by Kara | Mar 3, 2022 | Health, News
Are you running low on energy, constantly exhausted, irritable, and feel like you’re spreading yourself too thin? You might be experiencing burnout, and you’re not alone. 42% of women and 35% of men have reported feeling burnt out in the last year.
Burnout isn’t as simple as just feeling stressed. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an official medical diagnosis. Burnout is a prolonged state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion typically caused by mismanaged stress, namely in the workplace.
[Related: Case Study: How One Mom Got Back Her Time]
The term burnout has traditionally been associated with high-stakes occupational positions, such as doctors, nurses, business executives, and first responders. However, recently burnout has been recognized to affect other individuals as well, particularly caretakers, teachers, and single parents.
Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of burnout, and how to fight it.
Symptoms of Burnout
Are you suffering from burnout? Review the following symptoms.
You may be experiencing:
- Constant mental and physical exhaustion
- Daily tasks that seem consistently overwhelming or extremely dull
- Muscle aches and frequent headaches
- Lowered immune system and frequent illness
- Change in appetite or sleep habits
- Feelings of failure and self-doubt
- Loss of motivation
- An increasingly cynical or pessimistic attitude about life
- Decreased satisfaction
If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, you might be experiencing burnout.
[Related: Five Things to Do With the Time Your Personal Assistant Saves You]
Effects of Burnout
Left untreated, burnout can cause long-standing changes to your mental and physical health.
Physical Effects of Burnout
Physically, when stress reaches an all-time high, your immune system can suffer, leaving you more susceptible to flus and colds. The exhaustion your body feels from the stress can make getting out of bed in the morning and falling asleep at night more difficult.
Mental Effects of Burnout
Mentally extended burnout can negatively impact your relationships with friends and family. Prolonged and untreated stress can make it hard to regulate emotions like sadness, anger, and guilt. Panic and anxiety attacks are not uncommon with those suffering from burnout.
[Related: Compassion Fatigue and How to Easer the Symptoms]
How to Fight Burnout
Don’t let burnout get the best of you! If you focus on making just a few changes you can better deal with burnout and feel happier and healthier.
Outsource Unpleasant Tasks
One main way to fight burnout is to outsource some unpleasant tasks and get your time back. We’ve mentioned this before, but time-saving investments like rideshare services, food delivery, and cleaning services can help you regain time and feel more in control of your day-to-day life.
Establish Work and Personal Life Boundaries
Think about your workload and how available you make yourself during non-work hours. Especially if you tend to be a people-pleaser, reducing your workload and establishing firmer boundaries between work and personal life can help reduce stress and provide some relief.
Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself is essential to fighting burnout, but it can be a lot harder than it sounds, especially if you’re used to putting yourself last. Without self-care, you won’t be as focused and you won’t have the energy to help others and get work done throughout the day. The cycle of burnout will continue.
Simple things such as reserving an evening or two a week for just yourself, taking a few minutes each morning and evening to meditate, or letting someone else take care of you through spa treatments or eating at a restaurant can all help nourish your well-being.
[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]
Engage in Healthy Diet and Exercise
After a long day, grabbing fast food on the way home and skipping an evening workout sounds like it’ll solve your unhappiness. And in the moment? It might. But engaging in healthier habits will make you feel a lot better, happier, and more energized in the long-run.
Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can increase well-being and decrease psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Eating healthy doesn’t hurt either, with nutrition reports indicating that fast food consumption is directly related to burnout.
[Related: Overcoming Stress: A Guide to Better Communication Within the Home]
How Pepper’s Personal Assistants Can Help
Pepper’s Personal Assistants is an incredible resource for empowering you to fight burnout and feel happier. Hiring a personal assistant to take care of things like meal planning, paying the bills, grocery shopping, and crossing things off of your to-do list will help you avoid the dreaded burn-out. Interested? Visit our website to learn more about our services.
We’re ready to help you regain your time and increase your happiness. Our personal assistants offer long-term, recurring household support in the Puget Sound Area.
Contact us today to get started.
