by Carol Williams
There seems to be a bit of a revolution going on in the work world.
For years it seems that it’s been in vogue to overextend yourself with a towering task list, overflowing obligations, and little to no time for yourself. People enjoyed wearing their “busyness” like a badge of honor for fear of looking lazy around their peers.
If we can find any positive in the pandemic, there seems to be a shift in our priorities, and people realize how fragile life can be. Many businesses have concluded that working from home isn’t just reasonable but efficient and will allow such freedoms even when Covid-19 finally vacates our lives.
People are learning the importance of self-care and taking steps to achieve a more balanced life, which is good for one’s health and will likely result in more productivity. Here are six strategies to help you work your way towards a more energetic and healthier lifestyle.
Become a time management master.
Time management is a skill that can go a long way when mastered, can reduce stress, and free yourself up for more “you” time. Start by creating a to-do list the night before. Just by doing this, you are subconsciously reducing stress and anxiety because it provides a roadmap for the following day.There will always be curveballs thrown your way that you’ll need a contingency plan for, but having your day structured as a point of reference will do wonders for your productivity. Other helpful tools can include the Pomodoro technique, eliminating distractions, and looking into seo outreach services if it’s something your job requires.
Have something to look forward to.
We live in a world of incentives, so having something to look forward to is only natural to keep us motivated and focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether that something is a post-work run, happy hour with friends, or a nice dinner with your significant other, having a rewarding insight will keep the dopamine flowing and give you that extra energy to get through your day. Vacations are a great long-term goal to look forward to and can power you through many long and torturous weeks. So, go ahead and treat yourself.
Find time to unplug.
Do you know that smartphone that you spend over three hours per day scrolling and texting? Lock it up in a drawer or another room for a portion of your day. We’ve become so hyper- connected that our phone has seemingly become an honorary appendage to our bodies. Unfortunately, phones and other distractions can hurt our productivity and mental health when overused, which we are all likely guilty of doing. Make sure to take some time out of each day to unplug any invasive technology.
Set boundaries and learn to say no.
This is probably one of the hardest things for most people. Most of us are natural people pleasers and feel guilty saying no to others. Whether that be a boss or colleague or a friend is asking for a favor. It’s nice to be counted on to get things done, but the problem is that we stretch ourselves too thin. Set some boundaries and stick to them. You’ll be surprised at how understanding people will be when you are firm and resolute when it comes to how you manage your time.
Set aside time for personal care.
Science and studies have proven time and time again how vital personal care is for us physically and mentally. Personal care can mean something different for everyone, so find out what works for you, and prioritize it in your day. Maybe it’s a morning run that gets your endorphins flowing, great. It could be an evening yoga class that keeps you balanced, wonderful. We all need to recharge the batteries and fill our cups with things that we enjoy.
Prioritize healthy eating.
You are what you eat is a cliché for a reason. If you fill your body with junk food, you’re going to feel sluggish and tired. If you replenish yourself with vitamin-rich superfoods, you’re going to function like a well-oiled machine. Save the junk food for cheat day and stick to foods like these for optimal energy and mental clarity.
Conclusion
At first blush, it can appear challenging, if not impossible to incorporate these balancing techniques into our workday. It can make us feel lazy in a culture that seemingly only has one gear- full steam ahead. But the more you prioritize your well-being, the easier it will become to say no or allocate a specific portion of your day for self-care. If we don’t look after ourselves, we’ll inevitably reach burnout, which is not just detrimental to our health, but it’s going to harm our output and professional lives as well. We only have one body, so it’s monumental that we nurture it and let it grow into the best version of itself. This is all something that we can start right now and move forward with for the rest of our professional lives. By taking the right steps, anyone can start living a better and healthier life!
Carol Williams is a thorough and meticulous Content Analyst. She commits herself to continuous learning and focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from her experiences. She is a passionate writer who loves writing about health and wellness. She writes in a concise manner so that the information is helpful for everyone.
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