We’ve all experienced the sense of pressures building up on one side of the work-life balance and taking over our days. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may be familiar with the sense of unmet aspirations and desires. Work-life balance means different things to different people. However, in general, we all agree that this entails having a sufficient amount of time available for non-work pursuits. This might be spending time with your family, dedicating time to spiritual growth or getting in better physical shape, pursuing a hobby, and so on.
Having a work-life balance has plenty of benefits ranging from physical health all the way to mental health, which more often than not, happen to intersect. By having and creating this balance, there is the benefit of fewer health issues that are common when engaging in the task of being a workaholic, such as decreased fatigue that will often impact your focus and productivity, decreasing the risks of injury, and also decreasing the chances of higher consumption of alcohol or nicotine. With a proper balance you may notice your productivity levels are on the rise and fewer symptoms or episodes of burnout occur.
How to improve work-life balance at work
- Take Breaks: It is so important to be mindful of the duration you work and when to take a break. When you work for long periods of time without a break, not only do you increase the chance of minimal satisfactory work, you start to loose focus and start the on-set of fatigue. By taking breaks you are more likely to have better concentration, feel more engaged in the work you are doing, and help you to take more interest in the work you are doing.
- Set Boundaries: You will be at the mercy of circumstances and external influences if you do not set boundaries. Set a time when you will leave the office. You may need to be flexible in certain situations, but until something truly extraordinary occurs, try to keep to your guideline. Involved in setting boundaries is the ability to say “no”. In both our personal and professional lives, we all have numerous demands on our time and attention. To be able to focus on what is essential to us and our to-do list, we must stop engaging in low-value activities. Others will constantly put pressure on you to do this or that, therefore you must learn to say no to low priority obligations. Also, try not to bring any work home with you. Separate your professional and personal lives.
- Self-compassion: Letting go of perfectionism is one of the most significant methods to develop a feeling of work-life balance. Perfectionism may have provided some educational success and early in one’s profession. However, the tension it produces builds up over time. As our obligations grow, so does the demand on our systems and emotional resources. It is critical to remember that life is not always easy. Everyone struggles, and you will not always do it “perfectly.” Acknowledging this reality enables you to alter your perspective toward a more compassionate growth-and-learning mindset to job satisfaction.
How to improve work-life balance at home
- Invest in relationships outside of work: By devoting time and attention to relationships that exist outside of work you may find yourself to “unplug” easily, as you are spending your time thinking about things that don’t involve work and doing things with people that mean the most to you to make you happier than thinking about how irritated your boss may have been today.
- Prioritize “me” time: Focusing on yourself and taking care of yourself is an important and effective way of acknowledging what you need to stay happy and positive, as well as maintaining a good sense of mental wellbeing. It may also help to exercise on a regular basis and eat as healthily as possible. These basic rules lay the groundwork for your sense of equilibrium. These factors are all incredibly significant and have a long-term influence on your life.
All in all… It is critical to know that you cannot alter everything all at once. Make no plans to completely transform your life. Choose one activity and begin by taking tiny actions in that direction. It is quite possible to significantly enhance your work-life balance if you are consistent in taking action.
The information provided in this blog is not professional medical advice and should not be considered as such. If you or someone around you is suffering from mental health related issues it is greatly encouraged to seek advice from a medical professional.
