Striking the right work-life balance means getting important work accomplished while also providing yourself with enough personal time to unwind. As more people work from home than ever before, the lines between work time and personal time can often blur. It's important to find ways to balance these two aspects of your life to remain both productive and mentally healthy.
1. Make Time for Activities You Enjoy
Don't let work keep you from engaging in activities that you enjoy doing, whatever they may be. If you enjoy playing tennis, carve out time to do that. If you are a movie buff, take time to see a film. The point is to not let work and other obligations completely eliminate the time you have to do the things in life that you enjoy. It's important to keep sources of happiness intact.
2. Take Breaks During the Work Day
Remember to take an occasional break during your work day. Even if it means just taking 10 minutes to clear your mind or take a brief walk, a break is a good way to relieve stress and will probably make you more productive, since it gives you a chance to reset and adjust your focus.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks
Prioritize your work tasks so that the most important ones are done on time, making it easier to put off less critical items until the next day.
"There are few things more satisfying than checking your most critical, anxiety-inducing responsibilities off your to-do list," says Jay Snyder at Palmer Group.1 "Focusing on these first will give you a feeling of accomplishment and productivity throughout the rest of your day. This also allows you to go home with peace of mind, knowing that you put your best foot forward, today."
4. Put Limits on Your Hours
While a bit of overtime might be necessary on occasion, you may need to make adjustments if you are regularly working more than eight or nine hours a day. Every extra hour spent working is one hour taken away from your personal time, and that's where the balance can become troublesome. Save your extra hours for when they are truly needed.
5. Keep Work and Non-Work Time Separate
For those working from home, it can be easy to work on and off throughout the entire day if you don't set boundaries. Set specific times for work and specific times for your personal life. Don't answer emails and other communications during your personal time (unless there's an emergency), and likewise, don't spend your set work time doing chores or other personal activities.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Say No
It's natural to aim to please, but your work-life balance will benefit from turning down tasks at times.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, "Evaluate your priorities at work and at home and try to shorten your to-do list. Cut or delegate activities you don't enjoy or can't handle — or share your concerns and possible solutions with your employer or others. When you quit accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll have more time for activities that are meaningful to you."2
7. Use Your Vacation Days
Regardless of whether or not you plan to travel, take vacation days if they are available to you. Vacations will probably improve your mental health, and can even affect your physical health, relationships, and general motivation.3 Why not use this time to see new places and/or spend time with loved ones? A "staycation" can often be just as rewarding as a trip. Take time to engage in leisure activities and eat good food close to home or even just stay home and unplug from work for relaxation.
The ideal work-life balance will not be the same for everyone, but it is important to find the right balance for your own life. Even if you are passionate about your job, the associated stress can take a toll on your health. Finding a good balance can make a huge difference.
1. https://thepalmergroup.com/blog/6-easy-ways-to-improve-your-work-life-balance/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/work-life-balance/art-20048134
3. https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/importance-of-taking-a-vacation
The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of Nevada State Bank. Nevada State Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC