Most of the time work takes precedence over everything else in our lives, our desire to succeed professionally can push us to set aside our own well-being. Creating a harmonious work-life balance is critical, as it improves not only our physical, emotional and mental well-being, but it’s also important for our career.
According to Choma here are some few pointers that will have you in tack and on top of your game in balancing your work life and personal life.
- Accept that there is no ‘perfect work life balance’
When you accept that there is no ‘perfect work life balance’ it will be easy for everything to fall into place. It is important to note that it is okay to not strive for that perfect schedule which you should not anyway! It is best to strive for a more realistic schedule. Make peace with the fact that some days you might be focused on work, while other days you might have more time and energy for yourself to pursue your hobbies or spend time with your loved ones. And remember that it takes time to achieve your balance; it does not happen overnight.
- Prioritise your health over your work
Your health is a priority whether it be your physical health, emotional and mental health should be your main concern over anything, even over your work.
If you struggle with anxiety or depression you should check into therapy and if you are battling a chronic illness, don’t be afraid to call in sick on rough days. As overworking yourself prevents you from getting better, possibly causing you to take more days off in the future. Prioritising your health doesn’t have to consist of extreme activities. It can be as simple as daily meditation or exercise.
- Don’t be afraid to unplug
It is okay to cut ties with anything that does not serve you any purpose and cutting ties from the outside world is sometime necessary as it allows us to recover from stress and gives you space for other thoughts and ideas. You can meditate during the period you are unplugging rather than checking your emails.
For all those working remotely, it is important to have a dedicated workspace. Which will make it easier to switch off when it’s time to.
- Take a vacation or staycation
It is important and sometimes necessary to take a vacation from time to time to truly unplug and shut off from work completely for a while. This could be a one-day staycation or a two-week trip to another province, it’s important to take time off to physically and mentally recharge from work stress or even personal stress, whatever it could be vacation is of necessity.
- Make time for yourself and your loved ones
Yes, your job is important however your life should not be centred around it. You are a person, an individual before you were placed into that position. It is important to make room for your hobbies, friends, and families.
Plan activities for your loved ones by creating a calendar for romantic and family dates.
Knowing how to balance your work life will ease off unnecessary stress. Work Life balance allows us to get things done in your professional life while still having time and energy to enjoy your personal life which is fundamental for our mental health.