5 Great Tips on How to Achieve Work-life Balance
Are you struggling with managing all the demands of your day? Dashing from one project to the next to get everything done before close of business then only to rush home to take care of the family? Well, you are not alone! And thanks to amazing advancements in technology it is now completely possible to work around the clock.
However, we are still human and thus require a much needed work-life balance.
With that in mind here are 5 ways to help in maintaining more balance in your life.
1. Have a flexible approach
It’s all good and well to block off time to check your emails and strategize your next product/service. Yet, what happens when inspiration comes at 8am in the morning when you should be reading emails or in the middle of a Saturday afternoon?
You may feel the need to drop what you’re doing and strike while those creative juices are flowing. Feel free to do this, but then make a conscious effort to block off time that evening to spend time with friends and family. It’s really good to be focussed and structured, and at the same time to be flexible within those parameters.
2. Let go of the little things
If you are busy with a big project, there will be times that mini fires need to be put out. The important thing here is to remember that they are mini and they can wait until tomorrow or later. You can let go. Trust that they will be taken care of.
The client will get the assistance they need. Your partner will come finalise the product launch this week. The conflict will get a resolution. At the end of the day, if it’s not a big deal it’s not worth thinking or stressing about.
3. Unplug
We acknowledge that technology does make our days easier and everything more accessible. And in that is where the danger lies.
We are surrounded all day every day by some form of technology, you probably find yourself looking at your mobile phone just before drifting off to la-la land and it’s more than likely the first thing you look at when you wake up. You cannot seem to escape it! Make quality time true quality and unplug completely.
When you take a time out do it without technology. Your stress levels will thank you.
4. Identify your needs
Identify what truly matters to you and communicate it. It would be unfair to expect others to guess what gives you balance and fulfilment.
It could mean that you need to leave at 5pm to pick up your little one from day-care. Or that you need a 20 minute time out midday to gather your thoughts and get re-energised. Whatever it may be, be sure to be transparent about this and communicate it to your family and colleagues.
5. Pace yourself
In order to enjoy a long, healthy and happy life it is vital that you understand the value of pacing yourself. Yes there are times that you will be redlining it and there are other times that you can take your foot off the throttle. Here self-awareness is crucial. Achieving this will help you enjoy your journey as much as reaching your destination.
We would love to hear what you do to maintain work-life balance. Please do share with us in the comments below!