You had a long day at work, probably from 9-5, and you’re feeling like you didn’t do anything for yourself. Ever find yourself staring at the clock, watching the hours tick by like a never-ending parade of meetings, emails, and tasks? We’ve all been there. A long working day can feel like it’s eating up every last ounce of your energy and time. But here’s a little secret: you can still make it a day for yourself, even when you’re buried in work.
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Wasting time
First off, stop thinking you’re wasting your time working. Essentially, when you think about it, working is something you do for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you work for someone else or for yourself, you still have to work to make a living for yourself.
So, you’re not wasting time while working.
You ARE wasting time if you don’t do something before and after work that energizes, improves, or calms you. In the time you’ve got for yourself you should be doing something that truly makes you happy.
Think about what makes you happy and then start doing these things.
Things to avoid on a long working day
There are certain things you should try to avoid on a long working day if you want to make it feel more like a day for yourself. When you avoid these, you will gain more time for yourself and a better overall feeling towards your day and yourself.
1. Overloading your schedule
It’s tempting to cram every possible task into a long day, but overloading your schedule can lead to burnout and stress. Prioritize your tasks and allow some breathing room. This way, you’ll have space to address unexpected issues and still find time for yourself.
2. Skipping breaks
Forgetting or deliberately skipping breaks can quickly turn a long day into a grueling marathon. Regular breaks are crucial for maintaining productivity and mental clarity. Short, frequent breaks help you recharge and prevent fatigue.
3. Staying glued to your screen
Long periods of staring at your computer or phone can lead to eye strain and mental fatigue. Try to step away from screens regularly. Even a quick glance outside or a short walk can make a huge difference.
4. Neglecting meals
Skipping meals or eating at your desk can diminish your energy and focus. Make sure to take time for nutritious meals and snacks. Eating well help sustain your energy levels and keeps you feeling good throughout the day. Need inspiration for healthy snacks? Have a look here.
5. Overworking without a plan
Jumping from task to task without a clear plan can make you feel disorganized and overwhelmed. Set a clear agenda for your day, and stick to it as much as possible. This helps you stay focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task.
Want to learn more on managing your busy life? Read THIS.
6. Ignoring your personal needs
It’s easy to put your personal needs on the back burner during a busy day, but ignoring them can affect your overall well-being. Whether it’s staying hydrated, going to the bathroom, taking a few minutes to relax, or attending to personal tasks, make sure to listen to your body and mind.
7. Engaging in negative self-talk
Harshly criticizing yourself for not being productive enough can be demoralizing. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and constructive feedback. Being kind to yourself can boost your mood and motivation.
8. Multitasking to the extreme
While a little multitasking can be efficient, trying to juggle too many things at once can reduce your effectiveness and increase stress. Focus on one task at a time to maintain quality and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
9. Neglecting Work-Life boundaries
If possible, try not to let work spill over into your personal time. Set clear boundaries for when your workday ends and stick to them. This separation helps you switch off and enjoy your time away from work.
10. Skipping physical activity
Sitting for extended periods can contribute to fatigue and discomfort. Incorporate some form of physical activity into your day, even if it’s just a quick stretch or a short walk. Movement helps keep your energy levels up and your mind fresh.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you can make your long workdays more manageable and ensure they include moments that are just for you. It’s all about balancing productivity with self-care to keep the day feeling rewarding rather than relentless.
Turn a long working day into a day for yourself
Here’s how to turn that marathon workday into a day that’s still about you:
1. Start with a power morning
If you’ve got a long day ahead, start it off with something that energizes you. It could be a mindful walk to wake up your system, a quick workout, a few minutes of meditation, or even just a delicious nutritious breakfast you actually enjoy.
This sets a positive tone for the day and helps you feel more in control.
If you want to learn to create a killer morning routine to feel at your best, read THIS.
2. Wear your style
It’s really easy to just throw on a boring, easy outfit to go to work. But if you want your day to be more for you, you should try wearing something that makes you feel good. When you do this for yourself within the ranges you can for work, your day will be more about you and not only about work.
3. Schedule mini-breaks
We’re talking about those 5-10 minute breaks that can work wonders. Use them to do something you love, like reading a few pages of a book, listening to a favorite song, or even just stepping outside for a bit of fresh air. It’s amazing how much these tiny escapes can recharge your mental batteries.
4. Personalize your workspace
Make your workspace a little haven for yourself. Decorate it with personal touches, whether it’s a cozy photo frame, a funky mug, or a little plant. Creating a space that feels good can make even the longest day a bit more enjoyable. However, don’t put too much clutter in your space, this will distract you and if your space is messy, your head will also be messy.
4. Lunch like a champ
Treat yourself to a lunch break that’s more than just a quick bite. Maybe it’s trying out that new café down the street or enjoying a homemade meal you’ve been craving. Take the time to savor it without rushing—your stomach and your mind will thank you.
5. Set a firm end time
When you’re working long hours, it’s tempting to keep going until everything is done. But setting a firm end time for your workday is crucial. When the clock hits quitting time, shut down your computer and walk away. It’s important to draw a line and allow yourself to transition to personal time.
6. Celebrate your wins
At the end of the day, take a moment to acknowledge what you accomplished. Even on a tough day, recognizing your achievements can be incredibly satisfying. Maybe reward yourself with a relaxing bath, a movie night, or whatever feels like a treat to you. “I put in great effort today!”
Coming home:
7. Say no to screen time
During your work you’ve probably stared at your screen for a long time. So, after work you don’t want to stimulate yourself more with scrolling on Instagram or TikTok for long. This will not give you real satisfaction, try creating real dopamine: take a walk, read a book, learn to play a new instrument.
8. Your tasks are for you
Ofcourse you need to cook, do some laundry, and clean up a little when you come, or maybe you’ve got some other tasks. Stop seeing these tasks as something hard/annoying to do. Instead try seeing them as something you do for yourself. Make a moment out of them and be appreciative that you’re doing them for yourself. Make it fun. Cook some food you like and that are good for you
Do you want to learn more on how to start enjoying the ordinary things and living an unordinary life, read THIS.
8. Reflect and Reset
Before bed, take a few minutes to reflect on your day. What went well? What could be improved? And then write it down, in this way your brain can let it go. This practice helps you process the day’s events and prepares you for a fresh start tomorrow.
Turning a long workday into a day for yourself is all about finding those pockets of personal time and making the most of them. It’s not always easy, but with a bit of planning and a positive mindset, you can transform even the most grueling days into opportunities for self-care and satisfaction. So the next time you’re facing a marathon workday, remember: it can still be your day.
