Time Out
By Kristen Johnson Photos Story Thorburn
science behind procrastination and motivation. “On the whole, I teach groups tangible ways to support productivity while reducing stress,” states Switzer. Coaching is not just about productivity. It is also about improving a person's quality of life. “I help people who want to reduce personal daily stress and who often feel they have too many balls in the air,” says Switzer. “My goal is to help people feel confident that they’ve done enough each day, while also giving themselves permission to rest and play, and prioritize time for the things that bring their life meaning.” This has become even more evident since COVID-19 has changed the way that many people work. With so many people working from home for the first time, Switzer saw the need for something new. “I created webinars for workplaces around best practices when managing our own time, ways to incorporate gentle structure to reduce anxiety, and how we can support ourselves through the emotional experience of uncertainty.” Switzer has also seen that many people are benefiting from changes due to the pandemic. ”Lately people have been telling me that COVID-19 has paradoxically brought increased joy to their lives. In slowing down and simplifying, their connection to what is truly meaningful has been amplified. As much relief as transitioning out of pandemic times will eventually bring us, some people want to protect what they’ve gained in terms of time with loved ones, time for self-care, and time for rest."
Kailea Switzer, a Harvard-trained time management and organization coach, is here to help. “We often have such long to-do lists that it’s easier to focus on what wehaven’tdone vs. whatwe have achieved. This makes it hard to relax and unwind even when we are off the clock,” says Switzer. Switzer has developed a method to help people learn how to be organized in her one-to-one coaching packages that take place over three months. “Despite the common belief that you either ‘are’ or ‘aren’t’ organized, these skills can be developed,” she states. “The key is approaching them in the same way we learn other kinds of skills; for example, playing an instrument.” The time frame is important, too. Switzer feels that this is the most effective amount of time to “individualize the systems to your life, ensure they work for you in a meaningful way, and allow you to feel confident in your ability to maintain the skills moving forward.” Switzer initially focused on coaching university students, but began to see that these skills are beneficial to people in all walks of life. Since then, she has worked with business owners, artists, new parents, directors, professionals and more. In addition to helping individuals, Switzer also provides professional development training for workplaces. This focuses on time management, proactive planning and mental de-cluttering, as well as the brain
Thank you to our model (right), Ellen Egan (Writer & Creative Consultant)
“My goal is to help people feel confident they’ve done enough each day, while also giving themselves permission to rest and play, and prioritize time for the things that bring their life meaning.”
- Kailea Switzer
kailea@kaileaswitzer.com www.kaileaswitzer.com
SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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