The Struggle is Real

Even the most stalwart, driven, and dedicated employees from UPLB sometimes experience crippling days with ominous clouds looming over their heads as they experience difficulty kicking off the sheets, dragging themselves out of bed and getting ready for work at the break of dawn. This does not mean that they are incompetent at the positions that they hold, ungrateful of the opportunity to earn an honest day’s pay, and brazen in their stubborn refusal to render the services that are expected of them as appointed civil servants. After all, even if they are indeed the unsung heroes of the modern world as they pursue honor and excellence in every little thing that they do for the sake of the University, they are only human beings subject to wear and tear. 

And that is exactly the reason why it is crucial for all UPLB employees to manage their stress levels and prevent burnouts because they risk blowing a fuse if they push themselves into overdrive even if they are already running on fumes just to reach the proverbial finish line. This can lead to dire consequences and irreversible repercussions on their physical health, mental stability and emotional well-being. With that said, here are useful tips and sound advice that must be closely considered if they want to step back, chill out, alleviate stress, and get back in the zone and right frame of mind when things get too gnarly and suffocating.

Hit the Ground Running

Aside from doing light exercises and basic calisthenics at home to get the blood flowing, hitting the weight room at the gym to jack up those muscles and get ripped, playing different sports like their childhood heroes or enrolling in yoga classes to improve balance and flexibility, there are many benefits to lacing up those shoes and running. Light jogging and endurance running enhance overall cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and resting heart rate as well as tighten joints, strengthen muscle tone, and increase bone density which collectively help people improve their posture because people have the tendency to slouch and slump their shoulders especially those hunched over their desks all day. 

For those who are self-conscious and suffering from nagging body dysmorphia that can lead to eating disorders, low self-esteem, and diminished confidence in themselves, running can help them hit their ideal weight as they burn excess calories, lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control as well as reduce waist circumference and body fat percentage. On top of all these physical benefits, running can also help people soak up some vitamin D, enjoy the fresh air and  beautiful scenery of Los Baños, and maybe even meet new friends to expand and brighten their social life.

Geek Up and Nerd Out

For workaholics and career-driven, Type A personalities who find great pleasure in arduously climbing their way towards the pinnacle of success in their respective fields, it is equally vital to strike the perfect work-life balance to avoid the risk of overheating and pushing dangerously past their breaking point as they burn both ends of the candle at the same time. Catching up with their friends and spending quality time with their family can help them find their center and renew their purpose in life but interpersonal relationships can also get messy and stressful at times because of different factors and unknown variables that can blindside them. Therefore, it is highly advisable for people to have their own hobby and pastime where they can be their true selves, forget all of their professional and personal worries for a while, and enjoy their unique interests to their hearts’ content. 

There are bookworms who collect and read literature from all over the world, gamers who spend hours fighting super villains on their computers and consoles, green thumbs and fur parents who embrace and nurture different life forms in this world as well as countless nerds, collectors, and geeks who find solace and peace in their own slice of paradise that they carved up in this chaotic and overwhelming world. As long as they do not harm themselves or others and they still fulfill their duties, responsibilities, and obligations before they decompress and enjoy their hobbies, everything is fair game.

Disconnect and Disappear

When the sheer weight of the responsibilities they bear on their backs seem overwhelming and they feel like they are on the brink of collapsing from sheer exhaustion or imploding from the tremendous pressure building up deep inside, a day off or even a weekend at the end of a grueling work week might not cut it at all. In dire and delicate situations such as these, it is high time for UP employees to use the vacation leaves that they have been saving up because they owe it to themselves to enjoy some rest and relaxation before Father Time comes knocking and everything is too late. No one knows what the future holds and it does not make sense to save up these vacation leaves for monetization at the expense of their physical health, mental fortitude, psychological clarity and emotional stability. 

With that said, while they still have the strength, time, and resources to tick entries off their bucket list one by one, overworked and worn out UP personnel should book that luxury cruise and dream vacation they always keep postponing at the back of their minds. Even an extended staycation staying warm and cooped up in the comfort of their safe haven for some serious self-care and pampering with the people who really matter in their lives can do wonders to help employees recharge, recuperate, and revitalize their depleted energy levels. 

Light the Beacons

In conclusion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working hard, pushing harder than the rest of the pack, and going over and beyond the call of duty for the greater good of the University as well as its clients, constituents, and stakeholders. After all, this golden standard of honor and excellence is what separates UPLB from other universities in this country. But it is also equally important for employees to get enough sleep every day and give due consideration to self-care habits and mindfulness routines that will boost their longevity and give more meaning and essence to their otherwise drab, dreary and monotonous existence because there is more to life than just running the rat race confined in the four walls of their offices. And if worse comes to worst and they desperately need professional help because of the relentless bombardment of triggers hitting them from all sides, they should always remember that they are not alone in the silent wars that they fight because they can always seek refuge and find safe space in the Office of Counseling and Guidance.

Christian Jonah P. Mizal