Livia Boerger empowers female entrepreneurs to detach from societal pressures so they can do life and work on their terms so they can design a life they love that prioritizes productivity vs. busyness, mindfulness, rest and self-care.

Working in corporate, I’d constantly get sick and was struggling mentally around what I thought I “should” be doing (working up the corporate ladder) vs. what I wanted to be doing (creating a life that allowed me to put myself first). Eventually, it got too much and I knew I had to take some time for myself. Covid began around the same time and as I started to feel better and build my business as a Virtual Assistant, I realized how tough it is to keep up healthy habits when you’re building a business and want to succeed fast. I was working longer hours than before and never had time for things I wanted to prioritize when starting my business - and I noticed this to be a common occurrence with other entrepreneurs. 

What is your London? What is it about? 

The tight-knit neighbourhood-y feel you get in almost every area of London. They’re all so vastly different, but I love the little unique coffee shops, brunch places and boutiques that make up the personality of them.

How do you find balance, and what keeps you inspired? 

I am inspired by others going after their dreams, detaching from what they think they “should” be doing and instead breaking through what it is they actually want for themselves. It’s difficult to do but so rewarding once you’ve freed yourself of that outside pressure.

As for balance, I like breaking up my day with little pockets of time for myself. I don’t specifically plan those as I am in the mood for different things all the time but it helps bring back awareness to what matters rather than getting sucked into an autopilot vortex of work. I also make sure to prioritize rest and don’t force myself to push through when I’m not feeling my best.

What do you do to motivate yourself, or to switch up energy throughout the day?

Going outside and on walks! Going to the gym also really helps me reset but I prefer not feeling rushed so I tend to go at the end of my work day but it’s always a great way to switch off my work brain and ease into me-time for the day.

If I’m feeling stuck in my energy and focus, using that time with something else productive can also help, like washing dishes, folding laundry etc. Though it’s important to recognize when that’s just an excuse to procrastinate.

How do you define wellbeing?

Wellbeing is so personal and there’s no one size fits all solution. For me, wellbeing means setting yourself up for future success that might feel uncomfortable in the moment (going to the gym, checking finances) etc, but will bring long term gain. Finding the right mix of short term happiness and long term sustainability.

Any tips for tuning into our bodies’ needs? 

Take breaks throughout your day and do a quick mental body scan. Does anything ache? What am I feeling right now? What could I give myself that would make me feel better (a walk, stretching, calling a friend, self-care)? Don’t force yourself to push through when you’re running on empty and feel exhausted. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.

What are some small habits you practice that make a big difference? 

Checking in with myself throughout the day. Am I drinking enough? Have I properly eaten? Did I just slip into autopilot? I try and be as mindful as I can each day to make the most of my time. Obviously that isn’t always easy but I’m really proud of the mindfulness I’ve managed to infuse into my day.

How can we use manifestation and affirmations in our lives? 

I’m not very spiritual but affirmations can definitely help build confidence if you repeat them enough. As for manifestation, I put together a vision board at the beginning of the year and then move it out of my sight. It’s fun planting those ideas as seeds and checking months later which of those have come true.

Do you have any advice for readers wanting to regain power over their lives?

So often we chase a life that’s not really one we want because we’re operating out of beliefs we adopted as a child based on our upbringing or from society. Similarly, our values change over time and that’s completely normal, but it’s important to check in with yourself and reconnect with your desires, values and goals and see if what you’re doing in your daily life is in line with those goals. If not, what can you do today to bridge that gap? 

How can we be kinder to ourselves as we pursue wellbeing? 

Realize that there is no one right away and remind yourself that you don’t need to be productive and doing things all the time. Be gentle with yourself on this journey and be realistic. If you’re in a busy season of life, it’s unlikely you get to stick to all your usual routines and habits. So plan accordingly. Similarly, some seasons of life are simply for maintaining whatever it is you need to do to make it through the day. So be mindful of that and stop being so hard on yourself.

Why is rest so important?

Rest helps us recharge on so many levels - mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, sensory and creatively (more on that here). That’s why we get those random bursts of inspiration when we are about to drift off to sleep or take a shower. Taking a step back helps us recalibrate and assess from an outside perspective, helping bring clarity and awareness to our situation that allows us to get back to work with a refreshed mind.

What’s your go-to movement practice, or exercise that sparks joy?

Strength training! I’m not a fan of cardio but I love the feeling of getting progressively stronger and feeling better in my body. I also love hikes.

What’s your life’s philosophy or mantra? 

Trust the timing and process. Everything will work out one way or another.

How can we distinguish between busy, and productive?

Great question! We used to believe that a packed calendar meant importance, but that’s not true. Is what you’re doing today actively getting you closer to your goals? Or are you filling your day with random tasks that fill up your schedule but don’t make a difference because they’re filler tasks used as procrastination? Or are you working on tasks related to a project further down the line.

Get real clear on your immediate priorities and be honest with yourself: Do you fill your calendar with “busy” so it makes you feel more accomplished? Do you feel like a 3 hour work day isn’t valid? Are you actively working on things that matter?

Remember, busy isn’t a badge of honor and working less than 8 hours doesn’t mean you’re any less productive.

A 3-hour work day focused on 3 things that need doing in line with your goals is much more productive than an 8-hour work day jumping tasks, getting distracted and losing focus.

Sleep can greatly affect our mood and stress levels. What’s your ideal winding down routine to find peace and calm?

Stretching and my nighttime skincare routine. I love taking my time with both and sometimes I listen to my favorite childhood tapes to make me feel nostalgic and sleepy. I also take CBD oil before bed and switch my night stand lamp to red to help produce melatonin and counteract the blue light emitted from screens all day.

Discover Livia's morning routine 

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How can we create our own haven, or sanctuary?

What scents evoke feelings of nostalgia? Which textures do you like?
Whether you create a corner or transform your entire home, little tweaks can often be enough. I can’t get any work done with my desk facing a wall, so having it face the window makes a big difference for me personally. I also created one corner with a plant stand I love, big plant and picture frame wall that makes me happy every time I look at it. Again, there’s no one way, just use things that make you feel happy, content, peaceful (or whatever emotion you’d like to evoke).

Something you’re looking forward to? 

Christmas! It’s my favorite time of year and I never get enough of watching Christmas movies and looking at all the lights. 

Festive Edit

Songs that make you feel motivated?

In general, anything Ariana Grande. But Last Christmas from Wham! always puts a smile on my face.

A party isn’t complete without…

Christmas cookies (or dogs).

Any other hosting tips for this festive season? 

Have plenty of games at the ready and do a movie marathon of all your favorite Christmas movies.

How can we practice gratitude this Christmas, and focus on what really ‘matters’?

Reminding yourself that in the grand scheme of things, most things you’re worried about probably won’t matter a year from now. Shifting your perspective and turning inwards really helps.

At the end of the day, what do you TRULY value? What’s important to you? That’s what really matters, so make an effort to spend more time doing that.

If you'd like to learn more about Livia, visit her website today at madewithlemons.co