Five Tips for a Better Work-Life Balance
If one of your New Year’s goals is to have a better work-life balance, then this blog is for you! It’s easier said than done…when we work all day, it can be difficult to just clock out and forget about everything you need to do at work the next day. However, the never-ending workday is damaging and it can hurt relationships, health, and overall happiness. Here are five tips for bettering your work-life balance!
Put physical distance between your work and home life
If you work from home, you don’t have a commute to and from work, which would automatically give you physical distance between you and your job. Occasionally working from your couch is a perk but making your living room your permanent office can cause more stress when you want to disconnect. You don’t necessarily need a separate room, but a dedicated table to do your work can help you separate your work and home life.
Disconnect when you’re at home
You don’t need to be available 24/7. Constantly checking your phone and emails raises your stress levels. So try to put your phone down after work hours. You can even put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” to avoid any temptations!
Be more efficient at work
If you finish all the work you need to do during the workday, you’ll have an easier time going home and unwinding. Create a list of what you need to do and organize it by highest priority to least. Focus on one task at a time and keep working on that task until it’s done, then move on to the next.
Prioritize self-care
Make a conscious decision to prioritize your self-care. You can even schedule self-care into your calendar to hold yourself accountable! Things like exercise, a massage, planning nutritious meals, or a walk with a friend are great ways to relax and take your mind off of work. Remember to also take some time off - either go on a vacation or a staycation. It is okay to take the day off, stay home, watch movies, and hang out with a friend if you feel like your mental health is struggling.
Set Boundaries
This can be scary to do, especially if you’re setting a boundary with your boss, but sometimes it’s necessary. For example, you can politely let your boss know that you won’t be able to respond to emails over the weekend. Spend some time creating a list of things that would make your job easier and less stressful. Going into the meeting prepared will make the conversation easier for both of you!
We hope you can find these strategies to be an inspiration towards improving your work-life balance!
