My City Wellness Winter 2022

My Wellness

The physical, mental, social and professional realms of our experience must all be addressed to maintain our emotional success and often, our happiness.

ACHIEVING BALANCE After taking appropriate steps to better your life in each of these four areas, the next step is to put it all together in a way that works and will not overwhelm you. For easier organization, break your days down into two sections: work hours and non- work hours. Most of our week is consumed by the time we spend at work, so take a look at what you can do during those eight (or more) hours that will help you find daily balance. At Work 1. Implement all of the tips given prior in the “Professional/ Work” category. 2. Work hard but prioritize family. Take the time to make it to your kid’s play, game, or parent night. 3. Pay attention to negative thoughts and take short men- tal breaks to clear your mind. 4. Unplug from social media and negativity as much as possible. 5. Start your day with breakfast, eat healthy snacks and plan healthy lunches. Non-work 1. Planning. We generally have less time a er work and that means we have to be e cient. Make a small to-do list for the short period a er work and before bedtime, but also make time to relax and enjoy hob- bies. (Don’t forget about chores. Work them into your plan so you are not overwhelmed doing everything at once or monopo- lizing the weekend.) 2. Work in 30 minutes of exercise. e time is there and you will see it once you start to plan.

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3. Enjoy your weekends and days off. Get out and do something or volunteer. Take your family along. Maybe you need a day just for chores, hobbies and leisure, so plan one if need be. 4. Start or join a group with friends that meets once a month on a weekday, such as a record club, book club, or recreational sports league. 5. Plan your weekly dinners and use time-saving tools in the kitchen. Overall, nding life balance involves planning, commitment and sacri ce. Over time, small, daily changes can add up to

healthy habits and a happier life. Above all, stick to the plan. e absolute hardest thing to do is to commit to the plan when we are feeling mentally drained from a long day at work. Some- times, we don’t want to cook the dinner we had scheduled or the thought of stepping onto the treadmill is just too much. Again, it’s okay to take a break here and there; but don’t let it become a habit. Push through and you will be better for it. Every area of your life will be humming along and with hope, everything will be in balance. ®

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