You’ve had a challenging day at work. You’ve probably fought through rush-hour traffic and you’re stressed out. Now all you want to do is just go home and sleep! We’ve all had days like this. However, post-work hours are even more crucial than actual work hours, as it is the habits formed during these times that help you become even more productive and successful in your endeavours.
So, how do successful people spend their time after work? Here are a few tips:
Spend some time with yourself
Yes, spend some quality time with YOU.
Think about it, you spend most of your life at work, surrounded by co-workers. And when you come back from work, you probably spend time with your family or flat mates – which is great.
However, in order to feel rejuvenated and mentally prepared for the next day it is essential that you spend a few moments alone doing things that relax your mind.
For instance, if you have the luxury of time, after work, go and get a pedicure. Or a quick massage. Or go see a movie by yourself. But if you really don’t have the luxury of time and need to go home right after work every day to take care of your family, you can still spend time alone. Even 10 minutes spent alone can help calm your mind. Lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to! Just let the silence envelope you. You can do whatever you want within those 10 minutes. If you are the praying type, pray. Want to meditate? alright. Just want to sit in silence? Fabulous.
According to Psychology Today, ‘Being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly. It’s an opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at the same time.’
You will find that when your mind and body are refreshed, you perform better at any tasks you engage in both in the workplace, your social life, and at home.
Read
Okay this may sound kind of boring to some of you at first, but hear us out.
While at work, the only information you are bombarded with is work-related. After work, it’s a great idea to get new inspiration and knowledge that isn’t necessarily related to your current job. Do some reading to get insight on how to achieve your dreams.
For instance, if you are working a 9 to 5 job but are looking to run your own business someday, take some time out to do some reading and research about the field you wish to be an entrepreneur in.
Come on girl, your goal of world domination isn’t going to materialize magically. Nope. You need to spend time after work reading about entrepreneurs that you look up to. What’s their business model like? How can you draw inspiration from them and adapt ideas to fit your own business ideas?
Let’s face it, this kind of reading/research isn’t something you can efficiently do at at work – no matter how hard you try to sneak in a few moments of reading here and there.
The only time you will have to do this reading is after work. You can spend 1o minutes a day doing the reading. Do this every day for a month and you’ll be amazed at just how much knowledge you are able to garner.
Reading for pleasure after work is also a great idea, and can be extremely therapeutic especially when done just before bed. If you are the type that doesn’t like to hold actual books, or you dislike staring at your iPad/tablet screen, you can get one of those audio books, and let it read you to sleep.
You will have successful, peaceful sleep, and feel lovely in the morning! By the way, Enid Blyton books are a personal favourite and are great for the soul (who cares if you are over the age of 18 and still love reading children’s books before bedtime? No judgement here!)
Spend quality time with loved ones
You probably spend most of your time at work with co-workers. After work, it is essential to take some time out to spend time with bae, your besties, or your family.
Go on a dinner date. Go see a play after work. Sit back, relax and let your hair down.
After all, you know what happened to Jack when he overworked himself right? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Don’t be like Jack. Make time for play and you will find that your productivity level at work will skyrocket.
Work stress actually takes a toll on productivity. To be successful in any endeavour, play time is necessary.
Photo Credit: www.the-coreport.com
***
Have some more tips? Do share in the comments section below.
