Occupational Wellness

The University of Nebraska Omaha (1) gives us this definition: “Occupational wellness is the ability to achieve a balance between work and leisure in a way that promotes health, a sense of personal satisfaction and is (for most people) financially rewarding.”

I’m not sure I agree with that last bit about it being financially rewarding for most - we’re in a pandemic - but, because of that fact, finding a good balance is more important than ever. Every day is blursday. What month is it even?! 2022?! That has to be a typo. 

Younger generations are deciding against traditional employment as studies show the majority of millennials prioritize being able to work from home or have flexible time. (2) Another thing the pandemic has done is show us that we already had the technology and working remotely is possible in many more circumstances than previously tolerated. 

The other side of this coin looks like working 24/7. If there isn’t a line to cross between work and home, restlessness can set in. I find myself wanting to bring up the pandemic again here. We should all agree to give ourselves extra grace where that is concerned.

Some suggestions I have are to make yourself a faux commute. I have to get out to take the kids to school most of the time. It forces me to be ready to face my day by a certain time. I’m more productive throughout my day because of the jumpstart that structure provides. It doesn’t need to be a pointless drive. Take a walk around the block. The spirit of this suggestion is to change up your scenery in a way that inspires a fresh perspective on the day’s tasks. 

Another suggestion is to set your work hours - assuming your employment situation hasn’t set them for you. I set my own hours, so I was finding myself frustrated working from home. My home to-do list was in full view while I was trying to think about the work to-do list. Something I’m trying right now is to consider myself “at work” and unavailable for domestic tasks for a determined period of time each day. Repeat after me: “Self, I will stay focused if I do not allow myself to become distracted by reading the whole internet.” Still working on this one. I’ll let you know how it goes.

(1) https://www.unomaha.edu/student-life/presidents-wellness-committee/occupational-wellness-tips.php

(2) Chung, H., van der Lippe, T. Flexible Working, Work–Life Balance, and Gender Equality: Introduction. Soc Indic Res 151, 365–381 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-2025-x