I’m quickly learning that when your career is big part of your life, it can be hard to find time to relax and take care of yourself. There are days when I stop and think, “I have no food in my fridge, I haven’t taken vitamins in a week, my dry cleaning is still waiting for me in the back seat of the car, I haven’t seen my dog in 15 hours, and my laundry is over flowing.”
After working late nights and early mornings last week (and having to cancel several pampering appointments last week in preparation for my debut as a bridesmaid) I decided that “enough is enough”! Scheduling regular activities to de-stress should be a higher priority on my list and I hope it can be on yours too.
As Steven Covey says in his popular and life changing book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Sharpen the Saw: Taking care of yourself first guarantees that you will be able to execute your life’s work at a much higher level.
I’ve found that there are a few specific things that make a huge difference in balancing out my busy life. Please share your tips too!
Yoga
When I make time to go to an early morning yoga class (I’m really into Core Power Yoga right now), I often stay later at work, am in a better mood and am twice as productive as the days where I don’t go to class. I’d even go as far as saying that when I practice yoga, I don’t crave the unhealthy foods that I might otherwise.
I often wonder what the heck those poses trigger to be able to provide such a boost! Yoga starts a “domino effect” of positive things for me. For example, it helps me focus (NOT my strong suit at all) and it relieves my battle with anxiety. This ancient discipline has been passed down over centuries for a reason! You can break a sweat, get toned, lengthen knotted muscles and get your mind right, all at once.
Try yoga if you haven’t already, and if you have, keep it up by making it part of your daily or weekly schedule. Yes, I know- the hard part is getting in the routine. Let’s be honest, not taking care of ourselves now will only lead us to analyzing liposuction costs later. Yoga is a sustainable way to keep you fit and avoid going under the knife.
Indulge yourself once in a while.
Easier said than done, right?! With tight budgets and tight calendars, it often seems impossible to sneak in a little R & R for yourself. Whether it’s a hot bath, soothing facial, relaxing massage or just taking time to read a book or, do something at least once a month (or ideally more!) to pamper your body.
Since I’m a Daily Deal addict (duh, I work for YouSwoop.com), I always take advantage of a $39 massage or $30 facial any chance I get. My skin and muscles always thank me, and these little indulgences have a marvelously positive effect on your mind when it’s time to get back to work.
Prioritize Sleep
When you have a ton of work, it’s easy to give in to temptation and skimp on sleep. Whether it’s finishing some assignments, paying bills or catching up on household tasks you’ve put off, there’s always a better use of your time than just lying in bed, right? Wrong. Don’t underestimate the power of sufficient, quality sleep to rejuvenate your energy, not to mention your looks.
Getting enough sleep on a regular basis can do more than a face lift to keep you looking youthful and beautiful throughout your life. It will also help you perform your job to the best of your ability. Plus, unlike taking beauty treatments and going under the knife, sleep is absolutely free.
Work is important, but so are you. By balancing your busy career with specific, regular (scheduled on your calendar if necessary!) activities that care for your body and mind, you’ll look and feel young, strong, and beautiful for the rest of your life.
What are your tips and tricks for staying rejuvenated while working long hours?