Six Life Hacks to Help You Beat the Hustle and Live a More Balanced Life
#HustleCulture celebrates entrepreneurialism, ambition, and a relentless work ethic. However, achieving a healthy work-life balance can often feel like an elusive goal as a result. And, although juggling work, personal responsibilities, and general wellbeing (even if that looks like a relaxing bottle of wine every Friday night!) can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed, the good news is that a few simple, yet effective, life hacks can help us regain balance and create a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle. Here are six of the most popular ones.
Embrace a Balanced Life at 5 am
While it may feel like an entirely modern dilemma, ironically one of the best ways of tackling your quest for a balanced life is by drawing on an old-school concept outlined in the “5 a.m. Club”. This guide, by author Robin Sharma, is built around the belief that the first few hours of the morning are a precious and uninterrupted period when you can engage in activities that contribute to your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing before the demands of the day set in. Sharma’s philosophy supports waking up at 5 AM to kickstart your day with purpose, focus, and intention. However, even if you’re not an early riser, the good news is there are a number of hacks you can implement to boost productivity, self-improvement and enjoy a more balanced life in all areas of your life, at any time of day.
Meal Prep Mastery
Cooking healthy meals at home is a cornerstone of a balanced lifestyle, improving both your physical and emotional wellbeing. But, finding the time to prepare fresh healthy dishes daily can be a challenge. Enter the meal prep hack – a game-changer that can save you time and energy throughout the week. And you don’t need to be a Masterchef to, well, master it. The easiest way to approach this is to dedicate a portion of your weekend to plan and prepare meals in advance. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins (like chicken, seafood, or tofu for a vegetarian option), and assemble lunches in portioned containers. This not only ensures you have nutritious options readily available for a few days, but it also eliminates the stress of daily meal decisions. By mastering the art of meal prep, you’ll nourish your body while freeing up valuable time during your busy weekdays.
Declutter for Serenity
Your living space directly impacts your mental and emotional wellbeing. Going Marie Kondo and removing what does not “spark joy”, can quickly transform your home into a sanctuary of serenity.
To start, dedicate small chunks of time to declutter different areas of your space – be it a closet, a drawer, or a countertop. Minimalism enthusiasts often find that a clutter-free environment leads to improved focus, reduced stress, and enhanced creativity. This is because as you clear away excess belongings, you’ll create a sense of calm and order. And by simplifying your surroundings, you pave the way for a more balanced and tranquil lifestyle.
Mindful Breathing
When stress levels rise, having a reliable de-stressor hack can be a game-changer. While we’d all like to commit time to a regular yoga routine, the reality is one of the most accessible and effective techniques can be found in simple mindful breathing.
To start this practice, find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus your attention on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill, and exhale slowly through your mouth. The act of mindful breathing calms your nervous system, clears your mind, and can reduce anxiety. Incorporating this practice into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can help you manage stress and cultivate a more balanced mindset.
The Five-Minute Rule
Maintaining an organised living space contributes to a sense of wellbeing and balance, and you don’t need to dedicate your entire weekend to the task. Instead, the five-minute cleaning hack is a simple strategy that prevents chores from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Whenever you come across a task that can be completed in five minutes or less – whether it’s washing dishes, wiping down surfaces, or tidying up a room – tackle it immediately. This rule prevents clutter and mess from accumulating and ensures that your living environment remains inviting and stress-free.
Health Hacks to Help You Hit Your Goals
Physical activity is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. And, the good news for those who prefer to save their activewear for lazy Saturday brunches with an avo toast, is that incorporating a little exercise into your daily routine doesn’t require gruelling workouts or lengthy gym sessions.
The trick is to prioritise movement in any way that suits your lifestyle. Don’t like deadlifts? Don’t sign up for F45! Instead, take short walking breaks throughout the workday, opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, or engage in a fun physical activity that you actually enjoy, such as dancing. Regular movement – no matter how incremental it may appear – not only benefits your physical health but also enhances your mood, reduces stress, and fosters a more balanced sense of wellbeing.
Wellbeing Wrap Up
In the quest for a balanced life, these six life hacks offer practical solutions that touch upon various aspects of daily living. From mastering meal prep to practising mindful breathing and embracing exercise, each hack contributes to a more balanced life. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the demands of modern life while remaining cool, calm, and collected.
At BOWERBIRD Interiors, we understand that life is a daily juggle, sometimes a struggle, and that everyone’s situation is varied and diverse. However, with over 60 employees, we have tried to practice what we preach and implement these life hacks into our own routines to support us on our individual journey to a more balanced life. If you need our support, some advice on how to make your home represent your style and lifestyle better, and to create space for you to breathe, email or call us.