Wisdom and Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is notoriously difficult to maintain. Between the hectic schedules of a 9 to 5 job, family commitments, and myriad other obligations, it can be difficult to determine which of those things are most important.
However, that's never been more possible than with this list of holiday break activities for workers. Take these suggestions into consideration when you're feeling burnt out or just need a few minutes outside your office--you deserve it!
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This article is part of the #BusinessBloggerChallenge 2018 hosted by @bloggingwhiz @AngelaPreston @biztips101
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Are you ready? Let's begin! Holidays are a great time to take a break from work. Relaxing is something that should be prioritized, but it can be difficult with all of the commotion and stress surrounding the season. Take some time for yourself this holiday break, whether you spend it with personal or professional activities. Relaxation is so important during stressful times like this. Option 1: De-Stress and Focus on Your Work
Your work should guide your life. When you're feeling burnt out, it's best to get back to the basics of your career with some time spent doing what you actually love. Seize the day and plan some time dedicated to career-related activities that can help refresh what's left of your soul.
Here are a few ideas that will help boost productivity at work and improve work-life balance altogether. Don't have time to get a gym membership nearby? Take an after-work walk or jog down the street instead. This exercise can bring about profound changes in brain chemicals that can help reduce stress in the long run. Take some time to cook at home. Not only will you be able to save money, but you can better regulate your intake of calories and nutrients . If possible, get together with friends (or even your coworkers) to enjoy a healthy meal. Networking never hurts. Try attending a networking event or two or host one yourself . You never know who could provide connections to important people in the future. Help out with someone else's project by offering your services for free . There are people working their way up the ladder just like you, so try offering them some guidance by working on their project without a fee. Be consistent about following through on anything that you commit to, including personal projects. Don't let yourself get distracted by other things that come your way and always be sure to perform a task until it's done. For example, if you sign up for a gym membership, take them up on their offer. Even if you have to cancel or change the days you go, do so in a timely fashion so that you don't end up paying for it. Allowing yourself this extra peace of mind can help ensure that work is done at the high standard that you want it to be.
Option 2: Go on a Shopping Spree
Shopping is a great way to stress out over money and finances . It can easily become an obsession if left unchecked, especially when there are discounts involved.
While you're out and about, be sure to take some time to reflect on what you truly need and not just what's on sale.
If you're looking for ideas to help eliminate holiday stress, try shopping for necessities . This way, you'll have something from your list that's actually useful. For example, consider getting a new pair of pajamas or even a new car if you really need one. A better approach is to plan ahead for the holidays by preparing your finances ahead of time . If possible, avoid going into debt by overspending. Instead, consider taking out a loan if necessary. This will help keep future expenses low now that there's already an outstanding balance in place. The only important thing is to make sure you can pay it off.
Option 3: Vacation
In addition to the guilt of overspending, vacation can be an excellent way to escape holiday stress . It's especially important for those working away from home, though you may not realize just how much this relieves tension.
Although vacations are meant for relaxing, there are still plenty of ways you can stay focused and productive on vacation . Read books or watch movies that focus on work-related themes. Take a break from books with some crossword puzzles. You don't have to be able to solve them, but at least it will improve your mind so that you're thinking more clearly when back at work. Move around as much as possible while you're on vacation. It might be difficult to get out of bed when vacationing in a new place, though that's when it's most important to do so. While you're walking around the city, be sure to stop and enjoy the scenery at times.
Avoid lying around all day in front of the TV or your computer. Instead, go out and explore your new surroundings or get involved in activities that can help you make more friends . Be sure to get plenty of rest each night because sleep is essential for peak mental performance . When you're back at work after a few days off, consider scheduling some time away from the office every week so that you can relax and clear your head. It's especially important to do this if you work in a highly stressful environment.
Pack your bags and get on the road! You can't afford to be stressed out during the holidays when you've got so much to look forward to.
Option 4: Solve Problems
Whether you're relaxing at home or on vacation, there is still plenty of work to be done. If you've got a problem that's bothering you, there are a few things that can help solve it.
Write down a list of all of the problems that have been on your mind lately . Once you've written them down, rank them from most important to least important and give each one at least ten minutes of thought. Break up big projects into smaller pieces . For example, if you need to study for a big test, don't just study your notes all day. Instead, break the task up into segments such as outlining and studying different subjects so that it feels more manageable. Try breaking down big physical tasks, too . For example, when trying to organize a closet or clean the house, don't try to complete the whole job in one sitting. Instead, set aside an hour or two at a time for each segment so that its easier to get through and there are fewer things left undone.
Don't be scared away by difficult tasks because there are many ways to make them easier .
Conclusion
Whether it's budgeting your finances, shopping for necessities, solving problems, or going on a vacation, there are many ways to cope with holiday stress. You just have to know how to balance things out so that you can get the most out of each activity without having to worry about it later. While you're at it, check out this list of the top holiday gifts for teens and college students . You'll find many options that are perfect for students who want something fun but practical as well.
If you prefer an option that's a little more traditional (but still helpful), there are also plenty of gift guides for college students with a wide range of interests.