Have you found yourself taking business calls at the dinner table? Or maybe you’ve brought unfinished work home? Answering emails first thing in the morning before getting out of bed? These could be possible signs that you lack a work-life balance. But these are not the only indicators that you may need to set boundaries between your professional and personal life. Have you been feeling burnt out lately? Feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day for everything you want to do? Or perhaps your mental and physical health has taken a decline? Again, these are all possible signs that you have a poor work-life balance.

Work-life balance involves understanding how to deal with the pressures and obligations of both your career and your personal life, and creating a healthy balance between the two. Failing to achieve a life balance can lead to:

• Increased stress
• Feelings of irritability or depression
• Mental and physical fatigue
• Poor health
• Strained personal relationships
• Job dissatisfaction
• Low productivity
• Loss of motivation and focus
• Absenteeism

And several other negative outcomes.

There is no ‘right’ way to achieve a good work-life balance, nor is there a ‘perfect’ work-life balance. It is an ever-changing concept that is unique for each person; it is about figuring out the best way to achieve a mix of professional and personal life that works for you. However, it can be challenging to start on this process of life balance, so here are a couple tips on how to maintain a work-life balance. Remember, think about what fits for you.

DISCONNECT From Work

The workday may never end if you don’t allow it to. Try to only complete work-related tasks during regular work hours. Set boundaries. Give yourself a chance to disconnect and unplug from your work-life, so that it doesn’t interfere with your personal life. This may involve not answering business calls or emails after-hours or on the weekends; even if this means turning off your notifications or your phone, or keeping your laptop packed away. Also remembering how to say “No” can help you not overcommit yourself. Allow yourself moments of calm.

PRIORITISE Your Tasks

Use your time efficiently. Tasks may seem unachievable and overwhelming when you try to do too much at once. Prioritise your tasks; create a timeline; make a “to-do list”. What is important and urgent? What is not? Limit distractions. Focus on a task until it’s finished before moving on. Divide big tasks into smaller tasks to make it more manageable. Completing tasks and being able to meet priorities gives you a sense of control. And remember to reward yourself, even if it’s small.

TAKE BREAKS

Taking breaks can keep you sharp and focused. When a task is too difficult, it’ll help to let your mind rest and to do something else for a moment. Go for a walk; have lunch; read a book; meditate. Small breaks while working will help clear your head, improve stress management, and increase motivation and productivity.

MANAGE Your Expectations

Be realistic. Don’t overextend yourself trying to complete tasks out of your range. Focus on your strengths and find out what works best for you. Do you feel more productive and alert in the mornings? If you do, then try and work on the more difficult tasks that require more focus in the mornings. Ask for help when necessary; it’s okay to share the workload. High workload makes one feel that they have to accomplish a high amount of work in a small amount of time. This will make you feel time pressured. Remember the saying “Don’t bite off more than you can chew”. 

Make TIME FOR YOURSELF

You may bury yourself in your work to avoid personal issues, but when we neglect parts of our lives we can feel out of balance. Remember, life balance means tending to yourself too. You may feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and obligations in your work and home. You have to take care of yourself so you have the energy and strength to attend to others. It’s important to give yourself time to recharge. Make time in your schedule every day or each week where you focus on you and your needs. This could be regular exercise and looking after your body which can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Or working on hobbies; doing things that you enjoy and allowing yourself to self-indulge and relax. A healthy body and healthy mind will help you to function better both at work and at home. Remember to have fun!