Success demands hard work, but that doesn’t mean overworking yourself to the point of having no life outside work. If you’ve heard of the phrase “work hard, play harder”, successful people also live by those words. Indeed achieving success really does come with a price.
This guide aims to help you develop healthier after-work habits if you want to progress or succeed in life. Watching TV or scrolling through your social media feeds all night might be your nightly routine, but those habits may be hampering your success.
Why Television and Social Media Impede Success
Television and social media do not help in reducing stress. The time you spend watching TV could’ve been spent somewhere more productive, interactive, nourishing, or worthwhile. The same can be said about social media.
And because there are plenty of addictive TV series, you lose self-control and discipline. The more you give in, the harder it gets to resist the temptation to abandon the idea of doing something else because your mind tells you that you should be watching.
Social media, meanwhile, promotes comparing oneself to others, negativity, and a toxic mentality. It triggers humans’ inherent competitiveness, which leaves many people feeling bad about themselves because they see others doing better than them. This isn’t helping you gear your life to success.
Try to limit your TV and social media time. You’d be appreciating them less once you start doing more fun and worthwhile activities.
Beneficial Activities After Work
1. Make Time With Friends
Social connections should be sustained to boost your happiness and work-life balance. Meet your friends every now and then for dinner. Catching up with them over good food would certainly lower your stress levels. It would be more helpful if you order protein-rich meals and skip the caffeine, though, because protein repairs your muscles while caffeine messes with your sleep. Use reliable websites that provide several options on where to eat in Singapore.
2. Exercise
Exercising doesn’t always have to be running or lifting weights. If you prefer something with low intensity, try yoga. But don’t omit more intense workouts altogether; alternate yoga and cardio exercise to maximise the benefits you’d get.
3. Don’t Take Your Work Home
It can be inevitable sometimes, but when you get home, spend time with your family or take a good break before attending to your work. You’ll work with a fresher perspective when you’re well-rested.
4. Go on a Date
If you’re married or in a relationship, make time for your partner and take them out to dinner every week, or just do a mini-date at home. Turn off the TV and truly converse. Romantic relationships should be nourished for you to always feel inspired.
5. Don’t Stay Up Late
It has become a habit for many to sleep late, but once you try and get used to sleeping earlier, you’d find yourself feeling more accomplished and organised. Establish a pre-bedtime routine where you’d take care of everything that needs to be done before the day ends: taking a shower, checking on the kids’ homework, cleaning the house, etc. Maybe you can also prepare the clothes you’d be wearing the next day. Discipline is key to finishing your daily duties and being able to go to bed earlier. With more sleep, you’d wake up feeling refreshed and not tired.
Success comes with a price, but it’s all worth it because the result will lead you to a better life. Be patient with yourself, too because success doesn’t happen overnight.