You might think of work-life balance as spending an equal amount of time at work as you do at home, but it’s much more than that. A healthy balance means you can invest your physical and mental energy both at work and during personal time. Read on How To Achieve Work-Life Balance. 7 Things to Consider.
Here are seven things that affect your work-life balance.
1. Taking Breaks
Breaks are essential to your workday, but they also apply to your personal life. Many things keep you busy throughout the day, from work to running kids around to keeping up with your social life. If your body and mind are constantly on the move, it will wear you down, causing you to fall behind and lose your patience.
Taking advantage of your work breaks is a great way to help your mind and body relax. It can be tempting to work through rest periods when you’re focused on a project, but pausing is an excellent way to avoid tiring out. While you might not take traditional breaks from your personal life, spending some time alone and practicing self-care can keep you refreshed and ready to be present in the other parts of your life.
2. Leaving on Time Every Night
An easy way to maintain your work-life balance is to leave on time from work every evening. As you wrap up your workday, you might want to do just one more thing or chat extensively with a co-worker.
Occasionally, these things might be alright, but the extra time you spend at work is time you are removing from the other areas of your life, such as family meals, housework or visiting with friends. You have schedules to know when you should be at work and when you should not, so take advantage of them.
3. Having a Group Calendar
If there are multiple members in your household, having a group or family calendar can keep everyone on the same page. Have any adults in your home add their appointments, commitments or special events to the calendar as they learn about them. Be sure to do the same for any children or pets. By using a group calendar, you can ensure schedules don’t overlap and everyone can be where they need to be.
4. Asking for Help
There’s no shame in asking for help if things get busy or overwhelming. Life can get chaotic, but receiving and offering support makes it a little easier. Consider asking your employer for a flexible schedule so you can work in appointments and events. In some careers, a hybrid work schedule lets you be closer to the action without losing your ability to get work done.
If you need to be at another event or just need some time to yourself, consider getting a babysitter for one night or asking a co-worker to switch shifts. When you’re able to get help, you can take time to refocus and accomplish more. Then, you’ll be able to assist others when the time arises.
5. Setting Boundaries with Family Members
You may already have boundaries in place with your employer regarding when and how you can work and what circumstances may arise that would prevent you from working. It’s also good to set these boundaries with friends and family members.
To be an effective employee, it’s necessary to focus on the task at hand and stay productive throughout the day. If you have friends or family members calling or messaging you about non-emergency situations while at work, it’s time to talk to them about when to reach you.
Speak to them about when you need to be away from that kind of communication and when it’s OK to have it. You can take time during breaks to check your phone and respond, but they may not get a message otherwise. If you have to use your personal cell phone for work, give them a window to not contact you unless it is an emergency. Setting these boundaries allows you to focus more on work, making you more available for personal events outside the office.
6. Taking Advantage of Vacation Days
If you have vacation days, use them wisely. It’s a good idea to plan trips away from home and work to rest and unwind. Whether you visit a spa for a few days or go on an adventure, these breaks are great opportunities to shake up any monotonous patterns you fell into and try new things.
You can also plan to take these days when kids or family members have time off from work and school. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and make memories everyone will carry with them as they get back into their routines. Ensure you know your workplace’s policies and what is available so you can plan a great vacation without worry.
7. Getting Enough Sleep
Your sleep is as essential as your time awake, so don’t sacrifice rest just to cram more into your day. Rest is crucial to having energy, regulating your mood and staying healthy. Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep at night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help you get a good amount of rest while giving you a consistent routine.
How To Achieve Work-Life Balance – Achieving an Excellent Work-Life Balance
A good work-life balance is key to feeling good and completing everything you need to get done. By taking the proper steps, you can achieve a work-life balance that’s right for you.