Me time vital

A LACK of “me time” is why 45 per cent of Australians are more stressed and anxious than ever before – a feeling Emma Clark, 30, knows well.

The account director at a software company says the perception that she had more time on her hands because of lockdowns meant she felt pressure to do more work.

“That’s not to say many workplaces aren’t supportive – they are,” she says. “It’s the pressure that everyone’s putting on themselves.” As Clark discovered last year there were days she never left the house and saw daylight. She decided to schedule time out each day to prevent burnout. Sitting in the garden with a cup of coffee and a book, and going for a walk, are her favourite activities. Clark also took a leave day recently to create a long weekend to celebrate her birthday.

“It’s nice to take some time off and not be at my desk,” she says.