3 Ways to Improve Work-Life Balance in 2016

Where did the year go? If your 2015 had one too many overworked days and two few memorable weekends - then stick with us. This year, we’re making a point to introduce more work-life balance with these three strategies to make 2016 a year to remember. 

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal

I know it sounds silly. Nobody keeps journals anymore - right? We have enough to do already just to make it to work on time. However, it’s been proven time and time again that gratitude journals really do work to improve your mood, mindset, and overall happiness in life.* 

After just a few days of jotting down what you’re grateful for, your mood will begin to change. Keeping a journal is a great way to put things in perspective, reenergize your day, and bring to mind all the things in life that give you feel-good thoughts. 

Try this: Set aside five minutes every day to jot down a few things you’re grateful for that particular day. It can be as simple as “thank you for my new book” or “thank you for my beautiful view this morning!”

After a few days, you’ll be surprised at how quickly keeping a journal can make a difference in your day-to-day outlook. 

If you still need more convincing about the benefits of gratitude, hear what Oprah has to say about it!

2. Exercise Regularly 

This may be a cliché - but it’s a cliché for a reason! Exercise really does clear your mind by helping the human brain cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. Research shows that just 30 minutes of daily exercise can cause a release of endorphins to help the brain handle stress. 

There are many times throughout the day to get in a short burst of exercise. Doing 20 jumping jacks as soon as you wake up, going for a walk before the kids are up, or squeezing in a gym class during your lunch break are all great ways to start improving your fitness in 2016. 

Try this: View our Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Running Routes around Bald Head Island Guide to get a jumpstart on this resolution. Bald Head Island is the perfect place to squeeze in more endorphins as it has relatively flat land and picturesque scenery that make working out not seem so bad! 

Once you start making exercise a priority - you’ll wonder how you ever got through the day without it!

3. Take Impromptu Vacations

According to a survey conducted at the beginning of 2015, 42% of Americans did not take a single vacation day throughout the year. 42%! 

With excuses of workload, stress, money, and time - Americans are taking less vacations now than ever before. And unfortunately, it’s affecting our health. 

Let’s make 2016 happier. 

Try this: Instead of planning one long, extensive vacation this year - take mini-vacations throughout the year. A short, impromptu weekend trip can relax your mind, give you memorable time with family, and allow your brain to rejuvenate for an even better work week ahead. 

Bald Head Island offers great last minute deals for accommodation specials on the Island. A beautiful round of golf at the Bald Head Island Club or a lounge day at the Shoals Club pool are great ways to unwind - and are just a few of many of things to do on Bald Head Island.

For a list of fun things to do in 48 hours on Bald Head Island, read this article!  

And for more ideas on turning your mundane weekends into ones that you’ll remember, visit us here! 

* Positive Psychology Progress (2005, Seligman, M. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C.)

Published on Sunday, January 10, 2016