After reaching adulthood, many of us embark on the path of "work" and work diligently until retirement age. Throughout this journey that extends for decades, it's natural for many people to occasionally feel bored, exhausted, and directionless, caught in the repetitive cycle of daily life. Here are some tips that can hopefully help us rediscover our passion and make this long journey a bit more enjoyable.
When we see piles of folders and a messy desk during work, it is natural to feel tired and restless, unintentionally causing some stress. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up the desk, organize unused documents, discard clutter, and categorize completed/pending tasks. You may also prepare yourself mentally for work when cleaning and organizing.
Do you remember how it felt to have your first dedicated desk or workspace? Many newcomers to the workplace probably recall the enthusiasm and passion they had at that time. By using some small items to decorate our workspace, such as placing photos of loved ones or small decorations, we can create a sense of belonging to our work and provide a space where we can take a rest when feeling tired in the workplace.
Lunch breaks give us a chance to refuel our bodies before tackling the latter half of the day. Apart from enjoying lunch, we can also make good use of this time to take a short nap or go for a walk and stretch our muscles. This not only allows us to relax a bit but also enhances work efficiency.
Mindfulness practice helps deepen the connection between our emotions, body sensations and thoughts, allowing us to temporarily detach and take a momentary break from work-related stress. In recent years, there have been many online resources to assist with simple mindfulness exercises. Even during busy work days, it is beneficial to allocate a few minutes for your mind and body to have a little rest.
Even after work, many of us still have to respond to work messages and emails, and continue to handle work matters after returning home, which prevents us from getting adequate rest. To avoid this situation, it is important to establish clear boundaries between work and rest time. During non-work hours, try to put down the work phone and dedicate time to activities you enjoy, such as spending time with family and friends.