How to have a balanced day with work and downtime

The summer heat is here, and we're already halfway through June. Here are some tips on how to have a balanced day, combining work with downtime, to get the most out of life.

Summer is very nearly officially here. Sometimes, it can be challenging to focus on work and not let ourselves indulge in summer activities. However, it can also be very difficult to allow yourself to have downtime, especially if you suffer from productivity guilt or workaholism.

I know, personally, I always have a list of things to do. With my degree, it is part-time, but it is also mainly independent study with no lectures.

But I always find different tasks for myself to do, and I struggle when presented with free time. I know a few people who are similar to me, but I also know people who are the opposite.

However, with recent events, I feel it's imperative for everyone to find joy in their daily life and remember that whilst work is important to pay the bills, it is even more important to live life to the fullest and appreciate what you have.

So, here are some tips that can help you make the most of your daily life to have a balanced day with a combination of work but also fun.

Utilise Meal Times

My first tip is based on personal experience. If I know I've got a lot of work to do that day, or that I have a deadline looming, I will try and make sure I get in some fun activities during meal times.

When I have breakfast, I try and read a couple of chapters on my Kindle. I try to read each day, but doing so at breakfast puts me in a good mood and is a good start to my day.

During lunchtime, as I'm lucky enough to work from home, I put the TV on in the background whilst I eat. I also sometimes do some crossword puzzles to keep my brain working.

By combining meal times with activities you enjoy, you can kill two birds with one stone. It means you can still experience downtime and do things you like without worrying about not getting enough sleep or being late to work.

Share Dinners

What I mean by this one isn't to literally share the food off your plate. No, what I mean is to share your dinner time with others.

Sometimes, you have to eat alone; your family might be late home, or you simply might live alone. But having someone to experience dinner with can help give you a balanced day.

Whether it's having someone over for dinner, Facetiming them if they don't live near, or going out for a meal with friends, all of this can benefit you.

It gives you time to socialise and enjoy the company of others, outside of work and without worrying about what things need to be done. This utilises dinner time because everyone has to eat, so what's wrong with eating with others?

Enjoy Your Evenings

Sleep is one of the most important things in life that we can gift to our body. It is so important that we all get enough sleep, but it is also significant that we have downtime.

After work, you may have a list of things that need to get done. It could be an extra work project you didn't quite finish, or simply the washing, ironing, and other housework.

But all those things will still be there tomorrow.

So, why not enjoy your evenings and do something fun for you? It could be meeting friends, spending time with family, or simply staying in and watching a comfort movie.

Whatever it is, allow yourself to enjoy it.

Give Yourself Grace Periods

During the work day, we all have our set hours that we have to work, whether we're 9-5 or freelance. However, that doesn't mean we have to work every single second of the day.

Or at least we shouldn't.

If you find yourself going to the toilet or getting another glass of water, and you bump into a colleague, don't feel like you have to rush back to your desk straightaway.

Give yourself time to chat to them and have a quick catch-up. Obviously, don't just chat for an hour, but don't feel guilty about talking to them.

Life nowadays can quickly become about work and being successful, so you can earn lots of money to buy the house, go on holiday and pay the bills. Whilst those things are significant, it is important to remember to live life to the fullest.

Nobody knows how long they'll be on this planet, so cherish the moments we have and try to enjoy each day a little more.

Until next time...