Balancing life and work
I'll be the first to admit it... I'm not very good at balancing work and life. I can't help it, I love my jobs!! Even if I didn't love what I do, I'm still the type of person that is going to go all in inorder to get the job done correctly. I have a hard time taking time for myself and stepping back to take a breath. In light of recent events I've been forced to realize the importance of having balance in my life. It's not good for my relationships, my work performance, or most importantly my health. While doing research on how to develop a better balance in my life I found most of the information was common sense, yet easily over looked. I wanted to share what I found with you so that you can start having a better work life balance right away and not wait until you're forced to do so.
1. Free time doesn't need to mean time for anyone
In today's age of instant gratification we get lost in the idea that if we are sitting still (read: relaxing or taking time for ourselves) we are not being productive. News flash: that's ok!!!
Work: Not only do we need to take time away from our desks in order to regroup and be more productive it is also good for our physical and mental health to take time to focus on ourselves whether it be some down time on the couch or playing at a hobby. Sometimes at work we take things on not because we actually have time for it but because we think "If I don't do it who will?" or "If I do it I know it will be done correctly." Remember, it's ok to say no to another project. You know where your own limits are and at what point your productivity will drop off. Set a stopping point for yourself and don't surpass it.
Life: I used to have a really hard time with this one... Blocks of time that are free of obligations don't always need to be filled. You shouldn't feel pressured to say yes to an event just because you're "free" that day. Make sure it's something you're willing to give your precious time to. When you do decide to say yes to an event, make sure you have other spare moments for yourself that week and don't fill them.
Make personal rules you won't break
2. If its not on the calendar it's probably not going to happen
Work: I don't know about you, but at my jobs I'm very busy and if I don't take the time to plan my day out when I get to work I won't be as productive. Some people say its a waste of time to take a few minutes to get organized in this way but for me I know I will forget something if I don't write it down. Meetings, deadlines, messages, etc will get forgotten in the fray if they don't go straight on the list or on my calendar. Making lists stresses some people out. My boyfriend for instance can't stand it, he would rather just get down to business. For me once its on the calendar I don't have to worry about it again until that time comes and that helps me declutter my mind for other tasks.
Life: I know it might seem silly but it is a good idea to put life things like working out, cleaning the house, taking a bubble bath on your calendar so that the time is set aside to spend on yourself. Don't compromise on it! It can be hard, for instance, to find the time to work out (I won't even go into my views about the importance of working out everyday!) but if its something you can put on your calendar and block time off for you're much more likely to actually do it, even half an hour a day. Same with that bubble bath or cleaning the house.
Life: I know it might seem silly but it is a good idea to put life things like working out, cleaning the house, taking a bubble bath on your calendar so that the time is set aside to spend on yourself. Don't compromise on it! It can be hard, for instance, to find the time to work out (I won't even go into my views about the importance of working out everyday!) but if its something you can put on your calendar and block time off for you're much more likely to actually do it, even half an hour a day. Same with that bubble bath or cleaning the house.
3. Sometimes it pays to pay someone else to do it
Work: Sometimes work can be overwhelming. If your in a position to do so, it might be a good idea to hire an assistant. An assistant can make everyday work a lot less daunting and they can help organize your work life so you can worry more about getting the big deals done. It can help you become more productive and less stressed at work. But not everyone is in a position to warrant an assistant. The other option , depending on your company policies, is to utilize your front office or secretarial staff to draft letters, send faxes, photocopy, etc.
Life: There are some things in life that just aren't worth doing yourself. Having a house keeper doesn't make you a bad person, it means you can spend more time with your kids, family or yourself which is priceless. If you have time to tidy up at the end of the day but can't find time to do the dusting and vacuuming you can often find a housekeeper that will come in every other week or once a month.
4. Accept that not everything will get done
Work: Work is a never-ending process. It will never be done, but that's ok. It's not supposed to be done! Imagine coming in to work one morning and having nothing to do but sit on your thumbs because the night before you answered every email, answered every voicemail, sent out every invoice, etc. Sometimes not all the work gets done, but that's ok because it will get done tomorrow.
Life: Life is the same way. Not everything in life will get done or stay done. It's important that we let go once in a while and be ok with relaxing on the couch or taking a bubble bath will there are a few dishes in the sink. If we get too caught up in always to get everything perfectly completed (and there are always things adding to the never ending list) we will never be able to take time for ourselves.
5. Sleep is for the sane
Work: Obviously sleeping on the job is a no no but if you don't get proper sleep at home you won't be as productive in the office. In turn you won't get as much done duri a day and feel like you need to stay late and the whole thing will snow ball into not getting enough sleep again. Sleep keeps us sane and productive.
Life: Don't skimp on sleep! Sleep is when our body recharges and repairs. We need sleep to function properly. Without enough sleep we become irritable, less productive and less motivated. We only get a limited amount of time with our friends, family and ourselves so make the best of it and enable yourself to be present in those times by getting enough sleep.
6. Don't let your job define you
Work: It is easy to fall into the trap of defining yourself by what you do for a living. Not to say you can't be absolutely in love with your job, but it shouldn't define your being. Your life should revolve around you not your job.
Life: It is equally important that everyone be able to have an active life outside of the office. Spend time in things that make you happy or help you feel like a contributing member of society. Volunteer, have a social outlet or join a sport. Remember you need time to socialize, relax, get your own personal projects done. Don't let life become meaningless by forgetting about yourself.
7. Success doesn't always mean working around the clock
Work: Beware the law of deminishing returns... You may feel like working yourself to the bone is the only way to get everything done, but after a certain point (which is different for everyone) your productivity takes a nose dive. Your brain needs a break. Try these tips: walk away from your desk during your lunch break (maybe even eat lunch outside), when you feel tired take a short walk around the office instead of pumping the caffeine and when you need a bathroom break take it, don't wait.
I hope this helped put things into perspective. The bottom line is we could probably all do a better job of taking time for ourselves and listening to our bodies.
Try out the Canadian Mental Health Association's mental health meter.
Take the Canadian Mental Health Association's work/life balance quiz.
Try out the Canadian Mental Health Association's mental health meter.
Take the Canadian Mental Health Association's work/life balance quiz.
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