Work and Life Balance: 10 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle in a Busy Season

Autumn’s creeping in, things are progressively getting busier, and work-life balance is hanging by a thread? You’re not alone – around 66% of full-time workers in the US don’t have a work-life balance and around 26% of salaried workers work even on the weekends¹! When conflicting priorities attack you at the same time, it can be tempting to put off taking care of yourself – after all, that trip to the gym isn’t going to get your project met by the deadline.

However, that can lead to an increase in stress, irritability, low mood, and fatigue. Sounds familiar? Luckily there are a few things you can do to help yourself through these busy periods and support your well-being while remaining productive. After all, well-being boosts productivity and engagement at work². So, when things are piling up, what can you do to support your work-life balance?

The 10 tips to keep you zen

1. 1. Stick to your routines. Going to bed and waking at the same time every day helps you properly rest. If you’re looking for some help with your sleep, add Magnesium B6 to your routine – the mineral-vitamin combo supports sleep. But having a morning and an evening routine can also support our work-life balance, as it can help reduce stress and nervousness³. You’ll feel fully in control of your day and may even wind up getting extra time to yourself!
   2. 15 minutes of self-care a day keeps the blues away. Schedule time for yourself – it doesn’t have to be much, even 10-15 minutes will do. Self-care can support our mood, increase happiness, and help us relax⁴. Whether you indulge in a hobby, a quick workout, or a mindful cup of tea, it’ll make a big difference in the long run.
   3. Leave work at work. Boundaries are an exceptional tool in helping to navigate the work-life balance. Leave your work at your workplace and set clear times when you’re off. That way, you can prevent the stresses of work from coming up during your family time helping you achieve a work-life balance.
   4. Saying no is not a crime. Alongside boundaries, it’s great to learn to say no when you know you’re already busy enough. PTA asking for baked goods for a bake sale, but you’ve got 3 meetings and a sick puppy at home? Better to say no than stress over what to bake as you’re in a meeting!
   5. Manage your time. During stressful days, it’s more important than ever to be able to understand where your priorities lie. Make to-do lists, set realistic deadlines, and delegate tasks you don’t have to do yourself. This can be a lifeline when you’re feeling overwhelmed and will help you achieve everything you want to.
   6. Add a little nature to your routine. Spending time in nature helps with mood and anger management and helps you relax⁵. Add a work through the park to your commute for a quick dose of nature.
   7. Eat right, eat well. Meal prepping or a healthy meal kit delivery can help you ensure you’re getting nutritious foods in you during busy times. Increasing foods that have tryptophan in them, such as soy, milk, or lean meats, can support mood, as tryptophan helps make serotonin^6,7.

1. Get moving and grooving. Exercise is key for a healthy body, keeping our muscles strong and the cardiovascular system healthy. But it’s also important for our work-life balance. Getting some vigorous exercise can help to recover from a challenging day and come back stronger the next⁸. And if you need some extra energy before a workout.
2. Take a minute of calmness with mindfulness. Mindful practices can be an invaluable tool during a busy time. Mindfulness can help us cope with stress, manage our emotions, and make us happier and more engaged at work⁹!
3. Reach out for support. Your social networks can be a great source of support during stressful times. If you typically withdraw when things get hard, challenge yourself to reach out to a friend or family member for a chat or a day out. After all, social support is extremely important for our mental health¹⁰.

Balancing work and all the other responsibilities you have may be challenging. But with the right mindset and tools, you can turn a time that would have usually sent you spiraling into a productive and positive experience. Taking care of yourself sets you up for long-term success and happiness. Embrace it, set your boundaries, work on time management, and lean on your support system when you need it.