The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Times Jobs

We all struggle to figure out how to be productive at work and maintain our social lives or quality time to stay sane. Some might recommend reading an inspirational book, but let’s be honest, we don’t all love to read. Some of us may not have time to, and self-help books aren’t always that helpful. Yet, maintaining this balance is extremely important and is something that most people actively work hard for. So, in light of mental health month, we’ve curated a list of things you may want to incorporate into your lifestyle. We realise that there is no single way of life that suits all people, so while we don’t promise that this list will change your life, we at least hope that if you choose to make room in your schedule for even one of these tips, that they may help you balance work and life just a little bit better.

Make Post-work Plans

We know, we know, there isn’t always time to go out with friends after work. But making plans doesn’t always mean drinking wine with your big group of university friends four times per week. Instead, it could be as simple as going shopping, planning a movie night with your immediate family, or hitting up your best friend and going to a yoga class. This makes a world of difference because no one feels good when they crash on the couch for hours after work, and regret is never the way to go. Taking things into your own hands and making even a tiny bit of space for something or someone you care about will not only make you feel amazing but can even make you more productive at work.

Image via Nanny McPhee

Take Breaks

Taking even a few minutes in the middle of your day not thinking about work has proven to relieve stress and improve your concentration, among many other benefits. It’s important to take a step back from time to time, relax, and not have work consume your every thought, as this can be extremely overwhelming. Take advantage of your breaks, and use your lunch breaks if you have that luxury. This means you shouldn’t work through your meal but instead shut your screen and enjoy it. Food is meant to be savoured, after all.

Image via Net Doctor

Prioritise Your Health

While it may seem cliche to advise people to take care of themselves, you can never say it enough, as people can get neglectful of their bodies. This is not to say that you must go to the gym for three hours per day, five times per week, but rather to do the small things that make a difference. For instance, park a little further from your workplace and walk for a few minutes to the office, or do a few stretches in bed before going to sleep or starting the day. A healthy body gives you the energy to go about your day and helps with productivity, so this is something that we cannot stress enough.

Image via Bel Marra Health

Don’t be a Perfectionist

Take a step back and give yourself a break. Not everything has to be immaculate. Indeed, this is easier said than done, but constantly working towards perfection is not only tiring but also misleading. Nothing anyone does will ever be perfect, and acknowledging this is important. On top of that, when you’re constantly burnt out from trying to do a perfect job, you may find some of your work is less than excellent. So be kind to yourself and acknowledge when you’ve done a good job.

Image via BartCo / © iStockphoto