The saying goes: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." This is true—I know you know someone who fits the bill. The real problem with working too much is that it leads to a tremendous amount of stress. You don't need a doctor to tell you how badly stress can affect the body, both mentally and physically. The scale ranges from acne to heart attacks. Let's not even talk about the emotional hazards like anxiety and depression—stress is a legit killer.
If you could save yourself from these concerns, wouldn't you? It's as easy as finding ways to relieve the stress that work brings with it, no matter how much you might actually love your job. There are even studies and books on balancing work and home life. Here are some ways to keep your spirits up and your stress down.
1. Hang out with friends.
This is the obvious stress reliever. Your friends are your favorite people, so any time spent with them should be excellent stress relief. Whether you choose to party or have brunch, do something you can all enjoy to get the most out of your time and your friendship.
2. Laugh. A LOT.
You think I don't know you're busy? I know you’re busy—I’m busy too!! So fine, no time to hang out? That doesn't mean you can't enjoy your week. Laughter is probably the easiest way to maintain peace of mind effortlessly, and it costs you nothing! Crack a joke at work. Scroll through funny memes and videos on the way to the restroom. Call up the bestie or bae on your lunch break. Or mom, if that's what makes you happy. Whatever! The secret is that you can make your own happiness and wear it on your face at any time of the day!
3. Find your zen.
No, I don't mean become a Buddhist. You don't even have to meditate if that's not your thing! (Although it could be good for you). Finding your zen here means finding something to do that puts your mind and spirit at peace. It could be meditation, or it could be dancing. It could be reading or hiking. Maybe yours is journaling or scrapbooking. It could be your favorite sport. Your zen is uniquely yours, and only you will be able to figure it out. Just think of something that, after you've done it, makes feel you happier and more alive.
4. Try something new.
Whether it is a fun new workout or a new cuisine, trying new things helps open you up to all that the world has to offer. It doesn't even have to be extravagant or expensive! Visit a part of your town you've never been to, or try reading a book in a different genre than you usually do. Explore a new type of music, or better yet, make it a date, and see a live show of a band you and your partner in crime have never seen. Even the smallest deviations from your norm can feel like pushing the refresh button on your week.
5. Eat right.
I'm not going to lecture you here. Eating right can do so much for your physical health. Believe it or not, bettering eating habits can improve the way you feel and keep your energy level high. You don't have to make extreme changes to feel the results, and it doesn't have to taste bad!! This also includes making sure you eat frequently enough during the day to keep your metabolism going. Coupled with a moderate workout regimen, you've factored in both you time and good eats!
6. Wind down.
Alright, so your bathtub isn't perfect, and you don't have candles on hand. Not the point. At the end of a long day, you come home with aches and frustrations that you don't need to take to bed with you. Take a moment for yourself before bed to just relax. Calm your mind and let go of all the negative energy you had during the day. Let work stay at work, and keep your home your happy place. Whether you curl up with a book, a pet, or your significant other, if you can get rid of the stress before you hit the pillow, you can sleep better and wake up more refreshed.
Learning to find your balance is a process, but it will be so worth it once you find it. Make the time to make a happier you! Work will always be there, but your health and your happiness? Those deserve some work of their own. Now go forth and be happy!
