Tips to create a Work-Life Balance
Tips to create a Work-Life Balance
Tips to create a Work-Life Balance
Many of us are ‘time poor’, with numerous demands stemming from our work and personal lives. As we emerge back into working from the office (full time or hybrid) and social activities, it can be hard to keep a healthy balance between our work and personal lives.
A good work-life balance has several positive effects, including less stress, a lower risk of burnout and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Pick up some tips to integrate into your routine that will help you keep a healthy balance between your work and personal life.
Reset your expectations
Keep adjusting and fine-tuning your routine. Acknowledge what works one week may not work the next.
Establish a routine
- Set a daily routine and include time for work, household chores, meal planning and preparation, playtime if you have children and wellbeing. As above, this routine may need to change weekly.
- Plan and share your schedule with those around you.
- Communication is everything, and we all have moments where life or work needs to take priority. Keep your co-workers informed of changes, and they may be able to assist in easing your workload.
Stay connected, but with limits
With the advancements in technology, it is possible to be connected 24/7. Therefore, it is important to set clear boundaries around when you are ‘online’.
- Your availability – let your colleagues know the best way and time to reach you during the workday.
- Schedule time for ‘digital detoxes’ – completely switch off for a short period, e.g. when doing a yoga class or watching an episode of your favourite television program.
Organise which tasks are best suited for the office or home
Consider the best ways to spend your time in the office and at home. Try to accomplish tasks that are easier to achieve in person on the days you are in the office. Save tasks that require total focus and a quiet environment for home.
Take regular breaks, recharge and manage your energy
- Take a break every 45-55 minutes. Get up and stretch your legs!
- Remember, your energy is as important as your time.
- Tackle intense tasks while you have the energy to handle them.
- Get better at saying ‘no’.
Keep a distraction list
Write down ideas or thoughts, e.g. remembering to pay a bill or an incoming email you think of while working. These thoughts deserve attention, but not right now.
Remember to practice self-care
In a recent study, Self-care research: Where are we now? Where are we going? the four factors stopping us from engaging in self-care are:
- Attachment to unhealthy behaviours
- Lack of motivation to change
- Difficulty in deciding when to adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Difficulty in maintaining healthy habits
Spend time getting good quality sleep, exercising, eating well, spending time with loved ones or whatever relaxes you.