Featured image via Pexels
by Kara | Feb 8, 2022 | Health, Outsourcing
A CEO of a business sits at the top. They manage multiple agendas, levels, and positions while making sure everything continues to run smoothly. They’re also responsible for when things don’t. Although CEOs typically have a surplus of resources to assist them in their work, they lack free time. No one can add hours to the day.
Managing a household can be seen as a similarly demanding (and important) job. And if you’re doing both? It can feel impossible to balance.
Since we can’t lengthen the day or duplicate ourselves, where we allocate our time is key to not only our success, but to our happiness as well.
Even if you’re not a global company’s CEO, many individuals, mostly women, go from working in the office to working at home with barely a coffee-break in between. After paperwork and meetings turn into driving the kids to sports practices and cooking dinner, special projects, hobbies, and self-care time can slip by the wayside.
[Related: Case Study: How One Mom Got Back Her Time]
More Time = More Happiness
Will more free time bring you joy? Researchers say YES!
The problem is that successful professionals do not have enough free time to run a household and do what they love. For instance, the average CEO works 62.5 hrs+ (2018) and 79% of weekends. There is even a greater impact to women, who go home to “second shift” often taking a greater share of the burden of childcare and running a household.
It may seem obvious, but more time typically equals more happiness. Those that feel stressed and time-pressed often have more anxiety and less overall life satisfaction than those who don’t think of time as a constant obstacle.
It’s official, and studies such as “Buying Time Promotes Happiness” in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show the proof. Researchers found that those who outsourced their tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and household management had significantly increased satisfaction on a 10 point scale. Another study from 2019 showed that people with more free time are actually healthier and even more productive.
Time-saving investments such as food delivery, taking a Lyft or Uber instead of the bus, or hiring a house cleaner can put you back in the driver’s seat and help you regain time, and thus regain control over the various components of your life. The more in control you feel? The happier you’ll feel.
[Related: Compassion Fatigue and How To Ease the Symptoms]
Outsource Your Tasks
Give yourself some time back by outsourcing tasks. Even if you think you can handle everything on your (ever-growing) to-do list, you most likely won’t have enough time left to spend with your loved ones, or on yourself.
By hiring a personal assistant to take care of things like grocery shopping, meal planning and prepping, pet care, bill paying, and other tasks, you can rest easy and avoid burnout. This extra time can be key to your wellbeing.
Prioritize Quality Time
Once you do have some time back in the day, make it count. Don’t use it as an excuse to add even more work-related tasks to your plate. Spend time doing fun activities with your family, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Creating these memories will make every penny you spend on outsourcing tasks worth it.
[Related: The Pepper’s Way]
Make Room for Self-Care
Don’t forget about yourself along the way. Oftentimes we get so caught up with pleasing other people that we tend to leave ourselves behind. Taking time to recharge and practice self-care is essential, for your own health and happiness and so that you can be the best version of yourself to the people around you.
Use your extra time to meditate, practice yoga, or take a long walk. You can even pamper yourself by getting your nails done, going to a spa, or taking yourself out to lunch. It’s amazing how good it can feel to have someone take care of you for a change—and you deserve it!
[Related: Why Choose Pepper’s?]
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today!
Pepper’s Personal Assistants is ready to help you regain your time and increase your happiness. Our personal assistants offer long-term, recurring household support in the Puget Sound Area. Interested? Contact us today to get started.
Featured image via Unsplash
by Kara | Dec 1, 2021 | Health
Although stress and burnout might not be a new thing for many of us—especially those of us who work, run a household, and care for children all at the same time—the last two years of the pandemic have perhaps emphasized this feeling to a whole new level.
According to Motherly’s 2020 State of the Motherhood survey, 74% of mothers are feeling mental burnout more than ever since the pandemic, and a recent poll reports that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years.
The last two years have been especially hard-hitting for working parents, single moms, and communities of color, and the feeling of fatigue is only increasing. While society is slowly beginning to reopen and we’re discovering new methods of functioning norms, a whole new set of challenges arise. What’s safe? How do I do this all by myself? Is everyone feeling okay?
Multi-tasking and abruptly switching between tasks like working from home, caring for your children, and managing household duties can drain precious energy and mental resources, leaving you feeling exhausted and not up for much of anything, much less self-care.
