When we're first starting out on our careers it can be very difficult to focus on anything else besides working. This is especially true in a post-Recession world where we're working more hours, making less money and for some of us - working hard at rocking a side hustle.
It's also difficult to not get stuck in the idea that we ARE our jobs. How often do we meet people who identify so much with their jobs that it's difficult for them to talk about anything else? All of the sudden "I'm a career consultant" or "I'm a financial advisor" aren't just job titles, they encompass our whole identity.
It's a big problem, people. Life is more about your job or making money. In fact, what if that job doesn't work out? What are you going to do then? (Not to be a Negative Nancy, I'm just proving the point that our jobs do not make up our entire lives.)
The truth is that there is a whole world of possibilities outside of the confinements of your cubicle! There are adventures to be had, new things to try and fun people to meet! And quite frankly, the idea that we are our jobs is an unhealthy epidemic. So unhealthy that countless media outlets have taken it upon themselves to advise people on how they can get their lives back from their jobs.
The Levo League recently posted an article called Balance it Out: Easy Ways to Get Your Life Back from Work . The Huffington Post constantly has different articles related to how our jobs are causing us more stress than they're worth.
We're being bombarded by signs that something is clearly wrong in the work/life balance department. Namely, that we're working too hard and not playing hard enough - an issue that I've been trying my best to correct through much of 2012.
So how exactly do we start getting our lives back from our jobs? Especially in a post-recession world when our hours are crazier than ever? The good news is it doesn't have to be all that difficult! Below you'll find some techniques I've been incorporating into my own life as I try to actually enjoy being in my 20s.
Go out for lunch!
The weather in South Florida has been absolutely divine lately. In fact, it's been so beautiful that being stuck in an office has been somewhat depressing. In an effort to take matters into our own hands my co-workers and I did something we never do - we went out for lunch.
(P.S. If any of you work in the Coral Gables area make sure to check out POC's lunch specials! Yummy food, good price and they also have healthy options!)
Something so simple managed to completely change our moods for the rest of the day. Granted, I don't suggest going out for lunch all the time unless you want to burn a hole in your wallet, but every once in a while it's nice to just get the hell out of the office.
Exercise, Exercise and Exercise some more!
In 2012 I made the realization that the ONLY thing that helps me when I'm stressed about work, relationships or life in general is continuous exercise. As in - nearly every day.
If you're just starting out with trying to incorporate an exercise routine into your daily life I recommend doing the following - find one thing (a class, yoga, a gym) that you really enjoy and stick with it until it is ingrained in your brain that exercise is now a part of your life. Once you've got the habit down you can start experimenting with other forms of exercise.
For instance, by the end of 2011 I knew my exercise thing was yoga. I absolutely loved it! As a result I had no issues with actually showing up to exercise - not even after a long day at work! After a few months it was just second nature to go and exercise when I clocked out. In fact, if I didn't go exercise then I would feel completely weird and off-balance. Since the exercise habit is now ingrained in me I've been able to experiment with other forms of exercise while knowing that I won't fall off the horse. In the past two months I've tried pole dancing, a 5K, aerial silks, spinning and have cultivated quite an affinity for mixed martial arts.
I don't think I've ever exercised this much in my life! Meanwhile, my stress levels are down, I feel good most of the time and I'm having loads of fun!
(Clockwise: Aerial silks @ Pole Fitness Miami, Boxing Circuit @ Arena Combat Sports, Glow Run 5K, Spinning @ Equinox via Local Levo Miami #netWORKOUT)
Take it outside.
Spending most of your time between four walls can drive anyone mad. Make sure to pencil in some good old fashioned time in nature in order to replenish. You can even combine your workouts and take them outside. Or, if you're side hustling like me, consider getting some work done outside. One thing I also try to incorporate a few times a week is to take a break and walk around the block. It's nice to remember that the sun is shining!
All I need is my laptop, coffee and my back porch 
(I know many of you don't have the luxury of living in Florida so just do what you can Or maybe use that Christmas bonus and book a trip somewhere!)
Get Involved
One of the best ways to not only lift your spirits, but also remember that there's life outside of your office, is by helping others. Volunteer, create, meet new people, make someone smile! Making time to volunteer or help others can easily have more of a positive impact on you than those you are helping (though they're definitely getting the happy vibes too!)
Socialize
Getting out of the office also means get out of the damn house. Go out! Have some fun! Have a couple of drinks! You can also create meet-ups, join local groups or take up a cool class. All of these are great ways to meet new people, have some fun and let off some steam from the work week.
Miami Spirit Junkie November Meet Up! Watching Gabby Bernstein, Marie Forleo and Mastin Kipp on Super Soul Sunday! You can still watch this stellar episode with some of my favorite thought leaders and teachers via Livestream.
What are some of the ways that you get your life back from your job? Share your tips, resources and ideas in the comments below!
I was getting really fed up with long work weeks and when my girlfriend suggested we join a beach volleyball club, the idea of having an extra thing ‘to do’ when I got home from work did not appeal to me in the slightest.
However, after the first time we went, I absolutely love it! We play 1-4 times a week (as much as we can) and it is a great way to Exercise, Socialize, Get Involved and Get Outside! Guess what I’m saying is that you only need to make a tiny wee change in your weekly schedule to be able to achieve all of the things this post suggests!
Jon recently posted..The 10% Rule!
That is awesome! A lot of people do that back home with kick ball leagues. Haven’t joined one yet but I am definitely contemplating it