Are you taking on too much?

Are you a hard a hard worker, or even a workaholic? It’s not unusual for men to take on an enormous workload under the guise of wealth creation or family support. No doubt these are worthy goals, but it’s important to develop a balance between work and other important aspects of your life.

Having some strategies to maintain balance and keep stress at bay can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. This can also boost your energy levels and prevent problems down the track, such as exhaustion and burnout. Following are some tips on how to best offset the stressful effects of a busy work life.

• Play sport – Playing sport gives you the opportunity to take out any frustrations and let those competitive juices flow. It also allows you to catch up with friends and have a social life while being physically active. Try to do some sort of activity 3 – 4 times a week.
• Get enough sleep – Your mind and body need rest, especially if you live a busy life. Switch off the television at night and hit the mattress early. It may also help to plan out the next day before going to bed, otherwise thoughts can circulate in your mind and make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Eat well – While it might seem easy to grab fast food on the way home after a long day, the reality is that you’re depriving your body of nutrients. Fresh and unprocessed food keeps your body functioning at its best, and gives you the perfect fuel source to maximise your energy levels. Be organised and freeze meals ahead if you are short on time.
• Drink in moderation – Too much alcohol can impact on sleep quality, energy levels and weight management. You don’t necessarily have to eliminate alcohol, but try to moderate your intake, and aim for a scattering of alcohol free nights each week.
• Don’t stockpile your holidays – Holidays allow your body to escape from the everyday, both physically and mentally. Use up your allocated holidays every year to help to clear your mind and rejuvenate your body.

Do you feel snowed under at work? What strategies to you employ to offset the effects of stress?