As the clocks change this Sunday, marking the start of British Summer Time, it's a great opportunity to reflect on how we manage our time – especially as we move into a new season. In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel impossible to keep up. Between work, family, and everything else, we’re all juggling tasks while trying to maintain some semblance of balance in our lives. This was certainly my reality before I decided to make a big change – to step away from full-time employment and focus on my own business, Ermana, and explore a new skill in podcast production. The journey has been full of challenges, but also immense joy and personal growth.
In the latest episode, and the last in this series, of Skin & Within podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with time management expert Sarah Stewart. She shared invaluable insights on how to effectively navigate the chaos of our busy lives. For Sarah, time management isn’t just about being productive – it’s about designing a life that prioritises mental and emotional health. This resonated deeply with me, especially as I reflect on the personal shift I made in my own life.
The Big Leap: From Full-Time Employment to Following My Passion
Leaving a steady full-time job was no easy decision. I had spent over two decades in retail buying, but I knew it was time to create space for what truly brought me joy. The prospect of dedicating myself fully to a business I’m passionate about, and learning a new skill like podcast production, was both exhilarating and terrifying. But life is too short to not fill it with the things that bring you joy, right?
While it hasn’t been without its struggles, this shift has given me a deep sense of purpose. The freedom to focus on what matters most – my work with Ermana, my podcast, and my well-being – has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not always easy to manage everything, but I’ve learned that time management is key to staying balanced and present in all areas of life.
Insights from Sarah Stewart on Managing Time
One of the highlights of my conversation with Sarah was her emphasis on boundaries and self-care. We often plan only for work, leaving personal time to fall by the wayside, which leads to burnout. Sarah encourages setting boundaries, not just to protect work time but also to prioritise personal well-being.
She introduced the idea of creating a "workflow" – an efficient way to manage tasks by streamlining inputs and having one central place for everything. This approach helps reduce the overwhelm that often comes with multiple to-do lists and scattered reminders across different platforms. I’ve certainly found this to be an effective way to stay on top of everything, especially with a business and podcast to manage!
Another key takeaway from Sarah’s approach is the importance of mindfulness in time management. It’s not just about cramming more tasks into your day, but being present and mindful in whatever you’re doing. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea or a walk, mindfulness allows you to reduce distractions and focus on the task at hand – a practice that’s brought calm and clarity to my busy life.
Finding Balance and Joy
One of the most impactful strategies Sarah discussed was planning in advance. Blocking out time for both work and relaxation ensures that we’re not only achieving our goals but also taking time to recharge. I’ve been trying to implement this more intentionally in my own routine. By prioritising downtime just as much as work time, I’ve found that I’m able to show up with more energy and clarity.
As we prepare for the clocks to go forward this weekend, it’s a timely reminder that life is too short to not fill it with the things that bring you joy. The change in seasons provides a fresh opportunity to reassess how you’re managing your time. Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters, and make room for what brings you happiness.
Tune in to the Full Episode
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to balance it all, I highly recommend tuning into my conversation with Sarah Stewart. She shares practical tips for prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, and integrating mindfulness into your time management routine. It’s never too late to start designing a life that truly supports your well-being and happiness.
Life is too short to not fill it with the things that bring you joy. Take a step towards managing your time in a way that supports your mental and emotional health. Start small, set boundaries, and prioritise what truly matters.
Check out Sarah's website for more information and to get your copy of her Time Audit workbook.
Listen here to this episode of Skin & Within
Photo by Ales Krivec on Unsplash