Spending several hours a day at work doesn’t seem so bad, but once you add in a potentially long commute, it eats up a good chunk of the day. On top of that, one might check emails or continue working on tasks or projects after getting home, either due to impending deadlines or for the sake of staying on top of things. Some people have also seen their personal workloads grow as companies reduce the workforce to cut costs, meaning those left behind have to pick up the slack.

There might even be the occasional conference call after-hours, especially if you work for a global company. And if you do work for a global business, it’s not uncommon to clean up your inbox before going to bed only to find a full inbox the next morning. Such is the corporate norm nowadays.

If you really love what you do, then you may find the energy inside to keep going all day due to the sheer enjoyment of the work. For the average person who likes his job but doesn’t want to sleep under his desk, it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance in order to prevent burnout. But how realistic is this concept? On the one hand, companies may tout the importance of work-life balance, while on the other hand, you continue receiving emails and instant messages late at night or even on the weekend.

Getting burned out can lead to emotional or psychological stress, which can have downstream impacts when it comes to relationships with colleagues and loved ones. Being overworked and stressed out can lead to lower productivity. This means diminished output and lower quality, potentially creating unfavorable work evaluations or dissatisfied customers. And let’s not forget lack of motivation and job dissatisfaction. Burnout can also cause anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and other health issues. As a matter of fact, research has shown direct links between stress and heart disease, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, even Alzheimer’s disease.

In Tim Ferriss’ book The 4-Hour Workweek, he offers some tips to avoid being overburdened at work, but I feel some of the tips are a bit over-the-top. For example, Ferriss suggests skipping meetings and trying to prove that you can be more productive outside of them. In companies that value and thrive on collaboration, this probably wouldn’t pass muster. He also suggests avoiding phone calls, keeping headphones on so people don’t bother you, and hiring a virtual assistant. Then again, he does offer some productivity hacks such as using online tools like Evernote, reducing clutter, and blocking off time in the morning to work on something important prior to checking emails.

Following are some practical tips that can help you avoid workplace burnout.

1. Know when to shut down

There needs to be a clear boundary between work and personal life. I have to admit that I’ve had a bad habit of signing on after getting home, just to be sure I’m not flooded with emails and all urgent matters are resolved. But if you’re married, as I am, be warned that such behavior is not fair to your spouse. Now I try to be quick about checking emails and closing my browser. At some point, you have to log off and step away from the computer. There’s no need to send work emails at odd hours of the night.

2. The Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of results come from 20% of actions (hence you may hear this referred to as the 80/20 rule). It’s okay if you can’t get everything done in one day. Instead, focus on the things that will make the biggest impact. Prioritize your tasks and make a plan. If you’re worried about forgetting things that need to be done, you can set reminders in Outlook or Google Calendar, or use an app like Google Keep.

3. Consolidate and/or delegate

Where possible, consolidate your tasks. For example, there may be one report that can cover multiple business needs or one trip that can accomplish a few errands. Also, see if there’s anything that can be delegated to others who would be more appropriate for that particular task. Sometimes you simply have to say no, as one can only handle so much at one time. On the other hand, some people have a hard time letting go. If you happen to be a control freak, keep in mind that coworkers and direct reports may resent this, perhaps feeling that you don’t trust their ability to get the job done.

4. Rein in meetings

To prevent long, unproductive, or pointless meetings, ensure that clear agenda are presented and strict time limits are adhered to. Respect others’ time, and demand that your time is respected as well. If you or someone else don’t establish this type of discipline around meetings, precedents will be set and everyone will suffer.

5. Telecommute

Speak with your manager to see if it’s possible to work at least one day a week from home. This will allow you to avoid the commute, save some time, and likely help you feel a little more relaxed. Telecommuting can increase employee satisfaction, increase productivity, and help the environment by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road. In today’s competitive job market, offering comprehensive employee benefits is crucial to attract and retain top talent. Then also, using a flexible employee benefits platform such as FlexGenius can provide a cost-effective and efficient way to manage benefits, while also giving employees the ability to personalize their benefits package. You should then also seriously consider using an employee benefits and rewards scheme like offered by https://perkpal.co.uk/, as this is a brilliant way of easily motivating staff, so will easily pay for itself. Just remember, if you do work at home, know when to stop and transition to personal life.

6. Take a break

During the workday, take occasional breaks to get up, stretch, and walk around. Taking a walk can decrease fatigue and help you perform better by getting your blood flowing and increasing oxygen to the brain. Sitting there all day and staring at a computer is not healthy. Not only can it cause eye strain and promote bad posture, but studies have indicated that too much sitting can actually lead to heart disease and higher blood sugar.

