Top Tips for Work-Life Balance and Well-being
During “lock-down” we are all in a bit of a time warp. So please do not be confused by this Top Tips Tuesday coming out on a Wednesday!
Rather than wait another week, I thought I’d write this now.
Within Part 2 of my Being Kind to Yourself presentation as part of the #espressoexpress learning support from Directory of Social Change, I shared some tips, that I hope might be helpful in terms of work-life balance and well-being.
If you haven’t seen Being Kind to Yourself – Part 2, simply follow this link:
https://www.dsc.org.uk/content/espresso-express-be-kind-to-yourself-part-2/
Here are some simple Top Tips for Work-Life Balance and Top Tips for Well-being during these unprecedented times as we face exceptional levels of change.
Top Tips for Work-Life Balance Whilst Working From Home
- Avoid distractions – obviously, this is difficult if you have children or other care responsibilities. However, simple things like switching off your mobile while you are completing a task that needs concentration will help you get through it more quickly and effectively
- Create a dedicated workspace which is free of distractions – even if it’s just a small space working space. If you don’t have a separate space for working at home, at least clear things away when you have finished – this helps your brain create boundaries between work and ‘free time’
- Create a routine – Imagine you are going to work. Get up, washed, dressed etc. – your usual routine for going to work. When you’ve finished work, change into your casual clothes – this also helps your brain create boundaries between work and relaxation time
- Give yourself regular breaks (brain-friendly learning suggests that this is 20 minutes. So, after this time, give yourself a stretch, walk about, grab a cuppa) You could even re-watch this Expresso Express
- Having breaks and getting oxygen to your brain will make you more effective and productive – ensure you have a lunch break, go for your daily exercise etc.
- Keep a Time Log and Task List
- Keep the radio and TV for your ‘off-work’ time
- Log out of social media accounts whilst working
- Schedule and protect time for health and well-being, contacting family and friends, exercise, reflection, domestic stuff (yep even that!), reading for pleasure, hobbies and interests.
- Stick to reasonable working hours – there are 168 hours in every week, potentially time for everything.
Top Tips for Maintaining Well-being
- Create a well-being environment (e.g. have an essential oil diffuser with lavender, bergamot and other calming fragrances), using brain-friendly music can also help with concentration and feeling calm. Try https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOkgqgYYpaY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCdHEkuDtWc to get you started
- Diet
- Eat less than 20 grams of fat per day
- Here are 12 foods to boost brain function: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324044
- Exercise
- Here are some ideas for keeping fit whilst being at home
- Humour
- Of course, this depends on your personal taste. However, who cannot smile or laugh at the following:
- OK – perhaps sharing my favourite funnies may not have been the best idea! However, you get the idea – watch something that lifts your mood, whatever that may be!
- Please note that some clips may offend, if so please accept my apologies!!
- Interests and Hobbies
- Make a cuppa (camomile is fab!)
- Positive Self-talk – Affirmations
- Mindfulness, Meditation (try apps such as Calm and Headspace)
- Relaxation, Release emotions
- Sleep and Rest
- Water intake. Remember that for your brain to work effectively, it needs hydration. So keep it topped up
- 4-8 glasses of water per day is recommended
The main thing to remember, however, is that it is important to Be Kind to Yourself – that will help you develop your resilience and do what you do best – helping others.
| ●●● “Time = Life, Therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life. ” Alan Lakein ●●● |
OVER TO YOU: RELEASE YOUR POTENTIAL!
| “Learning is a treasure that follows its owner everywhere.” Chinese Proverb |
These are my thoughts and perspectives (I’m not necessarily right or wrong, simply starting a conversation).
So, what about your thoughts?
- I’d love to hear your thoughts, reflections, gut reactions, perceptions, experiences and wisdom.
- Do any of these things ring true for you and can you see yourself putting these ideas into action?
- What would it look, sound and feel like (for you and others), if you put some of these tips into practice in your workplace?
- What barriers might you come against when putting these tips/ideas into practice? How might you overcome them?
- Who could give you support and how?
- Have you tried these tips and ideas out and, if so, what have you learned?
Remember that sharing our experiences can help others, so your thoughts and comments are always welcome. Simply email me at: mike@mikephillipstraining.co.uk
Thanks, in advance, for adding to the conversation.