In this episode of Billable Hour Burnout, we delve into strategies for maximizing your summer while maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic. As Lauren Baptiste, your CPA Consultant turned life coach, I share my refreshing summer experiences and practical advice for a fulfilling, no-stress summer.
My Refreshing, Stress-Free Summer Recap
This summer has been incredibly refreshing and stress-free for me. I started with a yoga retreat in Tuscany, Italy, where I enjoyed warm, sunny days and cool, breezy evenings under the Tuscan sun. Following that, I traveled to Barcelona to attend the F1 Grand Prix. It felt like stepping onto the set of "Drive to Survive" as I experienced the thrill of the race up close. I met drivers, stood on the pit lane, and even got behind-the-scenes access. Throughout my travels, I managed to balance work by limiting my engagement and staying connected with my clients when necessary. This approach allowed me to fully enjoy my holiday and return to work rejuvenated and excited to serve my clients, making it a truly no-stress summer.
Summer In and Out List
Summer is a time for reflection and making intentional choices about how we spend our time to avoid summer stress and burnout. To help you make the most of this season, I've created a list of what's in and what's out for a balanced and fulfilling summer. This list includes activities and mindsets that promote well-being and those that detract from it. Let's explore these in detail:
What’s In for a No-Stress Summer
Trips to the Beach: Embrace the sensory experience and stress relief.
Time for Me: Prioritize personal time for better professional performance.
Planned Travel: Plan adventures to rejuvenate your spirit.
Using PTO: Utilize your paid time off to relax and recharge.
Meaningful Connections: Focus on quality interactions.
Intention: Be deliberate with your time and actions.
For tips on enjoying your vacation stress-free, check out our post on how to enjoy vacation without guilt.
What’s Out to Avoid Summer Stress and Burnout
People-Pleasing: Avoid doing things at your own expense.
Saying Yes to Every Barbecue: Be selective to prioritize your well-being.
Holding Resentment: Let go of frustrations to maintain peace.
Screen Time After 10 PM: Reduce nighttime device usage for better sleep.
Overtime Without Need: Eliminate unnecessary extra work to enjoy life.
For more strategies on managing burnout, read our ultimate guide to burnout prevention and management.
Practical Tips for a Balanced and No-Stress Summer
To ensure you have a balanced and fulfilling summer, it's important to incorporate practical tips into your daily routine. These strategies will help you enjoy the season while maintaining productivity and personal well-being. Here are some actionable tips to keep you on track and avoid summer stress and burnout:
Beach Trips: Utilize natural stress relievers and sensory experiences.
Personal Time: Integrate 15 minutes daily for yourself.
Adventures: Plan affordable, enriching trips.
PTO Utilization: Treat PTO as a strategic necessity.
Intentional Connections: Choose who you spend time with mindfully.
Intentional Living: Make deliberate choices in daily activities.
Learn how vacation can increase an employee's productivity for more insights.
Embrace a Joyful and Balanced Summer
This summer, focus on what brings you joy and balance, ensuring a stress-free experience. Share your summer in and out list with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Visit acolloawellness.com for more about my coaching programs and services.
Subscribe to my newsletter for women working in finance, law accounting and consulting. Each week I share insights and opportunities to have a less-stressed summer. Enjoy work-life balance all year long. Subscribe here.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
How to Maximize Your Summer
Summer In and Out List
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Summer
Watch The Full Episode:
Full Episode Transcript:
Hello, everyone. It's July 11th, a Thursday. I'm grateful to be here. How is everybody? We're about halfway through our summer. Happy summer! I've had a refreshing first 40 days of summer, and I'm here to share them with you. Today is about getting the most out of the summer. I've had a full summer in a short period, so I'm sharing my summer in and out list.
Welcome to Billable-Hour Burnout! If you're looking for practical advice to have the career of your dreams, you're in the right place. If you want to enjoy the career you've built without quitting your job, you're in the right place. I'm Lauren Baptiste, your CPA turned life coach, and this is Billable Hour Burnout. On the show, I share tactics and mindset strategies for modern accountants, attorneys, and consultants.
Episode 17, let's do it! I've taken almost a full month off from Billable-Hour Burnouts. I was in Italy last month, on a yoga retreat in Tuscany. It was an incredible experience. I then went to Barcelona for the F1 Grand Prix with my husband and a friend. We had passes to the paddock, met drivers, and walked the pit lane. It was amazing to see the Formula One Academy drivers. I felt like I was on a TV show set. I'll be posting reels and behind-the-scenes content.
It was a beautiful trip, two and a half weeks long. I limited work and stayed connected only when necessary. I had long periods of being fully unplugged, thanks to my supportive team. I returned in late June, excited to work and serve my clients.
Now, my summer in and out list:
In:
Trips to the beach
Time for me
European travel
Using my PTO
Meaningful connections
Intention
Out:
People-pleasing
Saying yes to every summer barbecue
Holding resentment
Screen time after 10 PM
Overtime without the need
A client success story: Carmen, CEO of a bookkeeping business, graduated from my coaching program. She was on the verge of burnout, always working. Through coaching, she learned to control her schedule and set boundaries. She's now thriving and recommends working with me.
Let's dive into my ins and outs:
In:
Trips to the beach: Sensory experience and stress relief.
Time for me: Essential for better coaching and personal well-being.
European travel: Adventures that rejuvenate the spirit.
Using PTO: Vital for relaxation and productivity.
Meaningful connections: Focus on quality interactions.
Intention: Deliberate actions and choices.
Out:
People-pleasing: Doing things at your expense.
Saying yes to every summer barbecue: Prioritize well-being.
Holding resentment: Let go to maintain peace.
Screen time after 10 PM: Better sleep quality.
Overtime without need: Avoid unnecessary extra work.
Reflect on your own summer list. What feels good for you? Trips to the beach are valuable for stress relief. Personal time is crucial for showing up as your best self. European travel or any adventure can be refreshing. Using your PTO strategically is part of leveling up. Focus on meaningful connections and intentional living.