7. Take a vacation

This is easier said than done, especially considering that paid vacation is scarce in some countries, but it can be a huge relief to get away from it all and unwind. Even better if you can unplug and avoid work emails during this time. We’re not robots. We all need time to recharge every now and then. You deserve to experience staying at ocean view hotels in Carmel to recharge. It will help you personally feel better, but potentially improve your performance at work once you go back. Even if traveling is not an option right now, there are local getaways or retreats you can plan. And who knows, while you’re unwinding, you might want to explore Australian hybrid caravans from Prime Campers for your next adventure.

8. Get a hobby

There must be something you enjoy doing outside of work. Have something fun to look forward to after work or on the weekends, whether it’s reading a book or doing some outdoor activity. This will direct energy to something more enjoyable and less stressful than work. If you have absolutely no hobbies, see if your local masjid offers classes or activities that you might be interested in. Recently, I stumbled upon a website discussing cryptocurrency gambling, including topics like casino zonder vergunning, and it got me curious about the legal aspects of such casinos. This new interest led me to research more about the regulations and find communities sharing their experiences, which has been surprisingly engaging.

9. Food for the soul

Prayer, or even some deep breathing, can help relax your mind, body, and soul. As Muslims, we have daily prayers prescribed for us, so spiritual breaks are built into our day. The time spent in salat will not only give the brain a break from work but also help you get back to work feeling rejuvenated. Pair your lunch break with dhuhr prayer so you get both physical and spiritual nourishment.

10. Food for the body

While we’re on the subject of nourishment, take a look at your diet. When one is busy in life, it’s easy and convenient to grab junk food or fast food, but these can actually increase sluggishness and inhibit performance, so aim for healthier snacks like nuts, seeds, and berries. Also consider the sunnah fasts every Monday and Thursday, as fasting has the physical benefit of cleansing your body, while also increasing your mental clarity.

11. Pump some iron

Whether you go to the gym, do some pushups at home, play a sport, or take a walk around the block, exercise helps relieve stress and pumps out the endorphins that make you feel good. Finding the energy to exercise after a long day of work may be difficult, so see if you can squeeze something in before work, in the middle of the workday, or on the weekend. Regardless of age, it’s important to continue doing some level of physical activity. At the same time, don’t neglect diet and sleep, as these two things combined with exercise will make you physically more resilient to burnout.

12. Laughter is an excellent medicine

Humor can help decrease stress, break the ice, and lighten the mood. Laughter can contribute to general well-being, so feel free to spend some time laughing each day with some funny cat videos or other clean humor.

13. The great outdoors

Go to a park, shut your phone off, and take a nice walk. Enjoy the nature and fresh air, and forget about work for a while. Take a deep breath, enjoy the breeze against your face, and soak in some sunshine. Appreciate the natural beauty that Allah has blessed us with.

14. Last resort

If worse comes to worst and you really feel burned out, speak with your manager or a human resources representative. They are human, after all, and will hopefully be understanding. Your manager might not even be aware of your current workload and should be able to offer some assistance.

15. Islamic guidance and aid

Don’t forget that we have Islamic methods that can also help alleviate the effects of burnout.

Prayer and fasting have already been mentioned, but also make dua and practice sabr, as difficult times don’t last forever. In sha’ Allah, they will only make you stronger.

Perform dhikr as well, since the remembrance of Allah creates tranquility in the heart:

Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured. [Qur’an: Chapter 13, Verse 28]

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad stated in a hadith:

“Do not do that (stand all night in prayer and fast all day). Sleep and stand in prayer; fast and break your fast. For your eyes have a right over you, your body has a right over you…” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

Although this hadith is primarily focused on excessive fasting and night prayers, it goes to show that moderation is key. We weren’t put on this Earth only to work and pay bills. We have responsibilities to Allah and to our families. Work is part of life, but not all that life entails. At the end of the day, it’s just a job. Do your best and be thankful for having a halal income, but think twice about sacrificing your health and well-being for the sake of work.

What other methods do you follow to avoid workplace burnout? Are there effects you noticed in your life for not drawing a clear work/life balance? Share with us your experience in the comments.

The post How to Counter Workplace Burnout appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

In the same way that you hit the gym to get physically fit, you should also strive to get financially fit.

What does “financially fit” even mean?

Swimming through gold coins like Uncle Scrooge, or doing bicep curls with wads of cash? Not quite.

In short, it means having good financial health – a steady income, bills paid, savings – so you are managing your money and not letting it manage you.

If one is not managing his finances efficiently by taking advantage of technology and time-saving tools, he is essentially wasting time that could have been better spent on something else like making more money – another smack to productivity. Having bad finances can affect your productivity, by increasing your anxiety and stress levels, causing sleepless nights, and could lead you to what is forbidden to try and alleviate the situation.

