Did you know chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace? Living a healthy work-life balance reduces stress and helps prevent burnout. Work-life balance looks different for everyone; however, we’ve compiled 5 general tips to help you find the best work-life balance for you:
Creating a daily activity journal will help you uncover how you use your time both at work and at home. If you find yourself spending too much time on unproductive tasks, such as minor issues or unproductive meetings, limit these activities and fill them with other tasks you find more productive. Do the same with your activities at home. Did you find you’re spending too much time scrolling on Facebook or Twitter? Limit your social media time and fill it with more rewarding activities like spending time with family or friends.
Your calendar is a great tool to use when scheduling work activities and meetings. However, don’t be afraid to schedule personal activities on your calendar as well. If you have a hard time following through with personal activities, scheduling these activities on your calendar helps you to commit.
Your drive home from work, whether it’s a long drive or a short drive, can be a great time to transition yourself out of work and into home life. Taking the time to get ready for a different set of interactions at home helps you avoid taking the stress of work home with you. On the other side, your drive to work is a great time to transition your mind to work. Start by creating a to-do list in your head of what you want to accomplish for the day, so you can go into work ready to be productive instead of dreaming about the weekend.
Sometimes you might need some extra time to finish up your work, try to pick a specific day and let your family know ahead of time, so they’re not expecting you for dinner. Planning this day ahead helps keep your family from feeling neglected and allows you to get some extra work done. It is important to take extra time for your family and yourself. Try to also set aside a day ahead of time to spend extra quality time with your family.
Starting new habits can be challenging. Be realistic and take it slow. Start by adding something new into your schedule gradually, once a week or even once a month. Trying to add something new to your schedule every day is unrealistic and will not last.
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