Work is often referred to as a marathon. To last the distance, finding a good work-life balance is necessary for all working adults, more so for fresh graduates.

By Selina Goh

You’ve just graduated from university and landed the perfect job. The first week flies by as you take challenges head-on: learning skills on the job, meeting new colleagues, and getting to know the company and its scope of operations.

As the days go by, your work schedule is packed, but your social calendar is a stark contrast. As work starts to take its toll, it’s been weeks since you had a girls’ night out or played soccer with the boys.

It’s a tough life but all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Stay sane with Career Central’s suggestions for you to lead a balanced life.

Work and play

Score on both fronts: work and social life. Get to know your colleagues over the next few months and invite them out for drinks after work. Your newfound friends can double (or triple) up as workout buddies at the gym as well as partying pals. Socialising after work hours also helps build better relationship between colleagues, which could help in your career as well.

Sign up for a gym membership

It’s easy and convenient – take out your frustrations on the dumbbells at the gym near your office during lunch breaks or after work. While you’re there, check out the activity packages, ranging from aerobics to hot yoga and Pilates, for one that fits your lifestyle. Exercise also produces endorphins, which gives the body a sense of euphoria known as a ‘runner’s high’. You’ll look good and feel great; what’s not to like?

Take up a new sport

With the Beijing Olympics and Youth Olympic Games around the corner, it’s about time you get into the spirit of things and pick up a new sport. Take your pick from traditional games like tennis, football and swimming, or try something new like Capoeira, inline hockey or kite-surfing. Get your friends to join you in your new activity and you’re on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Sign up for The Standard Chartered Singapore marathon

There’s no better motivation to keep exercising than knowing you have to finish a 42-kilometre marathon. Sign up for the December 7 run, plan and keep to a training schedule for the next few months, and you’re good to go. Running down that final stretch with your friends and family cheering you on will be a rewarding experience; just make sure you beat the old guy to the finish.

Take a short trip

Short getaways can do wonders for you with neighbouring countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia having lots to offer. Laze by Bintan’s beaches, take a durian tour in Malaysia, or explore the sand dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam. Fuel prices may be up but a trip to Krabi still won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’ve just started on a job and are not entitled to any vacation leave yet, plan your trips for long weekends; just remember to book your tickets early.

Be a tourist

A week under the Tuscan sun, sunbathing in Bali, or living it up in a luxury resort in Maldives – a long travel trip will definitely help in rejuvenating your body and mind. Plan the travel trip at least three months in advance so you’ll have something to smile about at work. The devil’s in the details though, so have fun while planning your trip with friends or family. Make it an annual event so you’ll always have something to look forward to.

don’t ignore your buddies

We know it’s tough, but finding time for your old friends is equally important. Use technology to your advantage; stay in touch through instant messaging (IM) programs, SMS or email. Better yet, meet them face-to-face and catch up on old times. Tight work schedules may be an issue, but a quick lunch or tea session with buddies sure takes your mind off work.

Volunteer with a charity or nonprofit organisation

Do your part for the greater good and volunteer your time with charities and non-profit organisations like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, or the SPCA. It’s also a good opportunity to meet new friends. Some companies even organise trips to less developed countries to work on charity and development projects for villages and schools. Sign up, or if your company doesn’t have a programme, start one and rope your boss and colleagues in.