A work-life balance feels more important than it ever has, and the coronavirus pandemic, although three years ago, has a lot to answer for that. Many people all over the world started working from home, seeing their family more, taking their dog for a walk on their lunch break and started appreciating how much more time they had when they had more control over their day.
Couple that with the lockdown and the realization that tomorrow and all of its potential joys are never promised, and everyone is taking their time and work-life balance a lot more seriously.
That being said, how do you do it? A healthy work-life balance will look a bit different for everyone, but these suggestions can help guide you.
Understand Your Values
First and foremost, what may be the most important part of determining a healthy work-life balance for you is understanding where your values lie. If you want to spend more time with the family or want to have more time for hobbies, the “life” part might be more of your priority. However, those who want to advance their career or who are focused on goals might prefer to spend their time on work.
It is entirely down to you what your values are and how you want to live your life, and once you know that, you can adjust your work or expectations accordingly. It is worth noting, though, that most of the time, this will be a compromise.
Separate the Two Where You Can
When your job bleeds into your personal life, it can feel difficult to separate the two. This can very much be the case for many people who are self-employed or have their own business, as it is hard to turn that part of your brain off when you are the one who is in control. For example, if you work for someone else, then sometimes it can be easier to leave your work in the office – less so if the office is in your home and you “just had another idea”.
For those who are in the latter group, hiring out a hot desk can be a great compromise. While it won’t stop you from thinking about your business while you are on the sofa, it will help give you a place separate from your home where you can focus. Take a look at hotdesking offices to see what would suit you and get a bit more balance into your life.
Take a Break When You Need It
Ignoring when you need a rest is the worst thing you can do for your health – it could even hinder your business, not help it. If you are burning out or are focusing too much on work and not enough on sleeping, exercising, or eating healthily, it is crucial that you take a break to restore the balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and health is the most important thing you can have.
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