We often spend a lot of time at work and a lot of time trying to pursue a healthy work-life balance. However, sometimes it can seem like an unmanageable goal. Being always on call, always accessible, being tied to the phone or emails 24/7, does not help you achieve tasks quicker, it can actually slow down productivity.
Pursuing a healthy balance between work and your personal or family life is essential for good mental and physical wellbeing.
Step away from your device
Separating your work life and personal life can be difficult with the advancement of technology, as we are now forever reachable with mobile phones and emails. It is so important for our wellbeing to switch off from work of an evening once home. Persistent checking of emails and work-related tasks can lead to burning out, relationship issues and damage your health. If you are required to be on-call
Leave work at the job
When you leave the office or job, commit to leaving your work stress and pressures behind as well. It can be a challenge going from work mode to home life mode, and it can be difficult to separate the two. Implement a strict no work policy in the evenings and on weekends without any exceptions. It is important to unplug from work as it allows you to recover from work stresses and allows your body and mind a chance to rest and switch off.
Take some Me-time
When you are busy at work, it can be easy to think ‘I’ll just answer one more email and then go home’ or ‘I’ll just finish this task first’. It is vital to make an effort to leave on time and prioritise time for yourself. Whilst your job or career is a big part of your life, it shouldn’t be your entire life. Make time for you. Ensure you participate in the hobbies and activities you enjoy as it does wonders for your wellbeing and can help you relax after a stressful day. Spending time alone or with family and friends is essential but without work interruptions.
Set manageable workload goals
Set manageable goals for each working day. It’s important to be realistic about workloads and deadlines, as not only will you burn-out trying to do everything at once, it can lower your self-confidence and self-esteem levels. A realistic to do list can help you feel in control and give you a sense of accomplishment once you get a task done.
Keep physically active
It can be easy to neglect your exercise routine, and instead opt for staying late at work to finish a project. However, regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health. Even when we are busy, we still need to make time for crucial things in life. Physical activity can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety, as it helps get endorphins pumping through your body and helps lift your mood. Walking, taking stairs, swimming, gym, playing a team sport, anything like this is fast easy and fun.
Communicate effectively
If you are feeling snowed under with work, why not ask to have a chat with your manager or boss? Don’t shut yourself off as your boss may not understand what you are going through and could help. Have an open discussion with your manager or boss and offer practical solutions. Discussing the problem won’t always guide you toward a solution, therefore, have a solution worked out to share with your boss. That way not only will the boss start to understand the issue, the solution to fix it is provided.
If you allow yourself to take some time to relax both your mind and body, to de-stress, learn to sleep better and lower those anxiety levels, please visit Virtual Hypnotherapy to grab your guided meditation and recovery session and start living again; free, relaxed and healthy, because you deserve it.
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