Now, let’s discuss some strategies to get your finances in order, manage your money more productively, and alleviate the stress that money problems can cause:

1. Calculate your tomorrows rather than predicting them

First and foremost, you need to have visibility of what’s coming in and what’s going out. Start by noting your take-home pay, not your pre-tax pay (the amount calculated before the deduction of taxes), and then begin recording all of your expenditures and breaking them out by category. Highlight the non-essential categories (i.e. entertainment) for later review.

2. Track your finances

You can use a spreadsheet to track finances or a free service such as Mint.com that will allow you to link all of your accounts and manage everything from one site; it will even categorize for you. If you don’t want or know how to use a spreadsheet to create a budget, Mint.com has a built-in budgeting tool. Another highly-rated option is YNAB (You Need a Budget). This one is not free, but YNAB does offer a free 34-day trial for new users, or 12 months free for students.

3. Plan and prepare annual and monthly budgets

Plan ahead for expenses by budgeting for them. If you know you have a big expense coming up in the near future, start planning for it now. Don’t just hope that you’ll have enough funds when the time comes or that you’ll “figure something out.” Estimate the cost and calculate how much you should save each month.

Create a budget to use as a guideline for expected spending in various categories (i.e. rent, groceries, car, etc). Periodically compare actual to expected expenses, and make adjustments in spending as needed.

4. Remember to save something, even if it’s a penny a day

As part of your budget, make sure that a portion of your income goes towards savings. This can come in handy for big-ticket items you plan to purchase, but also as an emergency fund in case something unexpected comes up.

5. Stick to the list while shopping

When you go shopping, go with a list and stick to it, as random purchases (like that pair of shoes that caught your eye) can add up throughout the year. An occasional impulse buy isn’t a big deal, but don’t make it a habit. Sticking to a list also improves your shopping efficiency, so you can be in and out like a ninja.

6. Supplement your primary income

Consider supplementing your primary income by launching a side business or by investing in crypto at bitcoinsentralen.no. You can easily buy cryptocurrencies and sell them quickly. Transactions are much easier these days, as there are many reputable trading platforms like immediate connect that will help you come up with sound investment strategies. A side business can be as simple as utilizing your talents and offering your services for a fee. Investing is beyond the scope of this article, but can involve stocks and sukuk (i.e. Islamic bonds), amongst other things. You can visit the golddealer com website to see other types of investment.

7. List your ways to save money

Find ways to save money, either by shopping around or by using coupons or websites like RetailMeNot and Groupon. Additionally, do your research before making big purchases to ensure you are getting the best deal, or wait for sale seasons.

8. Audit your utility bills

Further to the above, perform an audit of your utility bills to see if certain costs are higher than anticipated. Some basic maintenance can help appliances run more efficiently, such as a furnace tune-up or cleaning the lint from your dryer. Switching to CFL or LED bulbs can cut electricity costs. Appliance Hunter has plenty of advice for reducing c02 on their website. Modifying certain habits can help, too, such as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when a room is not in use.

9. Make paying off your debts at the soonest your topmost priority

If you happen to have debt, prioritize paying it off. Adjust your budget so as much as reasonably possible goes towards the debt until it’s cleared. Perhaps see if a family member or relative can provide you with an interest-free loan so you can wipe out interest-bearing debt.

Of course, the best option is to avoid debt altogether. As stated in an ahadith by Prophet Muhammad :

“The believer’s soul is suspended by his debt until it is settled for him.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Likewise, we should seek Allah’s protection against debt. In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad gives us a dua:

“Allaahumma inni a’oodhi bika min al-ma’tham wa’l-maghram (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt).”
Someone said to him: “How often you seek refuge from heavy debt!” He said: ‘When a man gets into debt, he speak and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.'” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

10. Look for new methods for payments

For recurring bills, set up automatic payments through your bank’s website. This will save you time and hassle, not to mention postage. No more writing checks, stuffing envelopes, and licking glue. Automatic payments will also ensure that you don’t delay paying essential bills. If merchants offer online billing statements, then opt in, as this helps save paper and means less snail mail to sort through.

11. Go for fewer accounts and cards

Where possible, simplify and consolidate. The fewer accounts and cards you have to keep track of, the easier it will be to manage your finances, and the less likely that something falls through the cracks. Review your memberships and consider canceling the ones you don’t use.

Applying these tips will not only help you manage your money more efficiently and leave you with more time for things you enjoy doing but also prevent or relieve money problems that can sap you of the physical and emotional energy needed to perform at your best and most productive. Less stress, and less time spent, over money means that greater attention can be placed on your work, projects, and most importantly, your ‘ibadah.

To learn more about personal finances and investing from an Islamic perspective, check out my book “Open the Door to a Wealthier Life”, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I hope you have found this article helpful to manage your finances more productively, in sha’ Allah. What are your tips to become financially fit? Share them with us in the comments to benefit others!

