Written by: Maria-Stella Contera, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we approach the year's end, it's that familiar time of reflection and contemplation—looking back on our year’s journey, celebrating triumphs, and pondering areas for growth. And amid this contemplation, we often embrace the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions, a promise to ourselves to embrace change and growth in the coming year. But let's face it, these resolutions, especially those centered around our health and well-being, can slip away quicker than the clock strikes midnight. Why does the fervor we start the year with seem to fizzle out?
As we gear up to bid farewell to another year, it's natural to take stock, celebrating successes and pondering the paths ahead. It's in this introspection that we often make those heartfelt New Year's resolutions – a dedication to bring positive changes into our lives. Yet, amidst this enthusiasm, it's intriguing how swiftly these resolutions, especially those tied to our health and well-being, tend to fade away. Why do our well-meaning intentions struggle to stand the test of time?
Before we probe into the journey of our health and well-being resolutions and their resilience, let’s talk about something deeper—the unseen toll of allowing our health and well-being promises to wilt and fade. What I will refer to as 'Life Tax.' Think about the real cost your well-being has paid this year due to the wilted promise of getting your well-being on track and sticking to healthy habits. Let's unpack the concept of ‘Life Tax’ further.
'Life Tax' is the hidden price we pay when our well-being unknowingly slips away. It may be that burnout has silently crept into our lives, masquerading as the 'new normal' in our fast-paced existence—our days overwhelmed with ceaseless tasks, leaving no space for rejuvenation. Sadly, in today's high-pressure world, burnout, stemming from chronic exhaustion due to prolonged stress, is increasingly common, and often embraced as an inevitable part of our lives. If you are paying too much ‘Life Tax’, you could inevitably be paying for a precursor to burnout.
So, when might you be at risk of paying a higher 'Life Tax'? As personal and professional commitments expand, the risk of paying a larger 'Life Tax', and the risk of burnout, amplifies. As one year is coming to a close and another about to begin, it's a ripe moment to reflect: has this year added to your 'Life Tax' due to increased commitments in both your personal and professional lives or from wilted promises of greater health and well-being that were made at the start of the year?
Beyond its immediate toll on our well-being, paying excessive 'Life Tax' or living with burnout can have long-reaching effects that ripple across various elements of our lives. Let's delve into how it can impact your health, career, purpose, mindset, and relationships, and understand some of the hidden prices we pay when we allow our well-being to slip away to the bottom of our priorities. Once we understand these impacts it enables us to identify the steps to shield ourselves from 'Life Tax,' and protect ourselves from burnout leading to a more empowered, fulfilled and balanced life.
Health hurdles
We experience a toll on our physical and mental health, impacting everything from chronic exhaustion to disrupted sleep patterns and unhealthy eating habits. The cost extends beyond health, impacting finances too, with medical treatments and potentially the inability to work, adding up.
Career constraints
Often it leads to job dissatisfaction, diminished motivation, and a lack of engagement, hindering career growth and financial stability.
Mindset matters
We breed a negative mindset—self-doubt, cynicism, and decreased self-esteem—hindering personal and professional growth. Self-confidence starts to wane and we avoid taking action for a happier and healthier life.
Relationship rifts
Beyond ourselves, it affects our relationships, straining connections with family, friends, and colleagues, and impacting our sense of support and belonging.
Purpose peril
It erodes our sense of purpose in both personal and professional realms, leaving us feeling disconnected and questioning our goals and whether we are capable of achieving them.
It's essential to shield yourself from Life Tax toll and the inevitable burnout. Think of 'ARMOUR' as your guardian—a reminder of essential strategies safeguarding your well-being within life's daily pressures.
Awareness: Stay mindful of your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Rest: Prioritize quality sleep and ample rest to recharge.
Manage: Effectively balance work and life commitments.
Openness: Foster open communication and seek support.
Unwind: Engage in activities that bring joy, energy and relaxation.
Resilience: Adopt coping mechanisms to bounce back from challenges.
Recognizing life's hidden costs is the first step in mitigating it. Embrace the awareness of 'Life Tax,' to armour yourself against burnout, make conscious choices, and prioritize your well-being. It is with ARMOUR we can pave the way to a fulfilling and balanced life that thrives in all its elements.
Are you ready to create a balanced and fulfilling life? Our personal coaching service at Work & Be Well is here to guide you on this transformative journey. Managing your 'Life Tax' is the first step towards balancing your books of well-being, protecting yourself from burnout, and reclaiming a balanced and fulfilling life. With Work & be Well’s personalized support and expert guidance, let's improve your well-being, restore balance and fulfillment in your life, and make the next New Year’s well-being resolution come to fruition.
“Don’t just be, BE WELL” – Maria-Stella
Maria-Stella Contera, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Maria-Stella is a passionate advocate for women's health and well-being, who embarked on a transformative journey from corporate burnout to becoming a beacon of empowerment and education. With a profound understanding of the challenges women face in maintaining their wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle whilst juggling multiple responsibilities, Maria-Stella offers a unique and proven strategy for the prevention and management of burnout. Maria-Stella's resolute mission is clear: to empower and educate women to be in control of their health and wellbeing so they live life at their healthiest and personal best. She does this without adding extra pressures into their busy life and without feeling guilty.
