I get, work is killing you, and it seems like they always want more out of you. Sometimes it feels like your world is crashing, and everyone wants you in three different places at once, and your insanity is beginning to wear thin. You need simply steps you can follow to keep your sanity.
When the going gets tough, it's not okay to keep trekking and waiting for your next vacation to come up. Learning how to stay energized and positive while staying sane is essential. Below you will see tips on how to do this.
Nail The Basics to Keep Your Sanity
When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to let the daily necessities fall off the wayside.
- You opt to eat unhealthy, unbalanced meals because of the inconvenience it takes to make lunch.
- You pound cups of coffee like it's water because you think that's the only thing that will keep your moving.
- Working out becomes a thing of the past. You convince yourself that you're too busy for it.
Although these may seem like the only viable option, trust me, there isn't. They can quickly spiral out of control, and they take a toll on your overall health.
So the first and most important thing to do is to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Scheduling is your friend. Even if it's for 15 minutes of physical activity, your body and mind will thank you in the long run.
Keep a stash of healthy snacks in your desk at work, or find a quiet place to take a quick 20-minute nap rather than reaching for another cup of coffee. Take frequent breaks when possible.
Simplify Your Routine
Did you know that many CEOs and Business Owners wear the same colored shirt and tie every day, so it allows them less time to decide?
Like Mark Zuckerberg, he wears a grey shirt every day to pare down the decisions he has to make.
Think of it as a work uniform, stick with things you know you enjoy wearing, or just like when you were a child the night before laying out the outfit, so in the morning all you have to do is throw it on, and spend time thinking of more important matters.
Taking this theory and putting it into other aspects of your life can help you out as well. Consider making Sunday's your meal prep days; this allows you to make meals ahead of time, put them in the fridge, and grab and go the day of, no thinking, no stress, grab and go. This will ensure your sanity and will make sure you are eating right.
When you are busy every decision, and thought matters. So taking the stress out of some of the mundane things can help you again, to feel more essential things.
Take Selfish Time to Keep Your Sanity
I know that this can be difficult for some people. When work hours increase, you sit, wondering how you can even get a shower.
The hours you once filled with friends and family are now taking over with meetings and phone calls. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take some quality time for yourself. Get creative with the little time you do have.
Do you take public transit? Fill this time by doing something that energizes and fulfills you.
Whether that's calling a friend, listening to a podcast, or reading a book. Sometimes all you need to do is 30 minutes that reset your brain. Beneficial to you.
Find An Outlet To Keep Your Sanity
You may have to work 10-12 hours a day, but that shouldn't mean you should go through it alone. Finding a friend you can talk to who can relate to what you are going through can make what you are going through a little more enjoyable.
When you're feeling tired and overworked, a work friend knows exactly how you think (they are going through it with you) and can provide a moment of laughter or a distraction from your work-induced stress.
Please bear in mind, constant complaining to one another can become toxic. Choose to have conversations that are not about work and what the two of you enjoy talking about.
It'll keep your head in a positive space and out of the negativity you are already experiencing.
Keep The End Goal In Mind
In many cases, regular periods of overtime leads to a stopping point at one time or another. Keep letting yourself know that you won't be working 80+ hours a week forever.
If you're working extra for a reason, keep that close to your heart. Remember that vacation or holiday you're working extra for.
Always keep that in the back of your mind. We all have a purpose. Having a healthier look at your busy schedule will help you tremendously in the long run, and the people around you will see it.
What is the definition of insanity?
Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Don't wait to go crazy while doing overtime at work. These little tips may help you stay sane.