Working full time, parenting, and squeezing a social life into the spaces between can be monumental tasks for even the most organized people. The constant strain of remembering the things you have to do every day may be exhausting you mentally and emotionally. If you’re finding yourself low on confidence and wondering why you’re working so hard, these four tips from Practical Fitness can help you check in with yourself and remind you of your priorities.
1. Target What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health
Are you getting the right amount of sleep every night? According to the CDC, sleeping for at least seven hours is appropriate for most adults, but some of us need more shut-eye. If you are struggling with fatigue or a chronic health issue, going to bed earlier or making time for a nap may be in order.
Nutrition and exercise are equally important for optimal health. Ensure that you are drinking enough water, eating enough fiber, and walking at least
7,000 steps per day. Walking as much as possible and
scheduling mini-workouts during the day can help you build confidence as you reach these smaller goals. If you are out of shape or your diet is less than adequate, focus on making incremental changes instead of setting lofty or unrealistic goals.
2. Assess Your Mental Wellness
Mental health all too often be pushed aside or ignored until it’s too late: Panic attacks, meltdowns when stuck in traffic, and snapping at your spouse on a daily basis are all common signs of burnout. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or just “off” and you’re not sure why, start writing down your feelings, using worksheets for anxiety or depression, or seeing a counselor on a regular basis who can help you understand why you feel so frustrated or burnt out. Online counseling can be a great option for those who do not have the time or availability to leave their home for an appointment.
3. Improve Your Work-Life Balance
Whether you’re working in an office or at home, your work-life balance will suffer if you do not manage your workload and take time for yourself every day. If you are going into the office daily, speak with your supervisor about scheduling a remote workday each week or month for your mental health. If this is impossible due to your line of work, consider using a few vacation days to recharge. Establish good boundaries with your co-workers and practice saying “no” to requests that you do not have time or mental energy to fulfill.
4. Disengage from Constant Work
If you work for yourself or are a manager of multiple employees, it can often be especially difficult to disengage from work as you feel an ever-present sense of responsibility. To get a handle on this, make a list of your weekly goals and clock out when it is time to go home. Turn off your phone and put limits on apps that leave you working late into the night — or scrolling and reorganizing your to-do list until you’re fatigued — with no real purpose.
Living your best life does not always have to mean making big sacrifices to build confidence or achieve physical or mental wellness goals. Focus on making small changes toward your larger overall goal of a better you.