Find your working life balance with the five ways to wellbeing
23 Jan. 2026
Many of us start a new year with a list of positive intentions. Be it committing to
Dry January, achieving a work promotion, or a fitness target, I see resolutions as a useful way – up to a point – to reflect and reset. Being realistic and kind to yourself though are key to not setting yourself up to fail. For me, dropping the ball with a rogue chunk of Toblerone doesn’t mean throwing the whole game.
Spending the festive break with friends and family back in my native Australia was the perfect backdrop to consider my priorities for 2026. It was a busy time, reconnecting with people and places I hadn’t seen for quite some time. It was also a rare and complete break from my Ingeus work life. Yet instead of sparking thoughts of an entire life overhaul, it encouraged me to consider how best to approach my new year in a way that balances my busy, responsible role at Ingeus with the sociable, feel-good buzz of my Australian break.
These five everyday habits can be used by anyone to positively support their mental and physical wellbeing. They’re the vital stepping stones to those big new year goals and can be equally applied at work or home.
Some people draw a stringent line between their work and home lives – and rightly so if that helps maintain boundaries and balance. Yet work is an intrinsic and hugely important part of life – I want to be happy and healthy throughout my day, not just when my laptop powers off.
So, here’s some thoughts on how to apply these five good habits to your whole self in 2026:
Connect with other people – to foster a sense of support and belonging
- Take a coffee or lunch break with a colleague
- Offer your advice or help with a team member’s project
- Include sharing of stories and wellbeing, not just tasks, in team meetings
- Visit or call a friend or family member – have a conversation, not just a text swap
Be active – to reduce stress and boost energy
- Take the stairs and stretch during regular screen breaks
- Go for a lunchtime walk – with a colleague or friend is even better
- Arrange a walking or stand-up meeting
- Take up employer-supported gym memberships or New Year fitness discounts – although don’t run before you can walk, find something you enjoy and can maintain
Learn new skills – to expand your development and self-esteem
- Access work-related training and professional development opportunities
- Volunteer for a project or join an employee forum
- Take up a new practical skill like cooking healthy dishes or learning DIY
- Embrace a new creative hobby
Give back – give value to others, and yourself
- Recognise colleagues’ good work and kindness
- Make time to ask questions and actively listen
- Offer your expertise and experience to others
- Utilise volunteering days offered by your employer
Take notice – be mindful and aware of the present moment
- Tackle one task at a time
- Take screen and lunch breaks away from work noise
- Take genuine time off: evenings, weekends, annual leave
- Encourage colleagues to do the same – spot small signs that someone may be struggling
Work and life are not mutually exclusive, and I firmly believe that work is good for you.
So, while I loved my trip back to Australia, I didn’t dread the return to working life, knowing that the five ways to wellbeing are deeply embedded here at Ingeus. My resolution is to apply them daily.
The very best of luck to anyone with a 2026 goal in sight but please remember that you don’t climb Everest in a single step. Little by little, a little becomes a lot.
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