A healthy work-life balance is one of the best gifts you can give your mental and physical health. It’s what ultimately prevents stress and burnout in your personal and professional lives. Studies show that the majority of people prefer working for companies that provide a healthy work-life balance, but those positions can be hard to find. It seems that most of us are one step away from exhaustion.
Working for employers that respect the work-life balance is important, but not everyone has this luxury. Fortunately, there are things you can do to take charge of your life – at home and at work. Below we give you our best tips for building a life where you can work hard and play hard.
When You’re at Work
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Set manageable goals. It really stinks when you walk in the door at 8am and already feel overloaded. Write out the goals that you want to accomplish for the day. Break them up into manageable goals that help you stay on task while feeling accomplished.
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Be efficient with your time. Many of us waste time by procrastinating, checking emails, playing on our phones, etc. A few minutes here and there can add up quickly. When you sit down to tackle a project, remove all distractions. Also, check your emails at specific times during the day.
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Ask for help. If you see that you’re going to have trouble meeting a deadline, ask for help. Don’t wait until the last minute. It’s possible that your coworkers are feeling the same pressure. And, if they’re not, they can assist with your project.
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Take short breaks. Microbreaks are needed to de-stress, so build them into your day. These short breaks of up to five minutes have been shown to increase productivity, enhance mental alertness, and reduce pain and discomfort.
When You’re at Home
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Unplug. Technology is a brilliant thing, but if you use it 24/7, it can lead to burnout. Make an effort to unplug when you’re at home. Be present and enjoy your personal time so that there is separation between work and home.
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Don’t overcommit. Learn how to say “no.” Otherwise, people may continue to ask for things because they don’t know where your boundaries are set. Some days should be reserved for R&R – no questions asked.
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Practice self-care. Do yourself the biggest favor – take care of yourself! This will give you the energy and stamina you need to be the best you can be. Eat healthy, exercise most days, and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
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Get help if you need it. If you find yourself struggling to create a healthy work-life balance, talk to a counselor. There is no reason to wait until you crash and burn. Taking care of yourself is a sign of strength.
It’s 2019. Finding a healthy work-life balance in our fast-paced world can be a challenge, but it’s essential to good mental, emotional, and physical health. For more information on achieving a healthy work-life balance, visit mentalhealthamerica.net.
