Burned Out? 5 Ways to Enjoy White Space at Work

If you’re like most women, then your life is seriously lacking in white space.

I’m not talking about white walls, neutral colors, or minimalistic decor. White space has nothing to do with design, but everything to do with how you respect your energy levels.

In life editing, we use an old publishing term called “white space” to describe self-care. Book editors (like I used to be!) use white space to refer to spots on a printed page with no text or pictures. It gives a reader’s eyes a place to rest.

But where are you resting in your life?

Don’t wait until the weekends to take care of yourself! Making time for self-care while you’re on the job is important so you won’t collapse from exhaustion by the time the weekend rolls around.

In today’s video, you’ll learn 5 easy ways to enjoy white space at work.

The video transcript is below for your convenience.

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Video Transcript

Are you the type of person who comes home after a long week at work so exhausted that all you can do is collapse on the couch to watch TV all weekend?

I get it! I’ve been there too. But if you spend all Saturday and Sunday napping and being a blob, then you need to boost your self-care—fast.

In life editing, we call self-care “white space,” the publishing term that means where there’s no text or pictures on a printed page. White space gives a reader’s eyes a place to relax, but where are you relaxing in your life?

Don’t wait until the weekends to take care of yourself!

Today, you’ll learn 5 ways to enjoy white space at work. Let’s go!

Hey there! I’m Sage Grayson, a former book editor turned life coach. I help ambitious career women edit their habits, routines, and mindsets to balance their happiness at work and home. I’m a Life Editor and so are you!

When you work nonstop during the week at your job or on your business, you’re setting yourself up for a major burnout. All your daily tasks and interactions deplete your precious energy, and it’s vital for you to replenish yourself every day.

Building white space breaks into your work day ensures that you won’t waste your weekends being lazy, and you’ll have added energy to power through your busy days.

Here are 5 simple ways to enjoy white space at work.

1. Go for a walk.

One of the publishing houses I used to work for had a walking club that met before lunch every day.

Walking during your work day gets your blood flowing so you think more clearly, it encourages healthy habits so you won’t binge at lunch, and it promotes team bonding if you walk with a friend.

If you can’t leave the building, try walking around your floor a few times. Or map out a 1-mile loop that goes away from your building and then back again.

When I worked in Chicago, I got to walk down Michigan Avenue and window shop during my work day.

2. Eat lunch away from your desk.

There’s nothing more depressing than seeing an overworked employee eating a soggy sandwich over her keyboard.

Eating lunch at your desk is gross, and it tells your manager that you don’t value yourself enough to take a proper lunch break.

Don’t be a slave to the job! Take your lunch to the break room, a bench outside, or even you car where you can listen to uplifting music or a podcast while you eat.

3. Take a nap.

This one might be easier for people who work at home, but I know plenty of corporate employees who still find time for naps on the job.

Now, I’m not talking about disappearing for 2 hours over lunch, but a 20-minute nap is enough to give you a breather.

Go to an empty conference room, your car, or close the door to your office if you have one. Set an alarm on your phone for 20 minutes and close your eyes. You could even listen to some white noise for added relaxation.

4. Write a gratitude list.

I once had a job that was so miserable that I was getting violently sick on the drive to work every morning. I know that’s gross, but it’s too.

The only way I could get through the day was by focusing on the positive things in my life, even though it didn’t feel like much.

I started writing gratitude lists in my planner when I was feeling especially stressed out. I was thankful for having a paycheck, for not having to share an office, and for having my weekends off.

These simple gratitude lists gave me the confidence and courage to get out of that horrible place as soon as I was able.

5. Boost your environment.

Your workspace is a reflection of you, so surround yourself with little things that give you a jolt of happiness when you see them.

You could bring in a framed photo of your family, souvenirs from your last vacation, or colorful office supplies to motivate you.

You sit in your work environment for 8 hours a day, so why not add some pizzazz to those cubicle walls?

That’s it! This week choose one white space activity to try at work.

Remember: a relaxed, calm employee is a productive employee.

Thanks for watching. I’ll see you soon.

This post focuses on Step 5 of the Life Editing Process, Make White Space for Personal Self-Care. For more about life editing and what it can do for you, click here.