Tag Archives: Work-life balance

July 16, 2018

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT LAGOM.

Lagom is the latest export from Sweden. But what does it mean and how can it help us to live a healthier lifestyle?

Lagom means ‘just the right amount’. It’s not about denying yourself things, it’s simply about considering them and making sure you don’t eat too much, or too little.

So if you’re typically a binge eater or exerciser, who then follows it by weeks of doing nothing, adopting a more balanced, Lagom lifestyle could work for you.

February 19, 2018

IS YOUR DESK MAKING YOU SICK?

If you suffer from these work-related ailments, a Pilates exercise could help.

Sore elbows:
Resting elbows on a desk for too long can lead to over-sensitive elbows.
FIX IT! – Monkey Triceps:
Hold a 1-2kg weight in each hand. Bend knees with straight back. Hug upper arm bones into the side of ribs. Bend and straighten elbows to the maxi range, keeping tops of the arms hugging the midline. Repeat 12 times.

Back pain:
Slouching in front of a computer screen leads to pain in the upper back.
FIX IT! – Swan Prep:
Lie on your front with forehead on mat, hands directly under shoulders and shoulders rolled back and down. Lift abs in and up, lift head and chest and gaze forward. Keep tops of arms hugging midline, with shoulders back and down. Hold at the top, then lower down slowly. Repeat 5-8 times.

Aching wrists:
Repetitive mouse use affects the tendon of the index finger as well as the wrist and forearm.
FIX IT! – Serratus Press Up:
Kneel on all fours, wrists under shoulders, knees under hips, gaze forward. With straight arms, lower ribs between arms and draw shoulder blades together. Press hands down as if trying to push the floor away so the upper back rounds and shoulder blades spread wide. Move through these positions with control 8 times.

May 1, 2017

HOW TO FIND YOUR OFF-SWITCH.

Finding that perfect work-life balance isn’t easy. Here are some tips to help you take it down a gear or two…

  1. Take regular breaks
    Throughout the day you want to aim to take a break every 90 minutes. Get up and stretch, go and talk to someone, eat something, focus your eyes on something else.
  1. Unwind from work
    Establish an unwinding routine at the end of a working day. During the last half an hour, make a to-do list for the next day and clear your desk. Your mind and body will start to anticipate winding down.
  1. Turn off the telly
    If you’re mentally tired, sitting and watching tv is probably the least effective way to unwind. Get away from the screen and find somewhere you feel comfortable, happy and relaxed.
  1. Change your commute
    People who drive to and from work are the most stressed and least able to concentrate. Public transport has been found to be better for stress levels, because it provides time to socialise or read, although cycling or walking are better.
  1. Book in socialising
    Regularly timetable events such a cooking a meal or seeing friends, because if it’s in your diary it’s more likely to happen. Spending time with friends or doing things you enjoy can reduce stress hormones and help to distract you from work worries and pressures.
  1. Ration technology
    Switch off your phone after work or disable emails. The daily bombardment from texts, emails and social media causes ‘decision fatigue’. Limit yourself to checking emails three times a day, rather than as and when they come in.