Four ways to help you live a better work life
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The constant hustle and grind of modern work culture can leave us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Some of us get the "Sunday Scaries" - that sense of anxiety and dread that sets in as the weekend comes to a close and the working week begins - while others simply become exhausted and unmotivated.
It’s no fun, and considering we spend a third of our lives at work, it’s important to tackle these feelings head on so we can enjoy working life more of the time.
Whether you've recently entered the workforce or are a seasoned professional looking to break old patterns, we’ve found some valuable insights and guidance for navigating the trials and tribulations of the modern workplace, and practical strategies for living a better work life.
Read: The ‘Sunday scaries’ are all too real for many workers – but there are simple ways to help
Many people get the "Sunday scaries" as the end of the weekend rolls around and Monday looks like a nightmare. Luckily the Guardian has come up with some helpful tips to bypass those feelings and enjoy your Sunday evening. By maintaining clear boundaries between work and leisure time, changing the way we think about the weekend, and redesigning Mondays to alleviate the blues, hopefully you can banish the Sunday scaries for good.
Read: The lie of the hustle
Hustle culture can be seen as prestigious, encouraging people to work long hours and take on multiple jobs in pursuit of success. However, FastCo takes a look at how the reality is often far from glamorous, with many people struggling to make ends meet and lacking job security, and hustle culture often masking much deeper inequalities within society. So maybe it’s time to give up the hustle?
Read: Beware a Culture of Busyness
Busyness has become a status symbol, but this opinion piece from Adam Waytz writing in HBR, outlines why this belief is misguided and can lead to negative consequences, including decreased productivity and engagement, employee turnover, absenteeism, and impaired health. He provides strategies for breaking away from the busyness fixation, such as rewarding output instead of activity, eliminating low-value work, and allowing time for creativity. Turns out activity is not equivalent to achievement…
Read: Most people catch burnout when it’s too late. Here are the early signs
Robotics specialist surgeon Dr. Chrys Hensman realised he was burning out so decided to take action, asking mindfulness coach Melo Calarco for help in finding a better balance. The Sydney Morning Herald unpacks advice Calarco gave about how to recognize the early signs of burnout, such as feeling foggy-minded, exhausted, or fatigued,and, luckily, how to reverse them!