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‘You will never feel truly satisfied with work until you are satisfied with life’
— Heather Schuck —
You may feel caught in the middle.
Either you continue working those shifts and risk spending less time with your family, or you reduce your work hours and spend more time with your family.
Often, it seems like we have to choose one and consequently lose the other, but life shouldn’t always be that way.
You do not have to choose between work and personal life; you can do both. Read that again.
Life is all about making choices, but it’s also about finding balance. Balance allows you to focus on the main aspects of your life without neglecting either one.
To achieve this, you need to take simple measures that will help you find balance.
This blog contains fundamental tips for achieving balance, covering everything from prioritising tasks to taking breaks.
You cannot achieve anything in life without a plan. Whether it’s realistic or unrealistic, the good thing about having a plan is that it acts as a map to your goal.
‘Having a map does not guarantee that you will reach your destination, but it is guaranteed to provide you with direction.’
— TMi Influencer —
Planned action does not guarantee success, but it gives you direction, which is important for finding a work-life balance. Without a plan, you risk becoming distracted and losing focus on your priorities.
By setting clear goals and outlining steps to reach them, you are more likely to stay on track and make progress towards balancing your job and personal life.
Write down the things you need to do at work, like
making a plan for how to get that promotion or
looking into jobs that pay more and give you better hours.
Also, think about the things you want to do in your personal life, like
starting a family,
improving relationships with people you care about,
planning trips to new places, or
setting aside time each day or week for hobbies.
Manage your time
Once you’ve made a plan, it’s important to give a specific amount of time for each task and stick to it.
Do the math to see how long each job will take. If you have a 32-hour shift per week, you should only work during those hours. The rest of the week, you should spend time with yourself, your family, and your friends.
Additionally, ensure that you allow enough time for unexpected events or tasks that take longer than planned. For example, if a friend asks you to stay for lunch, ensure that you allow enough time for that so you do not feel rushed and stressed.
Set boundaries
Although managing your time and setting boundaries may look like the same thing, they are not. Setting boundaries means not allowing one activity to take up the time or space of another. When you’re at work, try not to dwell on your family situations, the beef you had with your friends, or the fact that you.
Research (USC 2023) has shown that when your mind is divided between multiple tasks, you lose focus and make more mistakes.
Therefore, when at work, concentrate solely on completing your assigned tasks, and when you leave that environment, disconnect from work-related emails and notifications, allowing yourself to focus on your personal life without distractions.
Communicate
If you’re struggling to manage your work schedule, it’s a good idea to talk to your manager. In most cases, employers are willing to adjust your work schedule if you have a valid reason and if it helps you be more productive.
If you find it difficult to cope with your current hours, consider reducing them and using the extra time for your personal development or to search for a job with better hours and pay.
Apart from keeping your employers informed, it’s also important to communicate with your partner (if you have one) about your schedule and the days when you will be very busy.
Plan dates or vacations together and try to understand each other’s schedules. Find what works and come to a mutual agreement on how to handle what doesn’t.
Work from home
For quite some time, many people have favoured remote work. Nevertheless, not every profession can accommodate it, such as that of a doctor. But if you are in an occupation that allows you to work from home, like graphic design, give it a try.
Remote jobs can save commute time and give you more control over your schedule. However, be mindful not to blur the boundaries between professional time and personal time. Avoid using work hours for personal tasks like breakfast or grocery shopping; reserve those for your breaks.
Keep in mind that when it’s work time, focus on work.
Do not be afraid to ask for help
‘Asking for help is a sign of strength.
Be brave enough to do it.’
When you’re facing a dilemma or finding yourself in a tough spot, remember that you can always reach out to your family, friends, and even your managers for help.
Don’t suffer in silence.
Your loved ones will be ready to lend a helping hand, and a good employer will provide the support you need because no employer wants a stressed-out employee.
If you’re struggling to balance your work and personal life, consider collaborating with others to find that balance.
Take a Break
Consider taking a vacation or some time off from work, whether alone or with family and friends. These breaks are essential for recharging, regaining focus, and setting your priorities straight.
It is a fact that most of us are always working hard and trying to avoid taking days off because it would mean less time to make more money or take on more shifts. As a result, we forget to take our annual leave and work nonstop all year.
Taking just one or two weeks away can do wonders for you, leaving you feeling stronger and more prepared upon your return.
Your time alone provides you with the opportunity to reflect without distractions, allowing you to address challenges that may have been overlooked during your regular routine.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to pause and take a break.
Prioritise Yourself
At the end of the day, always remember to put yourself first. Your mental, physical, emotional, and nutritional health should be your top priority.
Don’t overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion. Take breaks, exercise, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, meditate, and strive for peace of mind.
Hence, when planning your schedule, make sure to include time for yourself too.
Conclusion
There is no one way to find balance; finding balance is a journey that you have to go through in life.
But with these tips, you’ve already taken the first step towards achieving work-life balance. The next step is to follow these tips and never give up.
For more tools to achieve life balance, you can subscribe to our newsletter to get daily tips to help you prevent burnout and manage your time.
P.S. Have you started your journey to work-life balance? I would love to hear how you are finding it.
making a plan for how to get that promotion or
looking into jobs that pay more and give you better hours.
starting a family,
improving relationships with people you care about,
planning trips to new places, or
setting aside time each day or week for hobbies.
