Achieving a proper work-life balance is something that many see as difficult or downright impossible. However, it is vital for your health and life that you pursue the best balance possible. There are three aspects we are going to consider: The cost of a poor work-life balance. How to achieve a better work-life balance. And how to better care for yourself.
The cost of poor work-life balance results in fatigue, poor health, and lost time. Putting all your energy into work will only tire you, especially if you are working at a screen all the time. Your eyes, mind, and body need a break. Also being sedentary is bad for your body. It will cause your joints to stiffen, your muscles to weaken, and your eyes to wear. But possibly the biggest cost is lost time. Time is something you cannot get back. We all have the same amount of time. It isn’t how much time you have but what you put into the time. This is a perfect segue way into how to achieve a better balance.
There are many things you can do to help achieve a better work-life balance. A few of these are: manage your time, set manageable goals, learn to say no, consider your options, detach from work, take breaks, communicate effectively, and listen to music. Managing your time helps you set realistic goals for each day and leave work feeling fulfilled. Some find it easy to say no while others find it a significant struggle. But when asked to do something weigh it against your priorities and goals and then decide if you can say yes. As hard as it might be, especially when working from home, detach from work. When you leave work, really leave. You need that time away to be a good employee and employer. Take breaks while you are working. Keeping your blood pumping helps you think better and clearer. You get and keep your blood pumping when you move around. You can also achieve this by alternating standing and sitting to work. By communicating effectively, you ensure you get the most work done in the shortest amount of time. It also brings others to a higher level of communication without knowing it. And listen to music. Studies show that listening to music adjusts one’s mood and energy level. So find something upbeat and positive and watch how your energy level changes.
Caring for yourself is an essential part of achieving an effective work-life balance. Take time to relax. This doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation on a remote island. Find the things that help you relax and make time for them. Find places to volunteer. Volunteering and doing things for others helps you feel more satisfied with yourself and your life. Developing a support system is vital. These are your people and they will walk with you through the good and the bad. They will listen when asked and talk when asked. Most of all, make time to unplug. There is so much of life and the world we are missing because we are constantly looking at devices. Challenge yourself to take a day without electronics and see how you feel. It is really quite freeing!
The most important thing to remember is that there is no perfect balance. What works for one person may not work for another. You have to look at your work, your life, your personality, and your home life and decide what your balance should look like. Then make a plan to get there. Don’t try to accomplish everything at once.
If offloading some of your workload is part of achieving your work-life balance, call us today at 317-288-5748 or fill out our contact us form. Let us help you reclaim your life by reclaiming your time.
Credits: Mayo Clinic, Mental Health America