Written by Katy-Jane Mason for and on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd
“Every year millions of people head off on holidays to far flung destinations with the promise of sun, sea and sand.
Some choose to stay closer to home and explore the wonders of the UK. However, there is one goal for these travellers wherever their journeys take them and that is to seek some change to their daily routine and recharge themselves.
However, for some taking a holiday away is not possible and for others simply taking time away from work, especially if you are a business owner, is a delicate juggling act.
There is a very old adage which says that a change is as good as a rest and that changing an aspect of your life can have the same restorative benefits as a couple of weeks in the sun, hiking up a mountain, kayaking…whatever holidaying experience is chosen.
Therefore, what does this mean in real terms, how can you make a change which might give you the same boost as physical time away and help change your perspective?
One way a lot of people make that change, is to change job and in some cases, change career path altogether.
If you find that you are stagnating in your job, or that your career path is not what you had expected; there is no reason why you cannot mix it up and follow a completely different direction.
I had waited years to train as a Secondary School Teacher, but after 9 ½ short years in the profession I was demoralised, exhausted and on the brink of a breakdown. Early in 2018 I very recklessly left the profession with nothing to go to. Despite the fact that my partner and I had already started our own business, it was in its infancy and the turnover was nowhere near enough to support both of us.
However, after reaching out on social media seeking any part time work, Helena Parrott – Director of Virtually Smart Ltd, reached out to me as she needed some support with her growing business.
Four years later I am now working full time in the business I part own with my partner and part time for Virtually Smart Ltd. Modular working suits me as it creates balance and although I am nowhere near earning what I was during my short teaching career; I now have the flexibility to choose my hours, to change my days, to catch up with other projects, etc.
In my case my change of career was dramatic but necessary and although being self employed comes with its own challenges, I am now in control of my own destiny which is a very liberating experience.
Another way to create change to create a better perspective is to study or to return to education. While I was undertaking my Degree many years ago, one of the ladies on the BA Hons course was well in her sixties.
Having never had an opportunity to study in her early years and with the expectations of marriage, children and a job not giving her any time for herself; she decided that as she retired from work, she would do the one thing she had always wanted to do and that was gain a Degree in English.
If you are looking for other ways to mix things up and create change in your life, there are a wealth of ideas out there waiting to be tapped into.
Ideas such as changing your hairstyle or colour can give you a personal boost. Moving your furniture around or even decorating a room can mix things up at home, creating change closer to home.
Other ways to change elements of routines can includes things like taking up a hobby or even rekindling a long lost hobby. Taking up an exercise class (in person or online), joining a local walking group or even joining any local group of interest to you; can allow a different perspective to established routines. Gardening gathered huge popularity during the lockdowns and for many has now become a regular form of escapism.
You could take it one step further and start something which not only changes your routine but can create challenge too. Wild swimming and paddle boarding have become hugely popular in recent years and facilities are popping up all over the country.
However, if getting freezing cold is not your idea of creating change to find rest, then maybe a local book club could be your thing, supporting a local charity… the possibilities are endless.
Any of these seemingly simple changes to an everyday routine can create beneficial shifts in perspective. Even if you find you are fearful of change or you think you just cannot make that shift; maybe trying something small to start with could give you the much needed boost and find that mixing things up a little, can have a hugely positive impact on your daily life.”
Written by Katy-Jane Mason for and on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd.
