Post by Jason Lewis
Starting a side-hustle can be rewarding and challenging. One of the most significant difficulties is striking a good work-life balance and making time for self-care. Statistics cited on Statistics Canada show that up to 27% of Canadian workers deal with extreme levels of stress on a daily basis. So, rest assured if you deal with this issue, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to stay healthy while pursuing your career. Light Touch Technologies outlines seven things to consider.
Meditate
Adding a new practice to your routine can be intimidating, especially when you have no experience. Thankfully, meditation is easy and free, and even five minutes per day can make a big difference. There are great apps to help you with guided meditations and breathing exercises, or you can simply set a timer and focus on your breath for 5 to 10 minutes whenever you need a break. If you feel like you don’t have any extra time in the morning, try meditating in the afternoon for a quick reset.
Watch Your Nutrition
Paying attention to your diet is not only about weight control or looking good. Your diet contributes significantly to your energy levels and your overall well-being. Websites like Cronometer help you track your macronutrients so you can see where your nutrition needs some work. If meal prep seems like too much work, you can also try a meal-delivery service which will save you time and stress so you can focus on other tasks.
Stay Fit
Starting a fitness program can help to improve your overall health. Regular exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, exercise can help to boost your mood and alleviate stress. It can also increase your energy levels and help you to sleep better at night. There are many ways to stay fit, whether you’re joining a gym or taking online yoga classes at home. If you live in a pedestrian-accommodating area, you can also start a walking or running routine.
Disconnect From Tech
Your job likely includes a good amount of emails, social media, or phone calls, and it can be hard to set boundaries around technology. After a long day, you might want to relax in front of the TV, introducing even more screen time to your evening. Reducing your screen time, though, can help you mitigate screen-related anxiety and exist in the present moment. Try setting a time to put your phone on Do Not Disturb at night, so you have a few hours to read, take a bath, and relax before bedtime. Keeping the lights low and reducing your exposure to blue light will also help your sleep cycle normalize.
Design Stress-Free Home Office
For many people, the home office is the most stressful room in the house. It’s where you’re supposed to be productive, but it’s often filled with distractions. To make matters worse, your home office may not be set up in a way that promotes productivity. Here are a few tips for creating a stress-free home office:
- Keep the clutter to a minimum. A cluttered desk can be a major source of stress. As with the rest of your home, take some time to declutter your workspace and get rid of any unnecessary items.
- Make sure you have adequate lighting. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches. Invest in some quality light fixtures or use natural light from windows to brighten up your space.
- Invest in comfortable furnishings. A comfortable chair and desk will help you feel more relaxed and productive. Make sure your furniture is ergonomic and adjust it to fit your body size.
Outsource Small Tasks
Virtual assistants and automation software have made it easier than ever to minimize time spent on rote tasks. You may be hesitant to devote more money to help, but the time it saves you can be invaluable. For instance, invoicing software can help you send invoices to clients with ease. Not only can you customize the invoices you send to match your brand, but you can also easily track who has received and paid invoices without having to dig through email or messages. Customers can pay online and even schedule recurring payments.
Get Organized
Your house and office can easily fall into disarray when you feel overwhelmed or behind. Taking a full day or two to clean and organize seems like time you can’t afford to lose. In reality, getting organized will save you time by clearing your mind and making essential documents easier to find. Harvard Business Review notes that it has been scientifically proven that a messy home increases the likelihood you will procrastinate crucial tasks. So, set up a new system, and you’ll likely be happy you did.
The tips above will help you strike a better balance between your work and taking care of yourself. If you have a tendency to feel down when you’re not accomplishing something, remember that good health and happiness are achievements themselves. You can start by taking steps like designing a stress-free office, staying fit, and getting organized.
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