reflection helps you stay on track and make improvements.

To balance client sessions with self-care, plan ahead effectively. Schedule your sessions and self-care activities in advance, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for breaks, exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. Use time management tools like calendars and planners to visualize your week and identify opportunities for self-care. Set boundaries by clearly defining your working hours and sticking to them. Regularly review and adjust your schedule to maintain a healthy balance, preventing burnout and ensuring you remain energized and present for your clients. Prioritizing self-care through careful planning enhances your well-being and the quality of your coaching sessions.

Planning ahead is key to balancing clients and self-care. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule work and relaxation time ahead. Plan for busy periods and make sure to schedule downtime afterward. Being proactive helps you manage time well and prioritize self-care.

Respecting your own time for self-care is crucial, even amidst a busy schedule. Leave your phone behind and step away from your desk to recharge and prioritize your well-being. Taking these moments away from work can be essential for maintaining balance and nurturing yourself.

An essential element of success as a coach (or any profession, really) is having a solid system for scheduling and time management. If you're going to prioritize your self care you'll need to carve and protect that time (along with time for your family, learning, etc). Keep the calendar rock solid and it'll be much easier to thrive.