Keeping your personal and work lives in balance might be difficult, but it’s vital.
Work frequently takes priority over all other aspects of our existence. We may be tempted to put our own wellbeing last in order to achieve professional success. However, striking a healthy balance between work and life—also known as work-life integration—is essential if we are to enhance not only our physical, emotional, and mental health, but also our career.
Here are some ways to create a better work-life balance.
1. Accept that there is no ‘perfect’ work-life balance.
When you hear the phrase “work-life balance,” you probably picture yourself working incredibly hard and leaving early to spend the second half of the day with loved ones. Despite how wonderful it may seem, it is not always possible.
Instead of aiming for the ideal schedule, make a realistic one. You might put more of your attention on work on some days, while on other days, you might have more time and energy to engage in hobbies or spend time with loved ones. Not every day, but over time, balance is attained.
2. Look for a job that you love.
Although working is a societal expectation, your employment shouldn’t limit you. Simply put, you cannot be happy if you despise what you do. Your job doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be interesting enough that you don’t dread getting out of bed in the morning.
3. Put your health first.
Your primary priority should be your general physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Fit therapy appointments into your schedule even if it means skipping your evening spin class or leaving work early if you suffer from anxiety or despair.
Putting your health first doesn’t have to entail radical or harsh measures. It might be as easy as regular exercise or meditation.
4. Don’t be afraid to unplug.
We can relieve our weekly tension by occasionally cutting ties with the outer world, which also creates room for new thoughts and ideas. Unplugging can be as simple as using your daily commute to practise transit meditation rather than reading work emails.
5. Go on a vacation.
Truly disconnecting occasionally entails taking time from work and turning it off entirely for a bit. No matter if your getaway is a one-day staycation or a two-week trip to Bali, it’s crucial to take time off to rest your body and mind.
