Level Up Your 24 Hours: Work-Life Hustle Like a True Pinoy!

Stressed na stressed ka na ba sa work? Yung tipong parang laging naghahabulan ang oras mo? Feeling mo kulang na kulang ang 24 hours sa isang araw? Don’t worry, I feel you! We Filipinos are known for our “diskarte” and I’m here to share some tips on how to maximize your day, both on work days and rest days. Para naman hindi lang puro trabaho ang buhay, diba?

Work-Day Warrior: Conquering the 9-to-5 (and Beyond!)

Let’s face it, a huge chunk of our weekdays is dedicated to work. Pero, paano nga ba natin mapagsasabay ang work, errands, and “me time” nang hindi tayo nagmumukhang zombie sa sobrang pagod? Here are some tried and tested tips na parang instant energy drink sa effectiveness:

1. The Power of Prep: Remember the saying “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail?” This is especially true when maximizing your 24 hours. Imagine this: it’s 5:30 AM and you’re rushing to cook rice, fry tuyo, and boil eggs while also trying to look presentable for work. Stressful, diba?

Here’s where prepping comes in:

• Sunday is your friend: Dedicate a few hours every Sunday to cook large batches of food. Think adobo, menudo, or even a simple afritada. Portion and store them in the fridge for easy baon the entire week.
• Rice cooker to the rescue: Like a true Pinoy, rice is life! Cook a large batch of rice that will last you for a few days. Reheat lang sa microwave sa office.
• Air fryer is your best friend: Chicken, pork, fish – you name it, the air fryer can handle it! Cook a big batch on Sunday para may ready-to-eat protein ka na for the week.
• Boiled eggs are life savers: Quick, easy, and packed with protein! Boil a dozen eggs every Sunday para ready-to-eat na agahan or meryenda mo for the week.

2. Commute Hacks: We all know how brutal Manila traffic can be. Kung kaya naman lakarin, why not, diba? Instead of sitting in traffic for hours, I walk for about 7 kilometers everyday. Oo, medyo mahaba, but think of it as my exercise na rin. Mas nakakatipid pa sa pamasahe!

• Walk when you can: Not only is it good for your health, nakakatipid din sa pamasahe. Look for alternative routes na mas malapit or pwede lakarin.
• Maximize technology: Use apps like Waze or Google Maps para makita ang traffic situation and find the fastest routes.
• Bring a book or listen to podcasts: Make the most out of your commute time. Instead of stressing over the traffic, use this time to learn something new or catch up on your reading list.

3. The “Work Smart, Not Hard” Mentality: We’ve all heard this a million times before, but it’s true! Being efficient at work will give you more time for other things.

• Prioritize tasks: Start your day by identifying the most important tasks that need to be accomplished. Focus on completing those first.
• Minimize distractions: Log out of social media accounts, turn off your phone’s notifications, or use noise-cancelling headphones to minimize distractions and stay focused.
• Take breaks: Don’t forget to take short breaks throughout the day. It helps you clear your mind and come back to your tasks with a fresh perspective.

Recharging Your Batteries: Weekend Rest and Recharge

The weekend is finally here! Time to unwind, relax, and recharge those batteries! Pero, minsan parang mas nakakapagod pa ang weekend kaysa sa weekdays, diba? Here are some tips para naman maging productive and relaxing ang weekends mo:

1. The Art of Saying “No”: It’s okay to say no to commitments or invitations if you feel overwhelmed or just need some time for yourself. Your weekends are precious, use them wisely.

• Set boundaries: Let your friends and family know that you value your weekends and need some time to rest and recharge.
• Don’t overcommit: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of weekend plans, but don’t overbook yourself. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy and that will help you relax.

2. Passion Projects and Hobbies: Remember those hobbies you used to enjoy before the hustle and bustle of life took over? Weekends are the perfect time to revisit old passions or discover new ones!

• Explore your creative side: Painting, writing, playing a musical instrument – whatever your passion is, make time for it during the weekend.
• Get moving!: Exercise releases endorphins that can boost your mood and energy levels. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s basketball, zumba, or simply going for a walk in the park.

3. Family and Friends Time: Life gets busy, and sometimes we neglect our loved ones without meaning to. Weekends are a great opportunity to reconnect and bond with family and friends.

• Quality over quantity: It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. A simple dinner at home, a movie marathon, or even just catching up over coffee can work wonders.
• Disconnect to connect: Put away your phones and gadgets, and be present in the moment. Genuine conversations and shared laughter are priceless.

Bonus Tip: Dealing with Toxic Relationships

I know this might seem out of place, but hear me out. Sometimes, the biggest drain on our energy and happiness are toxic relationships. I’ve experienced this firsthand with my twin sister. She’s always been critical, judgmental, and would often say hurtful things that deeply affected me. It took me a long time to realize that her behavior stemmed from her own insecurities, but it didn’t make it any easier to deal with.

It took a lot of courage, but I eventually distanced myself from her. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my own well-being. If you’re going through something similar, remember that you are not alone. Prioritizing your mental and emotional health is crucial.

Here are some tips on how to deal with toxic people:

• Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say no to requests or situations that make you uncomfortable.
• Don’t engage in negativity: Avoid getting sucked into arguments or drama. Keep your interactions brief and civil.
• Focus on your own happiness: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who uplift and encourage you.
• Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to cope with the emotional toll of a toxic relationship, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor.

Life is too short to be stressed and unhappy. By maximizing your 24 hours, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your well-being, you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Remember, “diskarte” is key! We Filipinos are known for our resilience and resourcefulness. Let’s use these strengths to create a life that we love, both at work and outside of it.