While you could book a last-minute trip to celebrate Labor Day, the beginning of September represents new beginnings, Her Agenda says. It’s (nearly) a new season, and the day off presents an opportunity to #purge some of the old #stuff you no longer use. Take a day to go through your house and figure out what you don’t need. “This three-day weekend is the perfect time to throw on Netflix or a podcast and start digging through the closet and building a ‘donate’ pile.” Once you have that pile, contact ClothingDonations.org for a #free #donation #pickup — and enjoy the rest of the weekend unburdened. #LaborDay
Tag: work/life balance
Go Ahead and Wear White After Labor Day
Fashionistas may tell you that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. But the rule emerged around the same time as the nation’s labor movement in the 19th century, The Pioneer Woman says. Wearing white was associated with keeping cool, but workers tended to wear darker clothing to hide the dirt and stains a hard day’ labor would produce. Wealthy people continued to wear white on rural holidays in the off-season, but gradually adopted the custom of wearing white during #summer only. Regardless, the rule no longer needs to be followed; while winter temperatures might demand heavier fabrics, wear whatever colors you like. #LaborDay
Why We Celebrate Labor Day
As you enjoy your day off next Monday, remember that Labor Day was established to honor the men and women who campaigned for workers’ rights in the labor movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Without their efforts, Americans might not enjoy the rights and protections we now take for granted — a 40-hour work week, safe and humane working conditions, paid time off, sick leave and even federal holidays. However you decide to celebrate, remember to “pay tribute to all the laborers, past and present, who helped build America and make it the country it is today,” says The Pioneer Woman.
Use May Day to Create Work/Life Balance
May Day is a holiday that has multiple meanings. Rural pagan societies tied observances to agriculture as their newly-sown fields began to sprout. Children danced around a maypole, gathered wildflowers and crowned a May Queen to mark the midpoint of spring.
As the labor movement began to makes strides in protecting workers’ rights in the late 1800s, May Day became known as International Workers’ Day, commemorating the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago that erupted when police clashed with striking factory workers.
Too busy to enjoy the spring weather? This May Day — if you feel stressed or like you’re stuck in a rut — take matters into your own hands by creating better work/life balance for yourself.
Good work/life balance allows people to “partition” their professional and personal lives better. That means you’ll be able to complete the demands of your job each week and still have the time and energy to enjoy leisure-time activities and family.
“Good work-life balance can also help support one’s emotional, mental and physical well-being by providing the opportunity to take part in activities that bring joy, reduce stress and promote healthy habits, including setting aside time for family or doing self-care,” Forbes says.
Creating balance is more of a process than a one-time fix. You can start by defining a your work schedule to establish a routine, says Verywell Mind. Also define “offline” hours when you won’t be answering work calls and emails. If you’re having difficulty finding time for your favorite leisure-time activities, make time in the schedule for them — even if it’s something as simple as decompressing for an hour with a favorite TV show.
If you’re stressed about work even when you’re supposed to be thinking about anything else, you may be headed for burnout. Burnout is a state in which you find it difficult to cope with work and other daily activities, and it can manifest as physical ailments such as headaches, high blood pressure and depression.
Good work/life balance can empower you to be more effective in work and everything else. This May Day, seek out ways to be your own personal labor union — find ways to #organize your life and schedule to accomplish those tasks that yo do for a living while still taking time to enjoy life.