In honor of Mental Health Awareness month in May, Monument is currently running a photo contest of favorite employee vacation pictures. (Send yours to Gloria O’Bannon today!) Vacations are definitely an important part of creating a healthy work-life balance (which is, in turn, important to your mental health) – BUT…making sure you have a good work-life balance all year round can help you:

• Minimize stress – and help you handle stressful situations better
• Improve both your physical and mental health
• Feel more “present” in your life

Here are four quick tips for boosting your work-life balance:

1. Build downtime into your schedule.
2. Eliminate unnecessary activities.
3. Turn off distractions.
4. Make time for the people and activities you love.

Dyllan Culp, Operations Technician, Houston, is a big believer in all of these tips – but especially #4. He trades a hard hat by day to a cowboy hat by night (and weekend) to sing and play guitar in his country band. They travel to a wide range of locations and venues – including the recent Houston rodeo, where Dyllan’s band played at the pre-rodeo cook-off event!

“I love my job at Monument, and I even work quite a bit of overtime – but I make sure to keep a good work-life balance,” said Dyllan. “For me, a big part of that is the joy I get from playing in front of a crowd. When they’re having fun, I’m having fun – and it’s both exhilarating and relaxing.”

When he’s not working or playing for an audience, Dyllan’s most favorite role to play is the one of “Daddy” to his seven-month-old son.

“My son is my favorite audience member these days,” said Dyllan. “I love seeing him smile when I play. Although…sometimes he cries too, but I don’t take that too personally. After all, some country songs are pretty sad!”

So, whether your passion is singing in a band, growing vegetables, riding ATVs, or enjoying activities with your family, make a conscious effort – every day – to carve out time for the people, places, and activities that bring you joy.