Hi guys- it’s been about a month since my last post. And well, a lot of that has to do with the fact that I’ve been logging in those hours at the office. Many days it’s well over the standard 8-hour day.
While working full-time is what I signed up for, so is the demand of working extra hours. Well at least that’s the case when you take on a leadership role right? You gotta work to meet those deadlines otherwise, the work won’t just get done.
I’m all for advancing in our careers but one thing that definitely inserts some stress and can present a challenge for me is working those very extra hours that are needed to “get the job done”. I love my job and have for years. I’m in a place where I am content and know what needs to get done, but this pandemic we are experiencing has created a new set of demands.
Many new moms, or moms getting ready to re-enter the workforce may benefit from today’s post. I’m sharing the top reasons why scheduling time out of the office can do you wonders for your mental health and productivity.
I’ve been at the office a little less than a year since returning from maternity leave. Prior to giving birth to my first-born I held the position that I do now for about a good two years and worked in the office location for about a good seven years. So I knew what I was walking back into. What I immediately learned was that taking time off, especially during such a demanding and conflicting time for the world, was a necessity.
Check out for a day.
Just schedule a day off. Even if you have no plans. Having that day off to yourself will be gold. You get to spend time with your little one which helps bury away some of that mom-guilt that so many of us experience when working a full-time job.
Begin to plan your day(s) off of work at least 4 weeks ahead of time.
I know we are all in a situation that limits our vacation plans. But this is temporary. Continue to live your life and incorporate time off each month. I used to plan for a week or two off from work each year to travel to a new destination. But since that isn’t realistic for me at present, I can still take a couple days off work each month to give me time to enjoy time with my loved ones or indulge in a little self-care.
Make it a self-care day.
We hear about self-care all the time. But you really need to make time for yourself. Without it, you face the inevitable burnout and run the risk of a adult life meltdown. If you have day care arranged for, take at least half the day to treat yourself to a a work out, time alone at home, or outdoor activity. The time off will pay off by clearing your mind and reacquainting yourself with your true values. You’ll be a much happier person to be around after giving yourself some rest time.
I am actively working on making productive use out of my days spent away from the office. I’m learning as I go, but I know one thing for sure – I want to be healthy and present for my loved ones. By planning my time away from the office, I feel ever so more connected to this value.
OOTD Details:
Sunnies Marc Jacobs
Skirt Forever 21
Swimwear Victoria’s Secret
xoxo,
the Sun Queen