Work Life Balance: It's Time to Get Your Life Back
By Shondell Varcianna
April 30, 2014
Lifestyle
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Work related stress is taking a huge toll on today's working adults. According to a report published in 2012, 5.2% of Canadians experience mood disorders and 4.8% experience anxiety disorders over a year. A significant number of Canadians also suffer from panic disorders, mania, social phobia and agoraphobia. These statistics show that there is clearly a need to maintain a health work-life balance.
If you are stressed out and experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above, it is time to get your life back with some lifestyle changes.
Never skip breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Besides giving you the energy to start the day, a good breakfast has several other health benefits. It provides you with a complete diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. As a result, you’ll have more strength and endurance for physical activities as well as the ability to concentrate and perform better in meetings and or at school. A healthy breakfast can also help to lower cholesterol levels.
Take your lunches and breaks: It is important to take a lunch and breaks every day - not just to replenish your energy to continue working for the rest of the day, but also to give your body and brain a much-needed break. Studies have shown that taking a break of even 15 to 20 minutes can increase concentration levels and the nutrition you get helps increase your productivity for the remainder of the day.
Schedule family/friend time: No matter how busy you are, make some time to spend with your family and friends. Spending time with the people you love strengthens emotional bonds, improves communication, increases happiness and promotes overall wellbeing. People who regularly spend time with their family and friends are happier and consequently healthier than people who do not.
Use your vacation time, even if it's a staycation: I find that when I deny myself a vacation, I lose my energy and enthusiasm for work. Consequently, my productivity ends up suffering. I know people who have become ill from overwork. So, do not forgo your vacation, take it even if you have no plans to go anywhere. A staycation can refresh and give you that energy you need.
Indulge in something you love: Doing the things you love is a great way to refresh your mind.Take the time to indulge in the things you absolutely love doing. If you have a hobby, that's great. If you do not have one, then think of something that you will enjoy doing, such as photography, fishing, cycling, taking a walk, going on a long drive or even fixing something around the house. If you can make it a group activity that you can do with your family and friends, it will be even more enjoyable.
Picture by Ice Jammer
If you are stressed out and experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above, it is time to get your life back with some lifestyle changes.
Never skip breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Besides giving you the energy to start the day, a good breakfast has several other health benefits. It provides you with a complete diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. As a result, you’ll have more strength and endurance for physical activities as well as the ability to concentrate and perform better in meetings and or at school. A healthy breakfast can also help to lower cholesterol levels.
Take your lunches and breaks: It is important to take a lunch and breaks every day - not just to replenish your energy to continue working for the rest of the day, but also to give your body and brain a much-needed break. Studies have shown that taking a break of even 15 to 20 minutes can increase concentration levels and the nutrition you get helps increase your productivity for the remainder of the day.
Schedule family/friend time: No matter how busy you are, make some time to spend with your family and friends. Spending time with the people you love strengthens emotional bonds, improves communication, increases happiness and promotes overall wellbeing. People who regularly spend time with their family and friends are happier and consequently healthier than people who do not.
Use your vacation time, even if it's a staycation: I find that when I deny myself a vacation, I lose my energy and enthusiasm for work. Consequently, my productivity ends up suffering. I know people who have become ill from overwork. So, do not forgo your vacation, take it even if you have no plans to go anywhere. A staycation can refresh and give you that energy you need.
Indulge in something you love: Doing the things you love is a great way to refresh your mind.Take the time to indulge in the things you absolutely love doing. If you have a hobby, that's great. If you do not have one, then think of something that you will enjoy doing, such as photography, fishing, cycling, taking a walk, going on a long drive or even fixing something around the house. If you can make it a group activity that you can do with your family and friends, it will be even more enjoyable.
Picture by Ice Jammer