[Related: How Stress Affects Your Health]
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is a phrase that’s unfortunately become more and more popular over the last two years. This term, more typically associated with healthcare professionals, has now found its way into the everyday individual’s vocabulary.
Since many of us are staying home and caring for children and other family members, we are constantly thinking of others and holding space for their emotions without taking the time to tend to our own.
Ways to Ease Compassion Fatigue
This paired with the constant barrage of upsetting news on our televisions, radios, and phones can make us emotionally exhausted. Can we possibly care too much? Maybe not, but it sure feels like it takes a large physical and mental toll these days. Here are a few ways to ease compassion fatigue.
Make Time to Rest
Take small breaks between tasks. Experts say that 15 minute breaks between activities can help to reduce stress and increase your productivity.
[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]
Delegate Tasks
As we continue to navigate through this world, knowing how to delegate tasks becomes increasingly important. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends, family, or even personal assistant services to help with your day-to-day. Remember, asking for help is okay, and not a sign of weakness, but a sign of taking control of your well-being.
Find Community
Instead of keeping your stress all bottled up, find a community to engage with. The internet makes it easier than ever to find groups of people with similar backgrounds, hobbies, or careers. Finding a community and relating with each other over shared issues can help relieve pressure and alleviate symptoms of compassion fatigue.
Set Boundaries
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or helpless by the struggles of everyone around you, you need to make sure you’re also looking after yourself. Set aside time each day to process your emotions, whether through journaling, meditation, or a nice walk. Lean on your friends and family for support, limit your time on social media, and practice self-care.
If you’re working remotely it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life, so you need to firmly enforce set working hours (as much as you can) and a space for work that is separate from your bedroom.
[Related: Five Things to Do With the Time Your Personal Assistant Saves You]
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today and let us take some stuff off of your plate. Things can get to be too much, especially during this busy holiday season. Pepper’s can assist with running errands, paying bills, buying groceries, meal-planning, and more, so that you can take a breath and focus on you.
Featured image via Pexels
by Kara | Nov 1, 2021 | Gifts, Small Business
The holidays are fast approaching, and there’s nothing worse than scrambling to find the perfect, thoughtful gift for everyone on your list at the last minute. Don’t worry—Pepper’s is here to help with our annual local Seattle holiday gift guide.
Check out some of these awesome gift ideas from local Seattle-area businesses and get your shopping done early this year!
Custom Macarons from Macadons
These macarons from Macadons are not just delicious, they’re also customizable! Personalize these tasty treats by sending the folk at Macadons your unique image, logo, design, or message and choosing from their many handcrafted flavors for a perfect holiday gift. Pick them up at their White Center location or have them delivered up to 18 miles from the store.
Gifts for the Book Lover from Magus Books
Support one of the University District’s oldest independent bookstores this holiday season and visit Magus Books. With over 70,000 books in-store, try and stay focused because you might just get lost in the stacks! For the reader in your life, pick up a gift certificate to the store or check out some of their cool merch, including tote bags, hats, and mugs.
[Related: Where to Shop Local for Your Thanksgiving Meal]
Vinyl, CDs, and Merch from Sonic Boom
If there’s one thing Seattle knows—it’s music. Sonic Boom Records in Ballard has been around since the peak of the grunge era, and has been a great source for new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes ever since. They also sell gift certificates, shirts and hoodies on their website if you’re not quite sure what type of music your giftee is into.
Aromatherapy Candles from Thea Candle Company
Once the days get colder, darker, and busier, taking a moment to light a candle and relax becomes a gift in itself. Local candlemaker Thea Candle Company knows the importance of comfort and stress-release, and it’s evident in their handcrafted aromatherapy candles. Thea Candle Co. also uses natural oils and eco-friendly wax so you can feel good about what you’re buying. Fall scents include Morning Coffee, Fresh Baked Apple Pie and Rosemary Eucalyptus. Stay tuned for their winter release!
