We can talk about work-life balance and how it’s important to spend quality time with your family, friends, and community, but sometimes it feels like the most impossible part of your life to prioritize. Most of the time, life is moving too fast to even realize you’re missing pieces or not fully devoting your time to certain people/aspects.

Avoid To-Do Lists

Instead of creating a to-do list, write down your accomplishments of the day. It will help you remain focused, on task, and not get ahead of yourself. It’s easy to look at your to-do list and immediately feel the burden of your day, but a great way to relieve some stress is through keeping your tasks in mind, but only writing them down once they’re done. You’ll feel better when you see what you have accomplished versus what you have yet to do.

Take Your Mornings Back

Make sure your morning routine isn’t crazier than your day. Set aside 15-20 minutes to focus on you and getting ready. Do not let your morning fill up with stressful, rushed tasks. If waking up earlier would give you that time, then start doing it. If you drink coffee every morning, sit and enjoy it. Or if you enjoy watching the news, reading a book, or checking social media, do it without worrying about your day ahead. It’s important to relax and clear your mind before you prepare for a workday.

Take a Break

Take at least one 30-60 minute break to clear your head. Spend your lunch break out of your office and with people – but don’t talk about work! Your brain needs time to regroup and think about something else, then you’ll go back into work feeling reenergized, refreshed, and you’ll have new ideas. If you can’t take a long break, still make sure you’re getting out of the office. Go on a quick walk either outside or around your building.

Let Go of “Success”

The American Dream is a concept we grew up with. It’s been in the back of everyone’s minds for generations. We’re constantly seeking independence, which often leads to a dependence on work, money, schedules, and beating everyone at their own game. This a key ingredient to most stressed, overworked, exhausted people in the world. In reality, “success” is subjective. We’re not all on the same timeline – even if we’re after similar ideas. Take a moment to analyze what success really means for you and make that dream happen. If you’re after a big house and nice cars, go for it. If you’re after family, find it. If your success comes from helping other, create the resources people need. Never go after the idea of success, because you’ll never find it if you don’t know what it looks like for you.

Exercise

We all hate it but we all need it. Exercise is a proven way to relieve stress and we need about 30 minutes of it every day. It’s a great way to create goals outside of work, and you never have to do it alone. Whether you’re going to a class or you have your own routine, working out can involve family and/or friends. You can also do this without expensive memberships because we have an undervalued gym called nature. Being in Lawrenceville means you’re about an hour away from beautiful hiking spots in North Georgia.