The post Get Financially Fit for a More Productive Life – Part 2 appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.

When it comes to money, its role in our lives often prompts reflection. Money is undeniably necessary for daily functioning, but determining its true significance can be challenging. How do we maintain financial discipline and ensure our economic health?

Balance is crucial in managing finances. It’s important to earn responsibly to provide for oneself and one’s family, while also giving back to the community through charitable acts. Proper money management is essential, yet it’s equally important to avoid becoming overly frugal or materialistic. We should appreciate our financial blessings and use them to benefit others.

Applying our educational and physical capabilities effectively is also a way of showing gratitude for these gifts. Working and earning should align with ethical practices, while still fulfilling our personal and communal responsibilities, such as contributing positively to society.

Having substantial wealth is not inherently negative. However, prioritizing wealth accumulation to the detriment of ethical or personal values is problematic. Life is transient, and wealth cannot be taken beyond it. While striving for financial improvement is acceptable, it should be done with the right intentions, aiming for a balanced life.

In this series, we will explore how to stay ‘financially fit’: maximizing our resources and avoiding poor financial situations. We’ll begin by outlining some principles for maintaining good financial health.

Why is it important to be financially fit?

Having sound finances can really bring peace and calm to us. Now, this doesn’t mean you necessarily need a lot – it just means that having your finances in order, spending within your means and having enough for the essentials can give us peace of mind and tranquillity. It means we are able to focus on other things, without worry or anxiety. It can help one avoid the temptation to acquire money unlawfully, take out a loan, or fall victim to a money-making scam. You may go to website of a company that offers debt consolidation services if you’re struggling with your business debts.

Working, earning, and living according to Islamic principles can also help one sleep better at night, and who doesn’t like to sleep peacefully? In a hadith, it was said of debts,

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah often used to seek refuge (with Allah) from debt and sin. It was said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah! You often seek refuge from debt and sin?’ He said: ‘If a man gets into debt, he speaks and lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.'” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]

Financial fitness from an Islamic perspective

Here are some ways that the Qur’an and Sunnah teach us about managing our money.

1.     Increase barakah in your wealth

We should strive to earn our money through lawful means. This means doing work that is not in conflict with Islamic values and principles and avoiding things that are forbidden; like gambling and interest-bearing investments. It matters not how much money you make, but how you make it. If you are making an honest living, diligently avoiding the haram, doing the work required of you with your best effort, and thankful for everything Allah has blessed you with, in sha’ Allah, He will increase the barakah in your wealth. This, in turn, will allow you to get more out of the money you have. Ten dollars earned through halal means is worth more than a hundred dollars earned through haram methods.

2.    Prevent waste and use your money wisely

It states in the Qur’an:

“…And do not waste, for Allah does not love the wasteful” [Quran: Chapter 6, Verse 141]

If you are fortunate enough to have plenty of money, food, etc., then it is your duty to use these things wisely and avoid extravagance. This can include not wasting food, not upgrading to the new shiny model of a product just for the sake of it, and taking care of things so they last longer without requiring repair or replacement. Make smart financial decisions such as following the tips given by bitcoinkeskus. Additionally, an Invest Diva review can provide valuable insights into sound investment strategies. Avoid becoming overly attached to money and material things, as these things may be nothing more than a test. Consider hiring a coach like Jerome Myers who will assist you with whatever area that you want to improve in–whether that be a particular part of your business or your quality of life.

3.    Give regularly to charity

Be sure to account for charity. It’s not how much you give, but that you give regularly, as Prophet Muhammad said,

“Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Giving to charity is another way to increase the barakah in one’s wealth. Rather than accumulating wealth for the sake of having more, the goal should be to please Allah through the gifts He has bestowed on us, such that our wealth brings us closer to Him, not further away. And remember: charity does not decrease wealth, Allah says in the Qur’an,

“Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?” [Quran: Chapter 2, Verse 245].

4. Do your part then rely on Allah  

Lastly, after doing all we can to ensure good finances, we need to leave the rest to Allah and trust in Him . Prophet Muhammad was asked,

“O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it (my camel) and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” He said: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]

This shows we must put in our best efforts and take appropriate measures, but then leave the rest to Allah and have trust in Him that whatever was meant for us will not miss us, and Allah will not burden a soul with more than what it can bear. Check out gold bullion price in Brisbane today.

This is how we begin our journey to financial fitness with sincere intentions and sincere pursuits of Allah .

In part 2 of this article, I will share more practical tips you can apply to better manage your money.

What gems from the Qur’an and Sunnah inspire you to stay financially fit? Share them in the comments section below!

The post Get Financially Fit for a More Productive Life – Part 1 appeared first on ProductiveMuslim.com.