[Related: Pepper’s Personal Assistants’ Seattle Local Holiday Gift Guide 2020]
Stress-Relieving Sweat Session at City Sweats Infrared Sauna Studio and Spa
Sometimes the best gift is not one that you can hold, but one you experience. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone who seems to never slow down, why not give a gift certificate to City Sweats? This infrared sauna, studio, and spa has locations in West Seattle, Madison, Wallingford, and Bellevue, and offers a variety of stress-relieving, luxurious spa services.
Gorgeous Minimalist Jewelry from Baleen
You can’t go wrong with local jewelry-maker Baleen’s delicate, minimalist jewelry. Their focus on quality work, affordability, as well as sustainability make it a no-brainer for holiday shopping. From layering rings and chains to unique geometric earrings, Baleen has something for everyone on your list. Their website even has a “Most Gifted” section so you can see what’s popular, and maybe pick something out for yourself as well.
Photo Sesh With a Four-Legged Friend from Dirty Dog Photography
Photos are memories that can last a lifetime, and Dirtie Dog Photography knows that our time with our animals should be cherished. Book the animal lover on your list a session with Marika Moffitt that will honor their story. Sessions can take place anywhere in the Greater Seattle Area, and photos can also be turned into a beautiful photo book.
Beer Gift Box From Tavour
Although Tavour is based in Seattle, they now source and distribute independent craft beer from all across the country. Choose from their numerous beer gift box options or scoop up a gift card. You could also treat your special someone to a beer box subscription! Cheers!
Give Yourself the Gift of Time with Pepper’s Personal Assistants
We hope you’ve found some great ideas in our local Seattle holiday gift guide.
Remember, the greatest gift you can give yourself is time. Time for self-care, time to spend with your family and friends, or time to tackle those personal goals. This is all possible with Pepper’s Personal Assistants.
[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]
We provide long-term support to busy executive households who are ready to outsource. This allows clients more time and headspace to focus on their family, career, and the things they truly love.
Check out our service packages today, and treat yourself this holiday season. Contact us with any questions!
by Kara | Sep 7, 2021 | News
The Pepper’s Way has been developed over the past ten years. We’ve learned how to bring ease into our clients’ lives quickly, what makes a great personal assistant, and how clients and their personal assistant can build a successful long term relationship.
The Pepper’s Way
- We believe the best personal assistants find joy in making your life as easy as possible.
- We believe communication is the key to success.
- We believe in respecting client’s privacy and conducting ourselves with integrity.
- We believe in managing up and taking ownership of completing a task.
- We believe our employees are our biggest asset and take care of them.
- We believe in Radical Candor; supporting improvement through direct communication.
- We believe feedback is a gift and an opportunity to course correct.
- We believe in hiring based on shared values.
- We believe in vetting vendors and sharing our experiences with the team.
- We believe in continuous learning and ongoing training.
What Does the Pepper’s Way Mean for Clients?
- We listen to your needs and put the time and effort into finding the right personal assistant for you.
- We have a rigorous screening process with 3 interviews, background checks, and reference checks.
- We make it easy to get started by supporting the relationship and providing the tools and documents that have been proven to work.
- We train our employees on effective and efficient communication, and require a weekly 15 minute meeting between clients and their personal assistant.
- We request continuous feedback from our clients to make sure you are set up for long term success. The sooner issues are dealt with, the better.
- We’ve built a Preferred Vendor List over the past 10 years. Vendors are given a rating based on our team’s experience and dropped from the list if they don’t meet our standards.
What Does the Pepper’s Way Mean for Employees?
- We are on your team and here to support you in being successful.
- We offer a competitive wage as a W-4 employee, and benefits for all employees including paid time off and retirement matching.
- We help set boundaries to avoid burnout, such as business hours, last minute cancellations, and safety policies.
- We have a positive team culture, supporting each other and celebrating wins together.
- We listen to your feedback and suggestions. Our anonymous feedback form is always available. Some of our best improvements have come from employees.
- We provide ongoing team training including leadership, tech tools (Google Workspace, Trello, Pinterest, Lastpass, etc), meal prep and cooking, safety, and self care.
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today!
To find out more about The Pepper’s Way and what we’re all about, contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today!
