8 Ways To Achieve A Healthy Work-Life Balance
We’ve all felt burnt out from time to time. Did you know that in Britain, around 10.4 million sick days a year are due to work-related stress?! A busy period at work or a stressful personal situation can really knock you off your feet. But if you’re feeling burnt out a lot of the time, it might be because you don’t have a positive work-life balance. Whilst it is important to have a good career, it’s good to balance that career out with a good personal life. This is great not only for your well-being, but it also makes sure that you get the best out of both aspects of your life.
What Is A Work-Life Balance?
Google’s definition of a work-life balance is ‘the division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities’. By maintaining a work-life balance, you’ll improve your overall happiness and well being, and in turn, contribute to a healthy working environment. The exact balance you have between your work life and personal life may vary depending on your age, career goals, and other commitments – but no matter what work you do or what your responsibilities outside of work are, it’s absolutely key to keep the balance as even as possible. So, here are our ways to achieve the perfect work-life balance…
1. Breakfast
Set aside time every day to have your breakfast. Sit down, relax, and prepare yourself for the day. As much as possible, try not to grab your breakfast and coffee to go, quickly eating it on your commute to work. We know, sometimes it can’t be helped especially if you’re running late. But try and find more time in your morning to have a less frantic breakfast – even if that means getting up 15 minutes earlier. Sorry if you’re not a morning person.
2. Prioritise
A.K.A, ‘work smart’. Prioritise your tasks accordingly, allocate times for each task and ensure you have enough time to complete that task before you move on to the next. Jumping from one task to another without thinking it through or considering how long each one will take can really mess up your schedule and priorities. If you can, avoid getting caught up in meetings that aren’t necessary!
3. Breaks
Working through your lunch break can really put a downer on your day. Have at least 30 minutes a day to have your lunch, and try to keep it as healthy as possible. Take a walk if you can, or even go out for lunch with friends or family! It’ll really put some pep in your step, and leave you ready to work for the rest of the afternoon without it overwhelming you.
4. Say No
With a smile, of course! If your workload or your expectations are getting too much, say something about it. Being honest won’t hurt, and it will certainly take a weight off your shoulders. It’s unnecessary to take on all work that comes your way, especially if it means you won’t have time to finish your current workload. Did you know that in the UK 13% of employees work 49 hours or more PER WEEK! That’s not right. Don’t take your work home with you every day – keep your home and work life separate. Of course, the odd day won’t hurt but don’t do it to yourself if you really don’t need to. Shut off all things work when you get home!
5. Exercise
40% of the working population neglect other aspects of their life because of their job, and this increases their vulnerability to mental health problems. A really good way to counteract this is exercise! It’s a brilliant way to de-stress. Exercising with others gives opportunities for increased socialising, it may lift your mood and improve sleep patterns. A great way to balance out your work life from your personal life.
6. Holidays
Plan holidays for the future to look forward to! Some people are put off from booking holidays because they worry about the amount of work they will come back to or miss. But you can’t spend your whole life worrying about what’s going on at work! Book that holiday and enjoy yourself! Even if it’s just a long weekend away, the time off will be good for you – and you absolutely deserve it.
7. Sleep Well
Try to go to bed at a regular (ish) time every night. You will feel much more refreshed the next day after a good nights sleep. Staying up late replying to emails and completing work only means you’ll feel tired and run down the next day. Besides, having a good nights sleep can improve your concentration and productivity, so it will benefit you at work anyway. There’s only so much that coffee can do!
8. Personal Time
Whilst spending time with others and socialising is an essential part of healthy living, one of the most important things is having time for you. Make sure to spend some time doing what you love, whatever it may be. Even if it’s just spending some time in the bath after a hard day at work – that’s a great way to wind down.
So that’s our advice on getting a healthy work-life balance. Alas, sometimes the type of job you have becomes too overwhelming and just doesn’t allow you to have a healthy work-life balance. We have the solution for that; become an Assessor and take back full control of your working life.