Being in my twenties and experiencing my first full-time “corporate” job has been exciting and has brought me opportunities to discover my skills and how they allow me to contribute to a team. This new chapter has also taken a great deal of my time, energy, and creativity that I used to pour into other activities that helped me maintain balance in my life. Finding ways to incorporate more expression, movement, and joy into each day can be challenging, but as someone who is discovering new ways to do this, I would like to share some sustainable strategies I have found for balancing work, life, and passion.
Wake Up with Intention
The morning is the perfect time to spend some intentional quality time with YOU! This may mean you have to wake up a bit earlier, but it will be worth every minute. Taking 10 to 30 minutes in the morning to do one intentional thing for yourself will set the tone for your day. Spending time with the Lord, meditating, stretching, reading, going for a walk, or breathwork are all just some examples of ways to wake up with intention. Committing to this morning date with yourself will build your confidence and give you an opportunity to foster gratitude first thing in the morning before the rush of the day begins.
Take Your Lunch Break!!
We all can get into the habit of working through lunch, sometimes it can even be the busiest time of the day at the office. Nonetheless, if you can take 10 to 30 minutes (just like you did in the morning), you are giving yourself another opportunity in your day to realign with your intention and provide your mind a time to rest or explore. Sometimes my lunch break is just me eating in silence to give myself a break from the hectic day, maybe doing a quick meditation or practicing some breathwork. Other days, I may have the time to get in a workout, take a walk, or listen to a podcast. This break in your day will remind you that you have a LIFE that is important, and your emails will be there when you get back.
Embrace Your Commute
Whether you drive an hour to work or simply walk into another room in your house, be creative with this time! Listen to a podcast you have been excited about on your way to and from work, take this time to pray or worship, or call a friend who you haven’t seen in a while and catch up. If you work from home, slot out some time in your day before and after work to use as your “commute time,” and catch up on something you have been wanting to do.
Plan an Evening Activity
The best thing you can do for yourself to keep your creativity sparked and your soul happy is to plan something for your evening that you look forward to. It is tempting to get home, drop your stuff, and flop onto the sofa with your phone…but that will not cultivate joy. Plan each night to do something that is productive and hands on. I like to cook a meal I have never made before, create a mood board that aligns with my goals or vision for the month, go to a workout class, meet a friend for dinner, or take a long walk while listening to a podcast. This time will give you some relief from a day that may have been stressful, and it will give you a chance to work on something you are passionate about. It will also set you up for a healthy night’s sleep so that you can wake up intentionally the next morning!
These may all seem like self-explanatory tips, but the real tip here is to actually incorporate these pockets of intentional time into your day. You will feel more pride for yourself, your creativity will start to flourish again, and you will have more energy and joy to contribute at work. Take time to think about what is important to you, what you truly enjoy, and add a little bit of that into each day. It will have a big impact on your attitude and your path in life.