Empowering Women - Finding Balance: How to Analyse Your Timetable and Prioritise Yourself

As women, we often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities, from work and family to social engagements and personal pursuits. Therefore, in the midst of our busy lives, it is crucial to prioritise our mental wellness and practice self-care to maintain a healthy balance.

Empowering women to take charge of their wellbeing is at the core of Athena Mentors CIC's mission, and within this blog, we would like you to engage with us, to explore your lifestyle timetable and identify which areas are consuming your time moreso, in comparison to which area’s of your life, may be in need of more focus, so to get a better balance and quality of your time.

The Activity

• Step 1 - firstly, get a piece of A4 paper and draw a grid that has the days of the week - Monday to Sunday, along the top and then 3 rows below, to make a note of what happens, morning (am) noon (midday) and night (pm).  See example 1 below.

example 1 - blank lifestyle timetable

• Step 2 - Now identify what weekly, consistent jobs, chores and activities, you do: Monday to Sunday; morning, afternoon and evening and plot them accordingly, onto your timetable.  Things to bear in mind, include:

  • Paid work (your job/s)

  • Personal time (your leisure time e.g. gym, yoga, reading a book, listening to podcast etc)

  • Relationship time (with your partner)

  • Internal Family Time (with your partner and children)

  • Extended Family Time (e.g. with your; parent/s, cousin/s, sibling/s etc)

  • Friendship time (socialising)

  • Housework (chores e.g. cooking, cleaning, admin, shopping)

  see example 2 below

example 2 - filled lifestyle timetable

• Step 3 - Once you have fully completed your timetable, reflect, then answer these questions…

  • What patterns do you see?

  • What thoughts and feelings do you have about seeing your timetable in black and white?

  • Are there key activities/time spent that need rearranging/rebalancing?

  • Are there key areas (days/times), of your timetable that needs filling/adjusting, so to get a more balanced lifestyle?

    • Highlight or make a note of those key areas, to make a change

    • Highlight or make a note of those key activities/time spent, to make a change

What about your self-care? 

Have you made it a priority on your timetable, or is it lacking?

Self Care

Self-care is not selfish, neither is it just about indulging in a bubble bath or a spa day (although those can be part of it!).  At its core, self-care is a necessary act of self-love and preservation.  It is about creating the space and time to nurture your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.  When you prioritise self-care, it does not just benefit you, it creates a positive ripple effect in your relationships and your ability to help others.

To start, consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine.  Whether it is meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the present, mindfulness can help alleviate stress and promote mental clarity.  Additionally, engaging in physical activities such as yoga, walking in nature, or dancing can uplift your mood and boost your energy levels.  

Surrounding yourself with positive influences and like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and encouragement during challenging times.  Whether it's joining a support group, attending therapeutic workshops, or participating in holistic retreats, finding a community that uplifts and empowers you is essential for mental wellness. At Athena Mentors CIC, we believe in the power of community connections and support networks.

Incorporating nature engagement into your self-care routine can also have a profound impact on your mental health. Spending time outdoors, whether it is going for a nature walk, gardening, or simply sitting in a park, can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection with the natural world.

Lastly, do not underestimate the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion.  It is ok to sometimes say “no”.

Remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination, and it is essential to listen to your body and mind's needs along the way.

At Athena Mentors CIC, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where women from all backgrounds can thrive and prioritise their mental wellness. Through our range of services, from counselling and psychotherapy to nature retreats and therapeutic workshops, we aim to empower women to take control of their mental health and well-being.

Join us on this journey to self-discovery and self-care, and together, we can cultivate a community of empowered and resilient women.