Motivation is fickle. Some days you’re excited to start your day, while other days, it feels impossible to get out of bed. It's normal to feel the ebb and flow of energy. After all, we are humans, but there are still ways to manage so that our well-laid plans and goals are not entirely subject to random swings of motivation.
The secret to this dilemma is finding the perfect balance between work and rest! While work makes us feel productive and is good for our well-being and self-esteem, rest is crucial since it allows us to recover and do it all over again the next day. Doing too much work can throw off one’s mental and physical balance. Work too much, and you will easily burn out. Rest too much, and the things you need to do might never get done. Therefore, balance is the key.
Boost
Of course, some days at your workplace will naturally be more hectic than the others. For days like this, we got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to help you get through any slump:
1. Change your frame of mind
It can be different things for everyone. Rest does not have to mean sleep (although a regular bedtime is really important too). Some people like to immerse themselves in a book, try out a new hobby like gardening, or even do chores around the house (as long as it’s something you find relaxing!) It isn’t a one size fits all. Remember to tune in to what your body needs!
2. Recognize which tasks are urgent and not-so-urgent
Negative self-talk will get you nowhere and wear you down! The weekend is for taking stock of everything you have accomplished during the week, patting yourself on the back, and acknowledging that you've been productive enough. If you get caught in a loophole of anxiety and self-doubt, you are not going to be able to rest. So, learn to give credit to yourself where it is due!
3. Just do it
We spend more time online than we think! It’s easy to get sucked in by an app and end up scrolling your feed for hours, and it takes up a lot of your time. Time that you could just use to rest. So, instead of filling up your brain with endless content and social media sensory overload, put away the devices and let your mind rest!
4. Start your mornings right
Preparing yourself a nourishing breakfast before you go to work is a great way to start your day! Eating right helps you with your mood, and it's easier to do your best when you feel good. We recommend that you avoid food loaded with sugar and carbohydrates. Opting for healthier choices will not only help you avoid a sugar crash, but will also make you feel fuller and more energized.
5. Hit the gym and get moving
We know, we know! Sometimes the last thing you want to do on top of a stressful day is hit the gym but hear us out! A little bit goes a long way! A 10-minute walk to the park or your favorite coffee place can work wonders any time you feel tense from all the tasks you need to finish. Some people incorporate movement into their work routine by using a standing desk, keeping a yoga mat or fitting a ball in their office.
6. Dress for success
It takes extra effort to dress well, but power dressing will help you make a good impression at work and positively affect your performance. This makes you more likely to perform better. Even if you work from home, a bit of grooming and a proper outfit (no pajamas!) will set you up for a more productive day!
7. Don’t underestimate the power of a to-do list
So, you've increased your productivity at work and your boss has taken notice! It’s amazing to get the recognition you deserve. Now there is a high chance you will start becoming entrusted with more work and tasks, a job with higher stakes. Luckily, with the number of planning and organization tools available on the market, you don’t have to feel like you’re going up against Goliath! Conquer your workload by making a to-do list, tracking your deliverables, or even trying the Pomodoro method. (If you have never heard of it, it’s an easy 5-step process for breaking down your work into smaller bites.) Before you know it, you’ll be surprised to find you’ve defeated that mountain of work!
Break
It might surprise you, but a huge part of working smarter is getting the right amount of rest and recovery on your “off days.” Sometimes it can even be a good thing to allow yourself to do nothing at all. Don’t know how to go about your break? Try these techniques to make the most of the weekend ahead!
1. Ask yourself “what makes me well-rested”
If you often find yourself lethargic and falling asleep at work or during your commute home, your body is telling you you're overworked or overfatigued. Don't wait for you to get sick to slow down; take the time to listen to what your body needs. Carve some time to prioritize rest and practice work-life balance to recuperate.
2. Take a break from social media
There’s two sides to every coin and social media is no different: it can be good or bad. If it's wreaking havoc on your sleep schedule, it's time for you to give yourself a breather. Consuming social media daily can warp your reality and make you forget about your priorities. Manage the time you use social media, and schedule breaks as often as possible!
3. Reward yourself with compliments
It's not easy to talk to ourselves kindly; sometimes, being hard on ourselves is much easier. Acknowledging your work can help boost your confidence and make you feel better after a long hard day. Complimenting yourself is not a sign of vanity but self-love!
4. Take a breather
It might be tempting to squeeze out every bit of productivity you can but you’ll risk burning yourself out. Instead of working for so many hours and not taking time for lunch (we beg you, please don’t do this to yourself), give yourself a moment to breathe. We guarantee it’s the most productive habit you could ever form.
5. Try a new hobby
It’s important to have hobbies outside of work. It can help you destress which is why picking up a new hobby, from learning about wines to online gaming, is a good idea. Hobbies can teach you new skills and also keep your mind sharp while allowing you to relax.
6. Celebrate your wins
You don’t need to wait for a bonus to celebrate a job well done at work! Treating yourself to a homemade meal and dinner date over the weekend is one way to celebrate! You can even do it on a weekday if you want, because why not? Cheers!
7. Get a good night's sleep
Finally, when it comes to rest, sleep is highly recommended. Sometimes it can be difficult to fall asleep even though you’re physically and mentally exhausted. If this sounds like you, we recommend taking a natural supplement such as melatonin or trying aromatherapy to help you get a good night’s rest. Before drinking melatonin, we highly suggest you seek a doctor's advice first.