In my LinkedIn article today, I discussed factors impacting employee happiness—things like inflation, rising costs, and the shifting work landscape.
But here’s the truth: these stressors don’t just impact employees—they affect everyone.
Whether you’re managing a career, a home, or both, the pressure is real–and stress can take a toll on your happiness and engagement in life, not just at work.
So, what can you do about it? How do you stay positive and engaged when financial stress, uncertainty, and external pressures are weighing on you? Especially when you’re the CEO of your home and no one is coming to provide you programs, incentives, or support to get through the stress.
Here are a couple of ways you can think like a boss and find ways to increase your happiness and engagement in life–even when those stressors come:
1. Create a Stress-Management Strategy
Just like any business needs a plan, you need a plan for managing stress. Identify what’s causing tension in your life—whether it’s finances, family, or work—and create a strategy to address it. Break it down into manageable steps. Can you delegate some tasks or streamline your schedule? Having a plan will make the stressors more manageable.
2. Acknowledge the Reality of Inflation and Rising Costs
It’s no secret that the cost of living has increased. Between the rising prices at the grocery store, utility bills, and the looming college tuition, it’s hard to feel like you're ahead. But recognizing the impact this has on your mental load is the first step.
Financial stressors are real, but acknowledging them can help you avoid letting them take over your life. Take a look at your budget, explore ways to ease the pressure, and, most importantly, give yourself the permission to ask for help if you need it.
3. Understand the Impact of Cultural Shifts
We live in a time of constant change, and that changing landscape can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. Add to that the social shifts and pressures around us—whether it’s the push for greater equity or the challenges of parenting through these uncertain times—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
While you can’t change the world overnight, you can decide how you react. Focus on things you can control—your mindset, your home environment, and how you manage your stress. Don’t let the chaos outside dictate your inner peace.
Reclaim Your Joy
With all the stress surrounding you, finding moments of joy can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But joy doesn’t have to be a big event. It can be found in the little things—sipping your tea in peace before the kids wake up, reading a book for a few minutes, or spending time with friends who lift you up.
When you intentionally seek out joy, even in small doses, you’re giving your body and mind the fuel they need to keep going.
The truth is, women today are balancing more than ever before. But remember, if you’re not taking care of yourself, the ripple effects will eventually impact everything else in your life.
This year, it’s time to banish burnout and re-evaluate. Recognize the external pressures, give yourself the grace to cope with them, and remember that your well-being is a priority, not a luxury.
So what are you committing to do to make self-care a priority in 2025?
You’re worth it.
~Your Real Life Fairy Godmother™
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