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Some of us have a hard time putting work down and taking time for ourselves, and Americans are stressed now more than ever. According to the American Psychological Association, “Most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44 percent reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Concerns about money, work and the economy top the list of most frequently cited sources of stress.”
Feeling burnt out, stressed, irritable at work or unmotivated in your passion is very common. Especially in the small business advisory world. You are dealing with people’s businesses, homes and lives. While you probably love what you do and enjoy your profession, it’s unrealistic to think there will never be a time where you will need to put your job aside and focus on yourself. When you feel at your best – you do your best.
Here are three ways to regularly check on yourself to make sure you are truly living a healthy and balanced work life.
Have clear-cut business hours
We all have meetings run late or extra-early mornings but try to keep to your stated business hours the best you can. This allows for you to have consistent down time every day for you to use as you see fit. You can spend this time with your family or friends, working out, watching your favorite Netflix show or even just catching up on much-needed sleep. As long as you are using your time to focus on things outside of work – to get your brain thinking about other things (or nothing at all, if that’s what you’re wanting) to get out of ‘work mode’ for a few hours. This will also allow you to come back to work with a clear mind, ready to take on the work day.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of your body and mind not only leads to a healthier lifestyle as a whole, but leaves you feeling productive and energized. This includes (but is not limited to) getting a full seven hours of sleep every night, consuming a well-balanced diet, getting some type of regular exercise, having good hygiene and staying on top of health and wellness appointments (doctor visits, therapy, meditation sessions, religion, etc.). All of these elements work together to fuel your body to perform at its best. A study of a small sample of employees who participated in an employer-sponsored health program showed an increase of their productivity by about 4% on average. However, the biggest productivity change was in sick workers whose health noticeably improved from one annual screening to the next, who saw a 10.8% change.
Leave room for vacation
Getting away, whether it’s a trip to your local state park or a river cruise through Europe, is important. A vacation isn’t just an hour or two before bed to relax, it’s a few days of getting out of the office and freeing your mind. Out of sight, out of mind, am I right? Taking a vacation allows you to spend time with loved ones without work/school interruptions, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even give you the clarity or headspace needed to jump back into work rejuvenated (and most importantly – happy).
You work hard and you deserve a break. Check out Insightful Accountant’s 20-minute Q&A with A Travel Spy on November 5 (2019) and learn how to use a travel agent to help you with your vacation needs, along with specifics on the Avalon Waterways River Cruises.