If you work long hours, it can be more difficult to achieve a healthy balance between work and your personal life. Working long hours may impact your health, make your work unsafe, increase your stress levels and cut into time for leisure activities.
A good work-life balance means you have harmony (most of the time) between the different aspects of your life. Outside of work you will have time to spend on other things, such as caring for yourself and your family, and leisure activities. If you can spend time on personal care, socialising, hobbies and relaxation, this can support your overall wellbeing.
It’s important to prioritise wellbeing, which is often seen as being of less importance than paid work or chores.
One of the key steps to balance your work and personal life is to set clear boundaries between them. This means defining when, where, and how you work and when, where, and how you relax. For example, you can establish a regular schedule, avoid checking work emails or calls after hours, and create a separate workspace at home. Similarly, you can dedicate some time for yourself, your hobbies, and your loved ones, and avoid bringing work-related issues into your personal life.
Another way to balance your work and personal life is to prioritize and delegate your tasks. This means focusing on the most important and urgent tasks first, and letting go of the less essential or trivial ones. You can also use tools like calendars, lists, or apps to organize your tasks and track your progress. Moreover, you can delegate some of your work to others, such as your colleagues, assistants, or freelancers, and trust them to handle it well. This will help you reduce your workload and free up some time for your personal life.
Managing your stress is another effective way to balance your work and personal life. This means finding healthy ways to cope with the pressure, challenges, and conflicts that may arise in both areas of your life. For example, you can practice relaxation techniques, such as breathing, meditation, or yoga, or engage in physical activities, such as walking, jogging, or cycling. You can also seek support from your family, friends, or professionals, or join a community of people who share your interests or goals.
Work can be very demanding. Take a step back to think about how you’re spending your time and whether your goals are manageable. You’ll feel happier when you can set priorities and get things done. Are you trying to do too much? Do you have unrealistic deadlines? These issues take a toll over time.
Make a to-do list. To avoid spending too much time with work, make a to-do list every day and check things off as you finish them. This will help you avoid putting things off so you can finish one task before you start the next. Feel like you’re drowning in tasks? Try breaking each big item into smaller ones. Take breaks when you need them. Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss or ask for help.
Listen to music. To help you stay calm and focused, listen to your favorite type of music. Music tends to make us feel good emotionally. It may lower your blood pressure, too.
Take time off. When you feel like you need it, take some time away. Although it may sound wrong, taking time away from work can make you more focused and productive.
Try setting routines with fixed start and stop times. Working from home? You can still make it a point to put away the laptop and turn off the phone after your workday is over. Make sure your family feels valued.
Make sure to carve out “me time” during the day when you can unwind and relax. If you feel like you can’t relax because there are so many things to do around the house, ask for help. Splitting up tasks and chores can help release stress.
A support system of friends and family is very helpful. Your loved ones can help you work through issues or take your mind off work so you can enjoy life and be present.
Creating a work-life balance takes effort and consistency. It may not always be simple, and it’s easy to feel frustrated from time to time.
If you feel like your life is spinning out of control, consider talking to a mental health care provider. Some companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to connect you with helpful resources.
Creating a work-life balance takes effort and consistency. It may not always be simple, and it’s easy to feel frustrated from time to time.
If you feel like your life is spinning out of control, consider talking to a mental health care provider. Some companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to connect you with helpful resources.
