When it gets colder and darker outside, life shifts back indoors and often in front of the screen. For many, the transition to fall is a time when routines become more important: the first coffee at your desk, checking your calendar, moving from call to call. What often gets lost in the process: short breaks, exercise, and real relaxation.

Sounds easy to fix? But it's often forgotten. Clearing your head and taking a mental breather is just as important for good collaboration as the latest tool or the next follow-up appointment. That's why work-life balance is no longer an extra perk, but rather a basis for us to work well together, whether in the office or remotely.

But what does that actually look like in everyday life?
 

Small rituals with a big impact – 7 tips from us

We asked our colleagues how they find their own balance in their everyday working lives and what tips they rely on when it comes to work-life balance.

For our colleagues, exercise is the most important addition to their daily work routine. Christophe, Team Lead Commissioning & Service Germany, for example, avoids using the elevator whenever possible and either walks or cycles to the office.

“I (almost) never use the lifts, and I either walk (25mins) or bike (6mins) to work. I also take my dog out for a couple breaks during the day. Playing 1 or 2 games of kicker is also very good for the cardio, I highly recommend!”

Others consciously schedule breaks into their calendars. Juan Diego (Sales Manager Ibérica) uses a variation of the Pomodoro Technique:

“The Pomodoro Technique works for me, except that I take a 5-minute break every 45 minutes. During the break, I just go for a short walk, drink some water, etc., or even play a quick game of chess. This is a good tip if you have operational work to do.”

Daniel, Business Development Manager Southern Africa, has also incorporated exercise into his routine, even after work. When we asked him where he fits exercise into his routine, he replied:

“I go grocery shopping during my lunch break and run up the hill behind my house after work.”

Even when working from home, short breaks help you stay focused. For Iohana, Junior Technical Sales Representative Chile, it's moments with her family that give her new energy:

“I try to maintain my balance by taking short breaks to connect with my family. Playing with my son, talking to my parents, and remembering to drink water always helps me refocus.”

Others, such as Cezar, a software developer in Romania, rely on a combination of exercise and mindfulness:

“For me, balance is one of the most important things in life, not just at work. To keep a clear and focused mind, I meditate for about 10 to 15 minutes every day. I also make sure to stay active by going outside, jogging, or meeting up with friends. Keeping my mind fresh is essential, so I try to read 4 to 5 pages a day as well.”

And while some get in the mood with music, Benedikt, Technical Trainer Germany, draws his energy from silence or the opposite of it:

“Metal!” is his clear answer to the question of what music gets him going.
He also treats himself to cuddle breaks with his cat, short breaks to catch his breath, and lots of fluids (his go-to: sparkling water).

And sometimes it's simply tea that makes everything a little easier.

“My ritual is a cup of tea because I think that a cup of tea can help solve to problems big and small.” says Anastasia, Sales & Administration Assistance Italy.

More than working from home and flexitime

When it comes to “work-life balance,” many people only think of working from home and flexible working hours. But there is much more to it than that. It's about the opportunity to work more flexibly, to remain individual, and to see people as human beings and not as some kind of “work machine.” This includes trust, personal responsibility, and an environment where you feel seen even when your calendar is full.

Long story short: Teamwork starts with ME

The feedback from the team clearly shows that it is often the little things that make a difference in our everyday life. A few minutes of exercise. Music that gives you energy. Breaks that are really breaks. And the feeling of being part of a team that not only works together but also looks out for each other.
meteocontrol promotes exactly that. Because at the end of the day, good cooperation happens where people feel comfortable.

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