I recently came back from a 9-day holiday in Bali, I had 5 days of massages and relaxation.

How important is it that we take a break?

I had the best holiday, away from emails, laptops, mobile phones and away from the Ongoing To Do List in my mind.

Holidays are a great time to Stop, Think and Reflect.

We really need to give our body and mind a good rest and if you haven’t as yet, start booking your next holiday.

So how can we ensure we live a happier life and have a fulfilling career in 2020?

Here are my 8 tips to help you have a radical year ahead:

8. Stop booking all your time in meetings and catching up with friends and family.

Start booking time for yourself, book in the fitness class in advance, schedule it in the calendar, book in a massage, book in your next holiday. Block out the time for yourself and work and personal events will work around that.

7. Make sure you have 5 minutes between meetings.

Schedule your meetings for 45 minutes or even 15-minute meetings. When I work onsite with clients on projects, I book in 15-minute meetings with my stakeholders.

6. Eat LUNCH.

How many people who either skip lunch or eat at their desks? Take a break during the day and try to put your mobile phone away and practice mindful eating. Look after yourself first, then you can look after others.

5. Clear the Clutter.

Our minds can sometimes be a reflection of our work desks or our homes. Make time to clear the clutter around you and you will feel more organised and happier.

4. Exercise. We all know this but seriously exercise, make it a priority in your life or else bad health will catch up with you overtime. Make it fun or have a fitness buddy to work out with.

3. Support each other.

I have noticed in a few companies; people are working in more silos than ever. Take a moment to check in on your colleagues, ask, “How are you going? How are you feeling? Are you okay?” Or simply SMILE when you walk by someone, it can make all the difference in their day.

2. Practice Gratitude.

There is an abundance of research on how gratitude can change your happiness levels. Most happy people all have this one thing in common, they practice Gratitude. Start with thinking or writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day. You can have gratitude chats with your colleagues at lunch, build it into your team meetings or simply over dinner with family or friends.

1. Meditate.

Oprah, Steve Jobs, Anthony Robbins all either meditate or have some form of meditative practice. What’s their secret? Meditation is simply quietening the mind, calm the mind and be more at peace with yourself.

Or try moving meditations such as Walking Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong.

Feel free to share this article with your family and friends by simply clicking the Like button ?Thank you kindly.

Wishing you a successful 2020 filled with happiness and joy.

Best wishes,

Leonie Lam

Career Coach | Facilitator | Speaker