Finding a strong work-life balance can be difficult, especially if you never take time off. If you have an employer who gives you a generous, or even unlimited, amount of PTO, you might find that you still struggle with taking care of necessary personal business outside of work.
Here are 3 ideas of some ways you should be using PTO to prioritize your mental and physical health and keep your life balanced both in and out of the office.
Take Your Birthday Off
As we get older, we stop prioritizing our birthdays the way we used to when we were young. If you can’t remember the last time you had a celebration, or just a day to yourself, on your birthday, it’s time to use a vacation day for the occasion this year. Spend the day celebrating with loved ones or by yourself if your partner or friends are working, or take a trip to your favorite place or a vacation spot you’ve been wanting to check out. This day should be all about you and should be spent out of the office.
Self Care/Mental Health Days
While you might be familiar with the concept of taking mental health days when things feel overwhelming and you need a break, what many do not consider is the importance of taking general self-care days every now and then to avoid workplace burnout and to prevent bad mental health days before they even happen. Taking a day off every few weeks to focus on self-care is a great way to prioritize your mental health. Spend these days relaxing around the house, doing your favorite activities, or maybe even treat yourself to a luxury experience like a long-weekend getaway or a trip to the spa for some pampering.
Medical Visits
Equally as important as keeping your mental and emotional health in check is caring for your physical health. Take advantage of your unlimited PTO and schedule appointments with professionals at the first sign of pain or physical discomfort in your body. Have trouble with your contacts? Head to the optometrist ASAP. Experiencing back pain from all the time you spend hunched over your work desk? Book an appointment for treatment at a clinic like ThriveMD. A major reason many Americans procrastinate seeking medical treatment for physical ailments or illnesses is their inability to miss work; if you are lucky enough to be in a position where this is not an issue, take advantage of it!