Nina Westbrook Podcast Edit sq

In episode three of the latest series of our Sisterhood Works podcast, we spoke with entrepreneur, therapist and philanthropist, Nina Westbrook. Read on to hear Nina's thoughts on coping with our ever-changing anxieties, the importance of celebrating small wins, and the importance of a reliable support system – now more than ever.

Nina Westbrook is a licensed marriage and family therapist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, physiotherapist, mother and wife, wearing many hats on a daily basis. With years of experience under her belt, Nina understands that managing expectations and the quest for finding that elusive balance are reoccurring challenges we can all relate to, especially right now, when seizing control over our own lives can sometimes feel like a daily battle.

We spoke to Nina, as she shared her advice on navigating through times of uncertainty, and how to remain adaptable to change. Here’s just some of what we learned...

Listen to the podcast episode

1. Stop Searching For The Perfect Balance

As a successful woman with many strings to her bow, how does Nina juggle so many roles and responsibilities? Her answer is simple: “I don’t believe in balance – I believe in organised chaos!” she told us. Noting that "balance" looks different for everybody, she told us that she “approaches life in terms of seasons, rather than having a perfect balance”, sharing that it's better for her mental wellness to do so. “It’s all about being mindful, recognising when you are needed and where you have space and time to validate your energy after that,” she added.

2. Manage Your Expectations

Sometimes, the heaviest weight to carry is the pressure we put on ourselves. Where we should be, what we should be doing and the strict timeline we allow ourselves to achieve it all in can often leave us feeling deflated if we miss the mark. Agreeing with this sentiment, Nina champions the importance of managing your expectations.

“If you’re anything like me, you’re a planner, and you want to know exactly what’s happening and when. Unfortunately at this time, it’s really difficult to plan that far ahead,” Nina shared. Her advice on relieving some of that pressure? “Be realistic when you set goals and have grace. Use this time to learn, grow and adapt.”

3. Set Boundaries

Over a year of everchanging circumstances, physical restrictions and feelings of uncertainty, many of us have seen the lines between all aspects of our work and life become blurred. Nina shared that what has helped her remain productive yet grounded through the process is setting clear, tangible boundaries. “When you’re working from home, being intentional about your time is key. Ensure you’re scheduling time throughout the day where you’ll be most productive to focus on things you need to do.” She told us. As well as prioritising by level of importance, Nina shared why “utilising the resources that you have available to you” is so key.

“Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you’re always working… because you’re always at home. We have to set boundaries with our co-workers, with our families, with our boss. At some point, the workday has to end.” Nina added.

4. Ask For Help

At AllBright, one of our core messages of sisterhood is being able to turn to those around you for support - and Nina revealed that this is exactly what self-care means to her.

“Self-care looks like accepting help and reaching out, and leaning on my support system. I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I do without the support and help of people around me,” she said. “As a mother, woman and wife, we wear all these hats. We want to feel like we can do it all, and we probably can, but I’m not sure how well and efficiently we can do it all without that support and help.”

5. Community Is More Important Than Ever

When we’re together, we’re so much stronger. And right now, that sentiment is more apt than ever. “We’re all experiencing something at the same time, so we have a lot more in common than you would typically think,” Nina shared. “Reach out to people for support, because nobody has it all together - we’re all struggling and navigating.”

But what does community mean to her? Nina told us how she believes it can be “a small group of people, whether it’s three of your best girlfriends, or family members you know you can reach out to”. She added that even if they “don’t have the resources, they might know someone who can help”, noting that that's the beauty of community; reaching out, referring and figuring out how we can all come together to support each other through difficult times.

6. Set Yourself Short Term Goals And Celebrate Small Victories

Right now, the tiniest of triumphs can be the ones that boost us the most. And why shouldn’t they?! Nina shared why celebrating those small wins is so important in these times of challenge. “We have a tendency to set a goal and put everything into it, and then when we don’t see that come to fruition in the timeline we’ve set for ourselves, it adds a lot of pressure to our plates and creates anxiety,” she told us.

The antidote to this? Set daily goals. “If I can get through a few things on my work list and still spend time with my kids, and get my exercise or relaxation in, then it’s a good day, and I’m going to relish that small victory!” Nina added.

7. Be Open To Change

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that change is sometimes out of our control, and the best thing we can do is to focus on the things we do have the power to change.

Explaining that “one of the most important things we can do right now is to be open”, whether that be to new career opportunities, hobbies or experiences, Nina poignantly shared; “don’t swim against the wave, ride the wave!”