From Burnout to Balanced: How to Protect Your Peace at Your 9-5

Hey girlfriend. As the seasons change and the world slows down, it's only makes sense that we do the same. That doesn’t always mean we can drop everything— most of us still have jobs to show up for—but it does means we can protect our energy without sacrificing productivity.

Live to Work, Don’t Work to Live

This is true all year-round: your wellbeing comes first. Whenever I’ve hit burnout, it’s usually followed a stretch where I was “on fire” at work— pouring in all of my energy, only to realized I had nothing left for myself. It’s great to feel inspired and passionate about work, but remember: it is a marathon, not a sprint. There will always be another deadline, another busy season. No shade to your employer, but jobs come and go. Your physical and mental health however, are irreplaceable.

Break the Monotony 

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this… but take a break, sis. A real break. I used to think taking a break meant sitting at my desk and scrolling on my phone for 15 minutes (and sometimes it does!) But most of the time, it means getting away from the routine and hitting reset. Real rest means doing something that replenishes you: a brisk walk, a healthy snack, a podcast episode, even checking off a small personal task. When your breaks adds to you instead of draining you, you’re able to show up more focused, refreshed, and balanced. 

Romanticize The Work

Work does not have to feel dull and mundane. There are many small ways to make it special. For me (in true Leo fashion) I like to look good. Showing up polished with my hair styled, nails painted, and make-up done makes me feel and preform at my best. Even at my former job where I had to wear a uniform, spending extra time on my looks made me feel more empowered. One time I purchased a fanny pack that matched my company's logo and used it for tips. Having to wear all black everyday, this little statement piece not only made me fashionable, it made me memorable to customers. Even if your appearance isn’t of highest to importance to you, you can still have things that spark joy like a fun coffee mug, a photo of loved ones, or little desk trinkets. Whatever it is, give yourself something to meditate on when you're having unmotivated moments.

Connect With Your Coworkers

This may not come naturally to everyone, but even small connections can make work feel less like a grind. Whether it’s engaging in small talk in the breakroom or asking your cube neighbor about their weekend, human interactions remind you that your coworkers are people first— just like you. Getting to know your colleagues on a personal level can help you feel connected and truly seen. At one of my former jobs, my coworkers and I would make TikToks in our downtime. Now, in my corporate girly era, I keep it simple— sharing my weekend plans or asking about someone’s family. It's easy to get swept up in the day-to-day tasks and duties of work but prioritizing these little exchanges bring warmth into the routine.

So, there you have it girlfriend. Tiny but mighty ways to keep your work-life balance in check. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. The key is to find what feels good for you and give yourself permission to switch it up as life shifts too. With love and lots of warmth, until next time.