Working a hectic schedule isn’t an ideal way to live, but for some of us, it’s just a fact of reality. When you work a high-powered job or run your own business, it’s imperative to keep working as much as possible in order to make the money you need for later in life.
But how can you stay sane and healthy when it feels like all you do is work? Try these tips.
Get the basics down
The first thing to do is to take basic care of yourself. This can seem very difficult, but the important thing is to use your time as wisely as possible and avoid taking shortcuts. For example, getting enough sleep is essential. If you can’t get enough sleep during the night, you could consider using your break times to get a quick nap in – instead of drinking coffee all of the time.
Use a day off to carry out meal prep for the week, creating healthy meals you can cook quickly when you get home from work, rather than opting for a takeaway or ready-made food. Drink as much water as possible during the day, and keep healthy snacks at your desk as well. Eating unhealthy food, drinking coffee, and feeling tired all the time won’t help either your mental or your physical health.
Make everything simple
Rather than spending time on things that don’t matter, cut your routine down to as simple as it can be. For example, if you don’t care about what you wear, create a work uniform – buy 5 or 10 of the same shirts, trousers, jumpers, and so on so you can just grab them in the morning and go. Make your meals ahead in big batches, if you don’t mind eating the same thing night after night and lunch after lunch. Memorise a workout routine, skip the morning habits that don’t add anything to your day, and have a set time for everything so that you never have to waste a minute on deciding what to do next.
Do what you love
What would you do if you had free time and no obligations? Whatever the answer is, try doing that whenever you have a small pocket of free time. For example, if you would love to read books all day, then take those 20 minutes of time you have to read a bit of a book each day. This will keep you invigorated and boost your mental health because you are doing something that you love. It will also make those hard days feel bearable.
Find an outlet
What helps you to blow off steam? For some, it’s a good old-fashioned rant with a colleague or friend. For others, it’s hitting the gym or boxing. Some like to practice yoga to let go of stress or meditate, while others might have a different method entirely. Whatever it is, make time in your day for it, every day. This will help prevent stress from building up and keep you mentally healthy. It is also a good way to combine mental and physical health if you choose to work out!
Whatever hours you have to work, there are ways to keep yourself sane and healthy. You might have to sacrifice a Netflix show in favor of going to the gym, or your Sunday lie-in to get started on meal prep, but the important thing is to prioritize things that will keep you going. This way, you won’t feel too stressed or watch your body fall to pieces because of work.
Author:
Evie Cooper is a constantly busy mom, a green living enthusiast, and a blogger. Juggling her home duties with her work as a Communication Manager at UK Area Code has taught Evie how to work efficiently and with absolute focus – skills which she often discusses online with other busy people professionals.