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After completing my certification in Pregnancy Loss Coaching, I immediately dove into setting up my offerings, as I believed that was the logical next step. It seemed to make sense: become certified, then start coaching.
However, I soon realised that something was off. I wasn't in the right mindset, nor was I in the right phase of my life to fully dedicate myself to my clients.
Behind the scenes, I had recently returned to the workforce while still navigating my own grief. On top of that, I have the responsibilities of being a full-time mother and wife to my young family, which I'm forever grateful for but the demands and pressures quickly took a toll on me, and I found myself experiencing burnout.
It became clear that I needed to reassess and take a step back. I realised that I had to prioritize my own healing and well-being before being able to support others effectively. Recognizing this, I made the decision to put a pause on my coaching offerings and focus on self-care, seeking the support I needed to heal and restore my energy.
Its been 2 months since I decided to take a social media break, so in this blog post, I wanted to shed some light on the impact my break has had on my mental health and the invaluable benefits it brought me.
Taking this break allowed me to regain clarity and perspective. It taught me the importance of honoring my own needs and limitations while also being compassionate towards myself. I now understand that healing and self-care are vital components of being able to show up fully for others.
Although it wasn't the path I initially expected, this experience taught me valuable lessons about self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the importance of self-care.
What I did differently | Benefits |
A time limit per day on both Facebook & Instagram |
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Turned all notifications off |
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Unsubscribed from a bunch of emails |
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Put my weekly lives calls on pause |
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Put my coaching programs on pause |
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Time Management: By setting a specific time limit, I've become more conscious of how much time I spend on these platforms. This encourages better time management and prevents excessive scrolling, allowing me to allocate my time more efficiently to other important tasks, activities or commitments.
Embraced the Silence: During my social media hiatus, I found solace in embracing the silence. Stepping away from the constant flow of information and notifications allowed me to reconnect with my self, and my inner thoughts. I have so many ideas and things I want to do in the baby loss space, that I was struggling to focus on one thing at a time. This break has allowed me the respite from the digital noise and granted me the space to prioritize these thoughts and ideas and I therefore now have an exciting action plan moving forward.
Nurturing Personal Growth: A social media break presented an opportunity for personal growth. With the absence of external influences, I could explore new perspectives, engage in self-reflection, and refine my approach to the baby loss space. This journey of self-discovery enhanced my knowledge, expanded my understanding, and deepened my empathy—qualities that will undoubtedly benefit my peers as they navigate their own healing journeys.
Strengthening Boundaries: One valuable lesson I learned during my break was the importance of setting boundaries. Social media can be all-consuming, often blurring the line between personal and professional life. By consciously stepping back, I gained a renewed sense of control over my time and energy, allowing me to establish healthier boundaries. This newfound balance will enable me to better prioritize self-care while continuing to provide unwavering support to fellow loss mamas.
Rediscovering Authenticity: The allure of social media often tempts us to portray an idealized version of ourselves or our work. However, my time away from these platforms allowed me to reconnect with my authenticity. I was able to reevaluate my services, ensuring they align with my core values and reflect the genuine essence of who I am. This rediscovery of authenticity has invigorated my passion and commitment to serving my clients more effectively, but in new and different ways (more on this to come, stay tuned)
Restoring Emotional Energy: Being a baby loss support person involves holding space for others and empathizing with their pain. While I find deep fulfillment in supporting my peers, it is essential to acknowledge the toll it can take on my own emotional energy. Taking a break from social media has helped me replenish my emotional reserves, ensuring that I am fully present and capable of providing the support my peers need as well as balancing my role as a working mother and wife with a household and other commitments to maintain.
Increased productivity: Social media platforms can be highly addictive and can easily consume a significant portion of your day. By limiting my time on Facebook and Instagram, I am able to free up more time for productive activities.
Improved focus and concentration: Social media can disrupt your focus and attention span. With a time limit in place, I was able to reduce the temptation to constantly check for updates or notifications. This allows me to concentrate better on my immediate tasks and enhance productivity as well as improve the quality time I spend with my family.
Enhanced mental well-being: Excessive use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. By limiting my time on Facebook and Instagram, I am able create boundaries that promote a healthier balance between online and offline activities, ultimately reducing the negative impact on my mental well-being.
The break has granted me the opportunity to prioritize my mental health, restore emotional energy, and rediscover authenticity. This journey of self-reflection has nurtured personal growth, strengthened my boundaries, and rekindled my passion for supporting the baby loss community.
Am I ready to resume the online commitments I had before? Not 100%, no.
I am confident though, that the benefits of this break will greatly enhance my ability to support and empower individuals through their unique healing processes in the near future.
I am sincerely grateful for your understanding and continued support. If you or someone you know is seeking compassionate guidance on their pregnancy loss journey, I am here to help.
Together, we can navigate the complexities of healing, embrace resilience, and find peace in knowing that no one walks this path alone.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you!
Sending love,
Tayla
