How Can You Make Your 5 to 9 Truly Rewarding After Your 9 to 5?
Have you ever heard your parents say, “Say Goodbye to tension and Hello to pension!”? Or maybe you’re eagerly waiting for retirement yourself. I often wonder, do we really have to wait until retirement to enjoy any kind of leisure? A part of me loves having a job because it gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment. However, I’ve realized that how I feel after work significantly affects my enthusiasm for my job — almost like a hangover. This article will offer ways to overcome your work “hangover” and enjoy a restful “after-party.”
Our lifestyle mirrors our work life. Instead of separating work and life as two different entities, think of them as a unified whole. To consistently perform well at work, we must nurture ourselves with a post-work routine that provides long-term benefits. You might ask, “Do we have to do everything to make our work feel better?” Remember, your work is an integral part of your life. If taking certain steps can enhance your experience, why not take them?
Digital Detox
Our new norm is being plugged into every possible electronic device, not just for work but also for entertainment and even boredom. How afraid are we of being alone or being in silence?
Simply shutting down all your devices for a few hours each day and engaging in activities that genuinely refresh you might transform your perspective on life. Use this time to pursue new hobbies or interests — you might even discover a hidden passion or talent. Pay attention to your emotions when you use your devices. According to recent research, people who mindlessly scroll are more prone to depression and anxiety, which can lead to a constant experience of lower mood and dissatisfaction in life. A few hours away from your devices each day can significantly alter your long-term goals. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; it will lead to sharper focus and more productive work hours.
The Art of Saying NO
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” — Warren Buffet
You might wonder, why is saying NO even on this list. It’s the highest form of self-love one can achieve, but I know how awkward saying NO can be.
Let’s first discuss why we often end up saying YES, even when we don’t want to do certain things. For instance, I dislike parties — simple as that. Yet, sometimes I can’t avoid attending them due to a sense of obligation. This tendency to agree can extend to our work lives as well. We might find ourselves taking on tasks or helping coworkers even when we’d rather not. Understanding this behaviour is important because it affects our overall well-being and productivity. Recognizing when and why we say YES can help us set better boundaries and make more mindful choices, ensuring we engage in activities that truly align with our preferences and values. This doesn’t mean you should stop helping people, but be attentive and make time for what really matters.
Financial Fitness
In previous articles, I’ve touched upon finance, but the real wealth that matters is our health. Most of our 9–5 jobs require sitting down for hours on end. I don’t have to preach solutions for this because we all have them in our Google search history.
This is the activity we actively say NO to and avoid to our best abilities, sometimes due to our situation. However, we are all capable of making time to keep ourselves fit and healthy. Not having a healthy fitness routine can make us prone to disease and unnecessary fatigue. Don’t be overly ambitious and jump into a full-fledged routine right away. Simply start as a way to respect your body and keep yourself healthy.
Importance of Rest and Recovery
The relief of getting a break is undeniable. There’s a reason Fridays are the most anticipated day of the week.
Breaks are essential for a functional routine and recovery. We all tend to be night owls these days, but (reality check incoming) that’s insomnia.
Many of us are just too scared to face Monday, and that thought can ruin our weekends too. If you love your work but still feel constant exhaustion, take that trip with your family or friends. Take a random break and treat yourself. Don’t let guilt creep in — rest is as important as working productively. Every time you rest, you open the door to numerous health benefits. Prioritize yourself and your health over deadlines sometimes. It will lead to better well-being and an effective, sustainable work life.
Build Strong Relationships
Believing that most of us are not atheists, I suggest incorporating some spiritual activity into your life. Don’t be ashamed of practising your faith, regardless of your religion. Spiritual well-being can lead to better sanity in life.
In the pursuit of building our careers, we often miss out on our loved ones. They are the first to be taken for granted, and we eventually don’t realize how lonely life gets without them. Respect the people in your life as much as you respect your work.
Conclusion
All these suggestions can be stepping stones towards better well-being. It’s essential to nurture yourself in the right direction. Learning and unlearning habits take time, but over time, this can lead to a productive lifestyle. Every decision you make today will impact your tomorrow, so why not make positive choices?
