CEO of R&B (KSA) and Vice President of Clothing Groupwith a history of exponential growth in retail in South East Asia and EMEA.
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We live in a society that works long and hard; where we spend much of our lives at work; and where technology makes connecting with colleagues as easy as reaching for the nearest device. That’s why many people have been looking for the secret to balancing work and life.
When we view our energy as a limited good, we often blame evil corporations and end up limiting ourselves instead of living with an abundance mindset. I must admit that before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were times when my version of a fulfilled life revolved around early retirement, living in the countryside and enjoying the simplicity of nature.
However, since the 2020 lockdowns, my perspective has changed and I have realized that I enjoy working towards a greater purpose, taking on unknown challenges, meeting deadlines and achieving goals. A short break from work is great, but what is life without challenges, problems to solve and battles to win? If you share the same mindset as me, here are five ways I recommend managing your anxiety without a traditional work-life balance:
1. Stay in your lane: Each person is unique and experiences life through the lens of their journey. For many, the hassles of business are a problem to be solved; for me it is a journey that I enjoy. Some may find peace in the countryside, but those who love the city will hate it. My point is that if you’re not happy with your career so far, you can change your route.
2. Change Your Mindset: Practicing gratitude regularly can have a powerful positive impact on your mental, physical, and emotional health. The more grateful you feel, the more likely you will be happy and appreciate the abundance in your life. The truth is that the grass is not always greener on the other side and that happiness does not necessarily depend on external factors or other people. One way to feel grateful at work is to notice the little things around you. At the end of the workday, write down three things that went well, even though the day was challenging. Put the list on your desk where you can see it when you arrive the next day, and use it to start the day off right. Another way is to practice gratitude by complimenting a colleague; pausing to notice a colleague’s accomplishments and thank them will lighten your load. If you pay attention and notice that your colleagues are doing something right, you may notice that the positivity you share also has a positive impact on your mood and productivity.
3. Practice Self Care: There is a difference between self-care and the mirage of work-life balance. Self-care is giving yourself time to do what’s right for your mental and physical health. Depending on who you are, self-care can depend on what you’re going through, how much time you have, what reduces your stress, and what you can afford. Whichever way you choose to take care of yourself, the most important thing is that the activity energizes you.
4. Plan your time: Start by planning a list of things you want to do and then schedule all the activities to make it a routine. Without a schedule, a plan becomes a list of tasks that you may not complete. Vital habits that should be prioritized include regular exercise and sleep. For me, 7-8 hours of sleep and daily exercise improves my mood and productivity at work. While you’re working, review your to-do list and schedule urgent projects and critical maintenance tasks for times when you’re most productive. One of the most important ways to build success is to maximize the leverage you can achieve with your time. Increase the amount of work you can complete by delegating it to other people, outsourcing critical tasks, or using technology to automate as much of your work as possible. This can free you up to achieve your goals.
5. Create a Healthy “Escape Process”: The American Psychological Association explains“Anyone who has ever had a job has felt the pressure of work-related stress at some point. Every job can have stressful elements, even if you love what you do… But when work stress becomes chronic, it can be overwhelming – and harmful to both physical and emotional health.” To sustainably manage such events in the long run, you need to create a routine at work that allows you to reset and relieve the pressure. For example, when I feel anxious, I visit our stores and check in with my team. It makes me feel less stressed and feel like a better salesperson.
A timeline for a typical career is typically 40 to 50 years long. While employees don’t always stay with the same company for long periods of time these days, all organizations have the potential to become toxic. That’s why I think sometimes the best approach is to remind yourself that “this too shall pass” and get back to work.
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Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.