By now we’ve welcomed 2019 and many of us feel as though we’re well into the grind and our resolutions are way off on the horizon. Back to work, back to managing a staff, back to putting out fires on the job. But it’s not too late to make that commitment to be the best you can be. Juggling career, home life, relationships, pet care, learning new things, and oh yeah…that pile of laundry, doesn’t lend itself for much room to break into new habits.
But it really doesn’t take that much effort to make positive changes. Just put one foot in front of the other and slowly inch your way there. You deserve a gentle transition into making these changes, and before you know it you’ll find that you’re feeling more productive, handling work responsibilities more easily, and ready to do more. Here are a few suggestions to help you along the way.
Health
Bring your lunch to work. As a busy manager, it can be tough to eat a healthy lunch, let alone to find the time to take a lunch break. Prepping a salad the night before, grabbing yogurt and fresh fruit, or packing leftovers from dinner, are great ways to enjoy a healthy and filling lunch. And you don’t have to brown bag it. Check out some of the fun and convenient insulated bags out there such as fit-fresh or Art of Liv’n.
No time for the gym? Just walk. Walk up the steps, park further away and walk to the door, get a buddy and walk during your lunch break. Encourage your team to take a walking break too. You’ll be surprised how even a light walk can make everyone feel better and refreshed.
Meditate at work. There are lots of apps out there to help guide you. Headspace is one that allows for 5, 10, or 20 minutes for meditation. Even if you don’t have the time or privacy to do that, just close your eyes and take deep breaths, stand up and stretch, touch your toes. It’ll be a beautiful ahhhh moment.
Education
Ready to expand your mind and increase your knowledge? In addition to being in a classroom, there are tons of courses online such as those on Lynda.com.
Before you know it, you’ll have new skills that you didn’t have last year. Your motivation might even inspire your staff to explore ways to amp up their education.
Home Life
Once you get home from managing people and tasks at the office, you have a whole new “to do” list. We hear you. Ask for help. If you have some extra money, getting a house cleaning service can be a huge lifesaver. Even if you take it from something such as a tax return or birthday money and the services comes once a month, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Find a laundry service that will pick up and deliver your clean laundry back to you. Same with dry cleaning. One less thing to do.
Get a dog walker. Ask around your neighborhood for recommendations for a reliable dog walker or service. Your pup will love the exercise he gets while you’re gone during the day, and he’ll thrive on the attention. Even if it’s just a few days a week, having someone walk your dog for you will take a lot off your plate.
Get your groceries delivered. This can shave off hours during your week and leave you time to take that class…or just relax. Take a look to see if you have Instacart or Peapod in your area. Many grocery stores also have lockers for you to pick up your pre-paid order.
We hope that these ideas to lighten your load will help you enjoy the year as you proudly move toward a healthier, happier, more relaxed you – in the workplace and at home.
