Graduating college, moving 600+ miles away from home and landing my first PR job amidst the global coronavirus pandemic was a whirlwind to say the least. While I encountered many changes in the past year, I realized the importance of personal wellness and how it attributes to a positive work-life balance.

Since joining the team here at Lou Hammond Group, I have learned that the world of PR is fast-paced, ever-changing and like any job, can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, in my time getting acclimated to agency life, I joined a seasoned team of PR pros who demonstrate how to put your best foot forward each day and tackle those daily “to-dos”.

Based on what I have experienced during my time at LHG, and through my own trial and error, below are four strategies to invest in your physical and mental wellness so you can feel, and perform, your best:

Stay Organized

Starting your workday with clear goals helps keep job-related stress at bay. Prioritize which tasks are the most important for the day or week and assign deadlines to help keep track of your projects. Keeping an organized to-do list with work time and breaks scheduled out is a great way to create the foundation for a stress-free workday, especially when things get busy for you and your coworkers.

Staying organized will not only make it easier to tackle your weekly assignments but will also help ensure small items are not overlooked. Keeping a running list of to-dos, including both smaller, short-term items as well as long-term initiatives, will help you and your team prioritize and manage time more effectively.

Exercise

Countless studies have proven the numerous benefits of regular exercise. Not only is exercise important to maintain a healthy body weight and function, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says exercise has many benefits for our brains too. Exercise improves cognition, thinking and memory while stimulating production of endorphins, helping you to feel happier overall.

Keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and the key to finding a routine you can stick with, is finding the types of exercise you enjoy. All types produce similar benefits on your mind and body, and it is important to keep in mind that exercise is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

I personally have really enjoyed exploring Charleston and all the outdoor spots the Lowcountry has to offer, from walking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, to jogging on one of our many nearby beaches, to walks along the Battery and historic brick roads. Exercise is more fun with friends, too! Grab a friend at lunch and head for a walk around the block. Not only will you benefit from the movement, but it is great to connect with others and take a few minutes away from the computer screen.

Balanced Diet

Just like exercise, your diet can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels. A nutritious diet, rich in micronutrients and complex carbohydrates will help your brain operate at peak performance and keep you energized throughout the workday. A recent study conducted by the University of Washington concluded that eating high-quality foods, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will nourish the mind and improve brain functions like concentration and memory. Focus on eating whole foods and micronutrient dense options like sweet potatoes, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, superfoods and lean proteins to offer your body the fuel it needs to tackle the workday.

Know When to Rest

Rest is one of the best things you can do for yourself to maintain a positive and productive mindset, and this includes everything from resting your eyes from the computer for a few minutes at work, to getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A lack of rest makes it more difficult to cope with stress and negatively impacts concentration and performance, whereas adequate rest has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and memory performance.

Sleep is your brain’s time to recover, and your performance at work will likely rise if you adopt good sleep and rest habits. Stick to a schedule and aim to get eight hours of sleep per night. Other beneficial forms of rest include meditation, taking a walk and shutting off your screens to take a brief break during the day.

The phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is overused for good reason. Prioritizing your own physical and mental wellness will help you find satisfaction and success in the workplace. By using some of these common tactics for work/life balance and focusing on the things within your own control, it will be easier to maintain a productive outlook and stay positive when faced with everyday stressors.