The work-life balance is something that everyone needs to pay more attention to, so if you’re feeling unsure as to how to kick-start and maintain a healthy work-life balance, follow these tips
It may feel as though you need to work all the time, and it may seem as though everyone complains about how little time they get to spend with their family, but just because ‘everyone’ is doing it and saying it, that doesn’t mean you have to join in.
In fact, no matter whether you’re working in a trendy office space in Liverpool Street, a high rise building in The Financial District, or even working from home, making sure that you’re maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. It’s good for your health and your happiness, and really, without those things what else have you got? You need to look after yourself and getting the work-life balance just right is one way to ensure that you do.
Time management
If your time management isn’t one of your greatest strengths you will likely find that you are stressed and that your deadlines loom large, no matter how well you try to organise yourself. The better you can use your time, the less stressed you will be, and that means you’ll be more productive, not to mention you’ll be able to ensure there is time in your day to unwind and enjoy your down time too.
A to-do list may seem like an overly simple idea, but it’s one that works. Make a list that orders everything that needs to be done in priority. That way, you can get the most pressing tasks completed first and move on to the others later on. If you run out of time, these can be put off until another day without causing any problems.
Use local amenities
Take a look around at where you work – what is there to do there? Once you start digging you’re sure to find gyms, supermarkets, open spaces such as parks, or even childcare facilities. Why is this a good thing? Well, it means that you can get all of your chores out of the way much more quickly.
Take the weekly shop, for example. If there is a supermarket near to your work, go to that one instead of one that might be more out of the way. Do your shop quickly and fuss-free. A close by gym means your lunchtime can be put to good use working out, and a park means you can go for a brisk walk if the gym is not your style. Make the most of the time you have and make it work for you.
Separate home and work
One of the biggest problems that people have in these modern times is being able to successfully separate home and work. Even if you don’t work from home, the fact that emails and texts are always present and can come through at any time means that you will often find it hard to really stop working, even if you’re meant to be doing something else. And if you do work from home it’s even more difficult as everything you need is right there, and it’s tempting to have just 10 more minutes or to send some emails late at night.
By separating work and home you will be creating a much better work-life balance. Turn off your phone if possible, and make it a rule not to answer any emails (not checking them is even better). Ideally, get a separate phone for work and personal life so that your family can still keep in touch and your work colleagues and clients can’t.
Take care of yourself
If you’re not well, whether that’s mentally or physically, you won’t be able to be productive at work, and you won’t be able to be happy at home. Neither of these is conducive to a good work-life balance.
Therefore, you need to look after yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take up a hobby that means you can think of things other than work, spend time with your family. Make sure you aren’t working all of the time as you will burn out and make yourself unwell.
Get help
Remember, if at any point you feel as though you are overwhelmed and unhappy, you must ask for help. Holding everything in won’t make you better, and it certainly isn’t weak to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Feeling this way is more common than most people think, and talking to your GP is the first step.
