I have loved going to my dentist in the last few weeks, yes, all four visits for a root canal. Only last weekend did I discover why. I was enjoying the space and quiet in that dentist chair because I hadn’t been getting enough alone time to myself.

A time where no-one was asking me for something, expecting me to solve a 5th-grade math equation, or playing text tag with my husband about who is on lunch duty to get lunch prepared in the 30m window when everyone is off their school and work video calls.

I love that I can do my work from my home office and that my talks, workshops, and advisory work can still happen remotely, but those quiet rides to the airport, hotel stays, and travel are my thinking and creating time.

I am grateful that we are all healthy, but taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

I am lucky that both I and my husband can work from home while our three girls do virtual school, but, let’s be honest, it just isn’t natural to spend THIS much time with those you love.

Here’s what has worked for me:

• I have started waking up earlier and going for walks in the dark before everyone wakes up.

• I booked my favorite CrossFit coach to meet me in my back garden twice a week for socially distanced personal training sessions.

• I’ve been telling my family “I need some space” and going to sleep earlier.

I went to the dentist again today and I didn’t feel quite so deliriously happy to be there. It was still pleasant, but maybe it is because I am getting more of the space I need right now.

I am curious to hear if you feel you are getting the space you need? – do you need to take the dentist chair test?!

Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this week's VAL-uable Insights, sign up here to get them in your inbox each Monday morning: http://valwrightconsulting.com/newsletter-sign-up/