Today, it’s almost impossible to pull yourself away from your work — thanks to the pandemic and mobile technology. In such times, how do you strike a work-life balance?
I’ve come across people who struggled to maintain a work-life balance even before the pandemic when we all had a regular 9-5 job. Today, striking this balance seems impossible. Read our article to learn how to manage work and play in order to be a better person both at home as well as the office.
1. Time Management
What most people don’t understand about time management is that staying busy doesn’t equal to being productive. Similarly, being at the office doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being efficient.
The key is to be fully focused on the task at hand. If you’re working, keep your personal problems aside and vice-versa.
Since most of us are now working from home, it becomes challenging to draw the line between our work and life. However, you need to understand that your time is precious: it’s one thing you can never buy more of.
2. Career Goals
To be satisfied with your professional life, you need to be equipped with a vision and goals and be forward-thinking. The question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” may sound cliché but is necessary if you want to stay motivated.
Your productivity and motivation both increase when you know what your future looks like. You spend a minimum of 30 hours a week so it’s advisable to take a step back and determine your long and short term goals.
The key is to set realistic goals while ensuring that they’re challenging enough. If all else fails, ponder if you’re dissatisfied with your salary. If yes, bring it up with your boss.
3. Set up Boundaries
The biggest mistake most people make is not setting up boundaries. It’s tempting to bring work home every day but it leads to burn out in the longer run.
Create boundaries and stick to them. Let your colleagues and your family know what’s acceptable and what’s not. This way, everyone will know what’s strictly off-limits.
4. Prioritize Yourself
We only have 24 hours a day but at least 24 different tasks that need to be done ASAP. Everything requires your time, energy and attention. The first step is to decide what’s actually important and then communicate about it. Learn to put yourself first and take time out for yourself.
Recreational breaks have a way of rejuvenating you. This will help you perform better at work as well as home. Taking short breaks or going on a vacation every few months is an excellent way to lift your spirits.
You can also try a new hobby every weekend in order to stay happy. If you don’t know what you like et, try different things like Zumba, pottery or even art classes. You’ll end up liking something and if not, there are plenty of other things to try!
5. Send Better Emails
Emails can be the culprit of your stress. Generally, you become less efficient if you’re not communicating properly or paying very less attention to the contents of your mail.
Instead of constantly hitting the refresh button, I recommend setting a particular time to review your mails. Or if you get a ton of emails, consider checking them in intervals.
Responding in a timely manner is important but don’t let a bunch of emails throw you off balance.
Another advice is to leave your emails at the office. Unless you have an emergency or a crucial task after 5 P.M, there’s really no need to sign in to your work emails from home.
6. Say Hello to Personal Goals
It’s important to stay happy at home no matter how your work life may be. You need to set up your personal goals exactly like you set up professional goals to stay motivated.
Think about travel, exercise, new hobbies, spending time with family and friends and learning new things and set your goals in accordance with what truly gives you joy.
For example, writing refreshes me. I read about journaling and I knew in an instant that this was something I really wanted to try. Every morning, as soon as I brew my cup of coffee, I sit with my journal and make a to-do list. This gives me a clear idea of what my day is going to look like. I journal at night just before hitting the bed and note down everything good and bad that happened that day. Believe me, a little bit of gratitude goes a long way.
7. Self-Care
Do you take care of yourself? Be honest with yourself and try to recall when was the last time you did something for yourself. You’ll be surprised when you realise that you’ve done very little when it comes to self-care.
Taking care of yourself mentally as well as physically is imperative in order to be yourself. Go to a spa or relax with your favourite book. You can also listen to podcasts or blast some music to cheer you up. Take a complete day to yourself—minus all the responsibility and see how you feel.
Allow yourself the luxury to do nothing if that’s what will help you feel better.
8. Don’t be a Perfectionist
You need to understand that life is neither fair nor perfect. It can be quite hard to accept if you’re a perfectionist. Things like dirty laundry or a messy desk might stress you but you need to accept these things and move on.
Rather than stressing on every small thing, stress over what really matters. Doing so will not drain you as much and will make it easier for you to accept life as it is.
It’s okay to be a perfectionist sometimes but not at all times. It’s unrealistic, causes stress and puts unnecessary pressure on the everyone around you.
The Takeaway
Apply these 8 tips to your life and see what good change comes from it. Don’t forget that you can only be your best self if you’re feeling like it. Remember not to let your life or work get in the way — both are important to stay healthy and happy.
Author – Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook. Feel free to contact her regarding a food guest post or a mental health guest post.