Do You Ever Really Relax?

Do you work in a busy office and take projects home to finish in your 'spare time?' Even if you’re in front of the TV with a glass of wine, your mind's on business, and you’re constantly on the phone with work.

Or… maybe you’re also a busy mom and housewife. Your days are hectic, and chores never end. Maybe you also juggle responsibilities and feign relaxation rather than unwind?

You could be at risk for some serious burnout.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, learn these practical ways to relax and create healthy time for yourself so you can stay sharp and focused on whatever you enjoy doing.

What Happens When You Don’t Relax?

There would be no need to sleep if you were built to be on the go all the time. Just imagine how much work you could get done! Most likely, the idea isn’t actually that appealing.

You know joy comes from a balanced lifestyle; it's not all about work and chores. Nonetheless, it’s easy to forget this simple truth or feel you have no choice but to struggle. If you don't leave work at the office, or you're at the beck and call of your family and don't take a break, you are heading for burnout.

The phrase burnout may sound so familiar that it's lost its impact. Actually, burnout can be a serious complaint involving physical illness or a mental breakdown.

According to Statista, stress levels are on the rise. If you're among the 13% of adults who find unwinding difficult or 18% of managers who feel constantly stressed, you need 'me time,' or you're in danger of becoming unwell.

Stop Believing the Multitasking Myth

You might think you can achieve more and stay sane if you just multitask. However, studies show it's best to focus on one job at a time, so finishing projects while watching your favorite soap opera at home, or helping your kids with homework while cooking dinner and taking care of the laundry, is a bad idea.

Managing multiple chores simultaneously is a strain. It puts pressure on you and stretches you to your limits. You'll get more done, and do a better job if you stop tackling everything at once.

How to Relax Properly and Create ‘Me Time'

First, you have to identify ways to take back some of your precious time. Start by examining your repetitive daily and weekly tasks and ask yourself if they’re bringing significant rewards. You can also utilize features like your smartphone’s digital well-being function, which can help you quickly identify your screen time and set up controls to make putting your phone down easier.

Once you have time at your disposal again, you can learn how to relax without unwanted distractions. One easy way is to schedule time for yourself every day.

Schedule a weekend getaway, go out for a walk in the park, switch off your mobile phone, or enjoy a bubble bath. Leave work where it belongs. Remember you'll do a superior job when you’re able to focus on it at an appropriate time. If work contacts you, implement clear boundaries so you can always approach work from a healthy place.

You pay a high price when you don't relax. Stress takes its toll on your well-being, leaving you less able to achieve success or good health. Allow yourself more full-on 'me time,' and you'll be happier and more accomplished.