Rochelle Rivera: Tips

Most of us have heard the idea about work life balance. It is said that this could lead to a happier life once we know how to handle this aspect of our lives. But, are we really happy once we get to balance everything? Or it could be because happiness is a choice. Once we choose to be happy, beautiful things will come our way and could balance everything out.

While most of us spend so much of our time working on our tasks, projects, home chores, family events, socialization, we tend to neglect the most important accomplishment that we should focus on - ourselves.

The pressures of everyday life are really exhausting. We juggle from one task to another, submitting deadlines, accomplishing our long list of things to do. We are busy of the career we chose, making it the biggest part of our lives. But at the end of the day, we know there is something still missing even if we have done so much.

There are so many things to consider in order for us to be truly happy. Sometimes we need other people to help us figure out what could be the missing piece. We may truly be happy once we know where to get started and some possible options to take a look at.

Being a busy person myself, I consider time to be very important. I see to it that I plan how my day will go well. Making a list of things to do and planning how to accomplish it one at a time. It is easier said than done but once we started to put it into practice, we could accomplish some of our unexpected goals. Here are the things I have gathered from family, peers and colleagues so we can achieve a happier work life.

1. Do something that scares you

There are a lot of things that intimidates, frustrates and scares us. Anxiety is one of the biggest factors why we tend to hang and delay things. We tend to be afraid of the things that we don’t see or that’s not even there. We don’t want to be surprised on the things that could hurt us that is why we need to see it firsthand. What we could do it so to prepare for it. Thinking of the worst thing that could happen might not be a good move but this could make us prepare for the worst possible scenario making us solve a potential problem.

2. Get Healthy

Our body is our greatest instrument that we ever own. Let us not exploit nor destroy it. In order for us to accomplish our everyday tasks, we have to be physically fit and well. We cannot function what we ought to be doing if our body cannot do its purpose. A healthy lifestyle could provide us endurance and vigor in accomplishing more tasks leading to a productive life.

3. We are what we think

Let’s start our day on thinking positive things that happened to us. This could channel all the positive energies so it can create a positive mindset. Our thoughts define us and could lead to something we don’t intend to create. Positivity is the way to go. It will not just help us lead to a positive life but will also provide a healthier body. Thus, keeping us from worst cases such as depression and stress.

4. Set your work schedule

Since our time is very important, let’s be clear on our work schedule and strictly following it. We have to list our priorities and accomplish it on a given time frame so we can do other small and relaxing things after work schedule. We did not just finish our work on a scheduled time frame but we also calm our mind and body.

5. Draw some line for your socialization and family events

Don’t push yourself too hard. Sometimes we commit ourselves on the things that are not part of our plan. But because we want to please other people, we tend to sacrifice our own goals. When we commit ourselves on helping our colleagues on their overload work, we may forget that we have a scheduled dinner with our partner. This could cause us our relationship because we were not able to remember our plans. Before we start our day, it is best that we set our plans and share it with our family and friends so they will understand the things we need to do and help us remember it.

6. Don’t forget to feed your senses – travel!

Exploring and going out of your comfort zone teaches us responsibility and adaptability. We learn new cultures and adapting some of it to makes our lives easier. When we see other people on how they approach and solve problems, we will have an idea on how to solve our own.

Going to different places creates different perspectives in our mind. We experience the beautiful things more than we could imagine making us more open for possibilities and giving us positive outlook in our lives.

7. Choose the career you want to pursue
We may not realize it at first but our career greatly contributes in our lives. Whatever line of work we choose; this will be part of daily struggles, sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It is important that we seek counseling to our career coach on where and what to pursue. Through their guidance, we may have possibilities and options where to get started. There are different online platforms where we could start checking for options. There's actually a new job platform called Jobayan that matches the employer and jobseeker. We could also start a new career if we thing our present job don’t suffice or don blend with our daily plans. At the end of the day, it is us who live our lives. Let us not allow negative things, people, and events to control us. We may not get all the best in this life but atleast we tried to better of whoever we are. Live a sweet life!

Time is flying by so fast. Sometimes, I feel like I’m missing a lot of my kids’ milestones and achievements because I have been so busy. This year, I’m going to make sure I make the most of my time with my family more this year. We have a lot of plans and they can be summed up to these 9 Family Resolutions for 2018.

1. Start a weekly ritual.

It could be a weekend picnic or attending Sunday service. A movie night every Friday or simply having breakfast and dinner together would be great, too. Yes, we have already been doing this since I don’t know when - that’s one thing. Doing it with consistency would be another.

2. Practice hello’s and goodbye’s

Due to stress or busy times, there are instances when we forget to check on how everyone’s doing. Please, don’t let a day pass by, no matter how hectic your schedule is, without saying “hello” or “goodbye”. Smile a lot. Kiss and hug your children and spouse. Make it a habit, and you’ll have the best days. We will work on this moving forward.

3. Put down devices.

In the family, kids and adults alike need to learn to control the use of gadgets, especially when at home. Spending more time together means being there physically, mentally and emotionally. We plan to put our devices down and create more memories doing fruitful and enjoyable activities.

4. Go on vacation.

We had a few trips together last year – domestic and international, although I traveled alone more than with the entire Ohana. This year, we intend to plan early and save more for our vacation. In fact, we are already planning to go to Bohol and travel more as a family out of the country. I’m already excited!

5. Read together.

When my kids were still little, we always had time reading stories every night. I used to really find time to read to them, especially when they were just starting in school. Later on, I let them do the reading since they already know how to. The past years taught me not to let this kinds of moments go because, sooner, they’ll be demanding for privacy, and they will have activities of their own. Not that they will drift apart as they grow old, but reality teaches us that we only have limited time to spend with them while they’re young. So, this has to be part of my bucket list gain.

6. Do chores.

I want to be more hands-on in our home again and really be involved in household chores, and do it with the fambam. A lot of opportunities opened for me last year and there are quite some challenges, too. I’m soooo thankful. On top of that, I felt like I need to work on time management so as not to neglect my duties as mom and wife to my dearest family. So yeah, I’m planning to make more time in homemaking this 2018.

7. Learn how to save money.

Apart from saving for leisure (a.k.a. our trips this year) and spending on material things, I realized I have to learn to manage our finances more for the future. I have been checking on opportunities to engage in financial literacy programs. If you know someone or someplace, feel free to comment here or message me. We want to enrich my knowledge on how to better invest and save our money.

8. Celebrate milestones and achievements.

It means a lot to our kids that we’re always there for them, not only when they need help but also during times of triumph to celebrate with them. Aside from it boosts their confidence more, they will always treasure and use these moments as their strength as they grow up. I know because my family and friends have always been supportive of my milestones and achievements, too. This 2018, we will celebrate and savor every moment, high and low, as a family.

9. Exercise together.

To be physically fit is not just my goal, but the entire family’s aim this year and moving forward. We can play basketball, boxing, or simply conduct other forms of physical activity at home. We also plan to join in fun runs together.

Of course, I will continue to use Downy Antibac on our clothes to avoid bacteria build-up and malodor. Bacteria, which grow on clothes when we sweat, can cause a lot of diseases, so I want to make sure that we, especially my kids are protected. We wanted to make sure everyone is healthy and in shape to avoid getting sick and to not miss out important events.

How about you? Have you thought of your Family Resolutions for 2018 yet? So much is in store for us and nothing beats achieving your goals when you’re able to reach with your loved ones. Happy 2018! Cheers!