Fulfilling your responsibilities at work can be stressful at times, particularly when you get caught up in meetings and other deadlines, that start to affect your life outside work. This can result in you neglecting to take some time out to relax or spend quality time with your loved ones. Even with a hybrid workplace model, one gets occupied with more work just because of the fact there is no proper timing allocated unlike in the office.
A healthy work-life balance is essential because it allows you to increase your productivity and show up to work as your best self. It also leads to fewer stress-related problems like burnout and respiratory issues. If you have been wondering how to maintain a good work-life balance, here are four ways worth trying.
Manage your time
Mismanaging your time can lead to unproductiveness and pressure at work. In most cases, you will need to stay back at the office because you didn’t use your office hours properly. To eliminate procrastination, improve your work quality, and ensure you enjoy your out-of-office time, consider using time-tracking software like RescueTime and stick to your daily schedule.
Ensure you assign a realistic deadline to each assignment and avoid distractions. Finally, prioritize and tackle the most important tasks first.
Avoid burnout
Finding ways to relax is essential. Sometimes, working for long periods can lead to stress and burnout. To feel and become productive, you will need to take time to breathe deeply and unwind. For instance, if you have a 15-minute break, you can go outside to take a walk. Enjoy the fresh air, sounds, and sights. Avoid missing lunch and take your time to communicate with your colleagues or relax over a meal or snack.
Also, take some time to stretch and drink more water. Remember to take your PTO so you can take vacations with your friends or family and explore new territories. You can also take some time off to pursue personal development through retreats or groups that help you find your purpose outside work.
Learn when to say no
If you are starting in your career or trying to meet a quota, saying no can be hard. You don’t want to offend your boss, and you certainly want to come across as a good employee. However, being unable to set boundaries at work can cost you. While there is an immense amount of guilt when you decide to start saying no, it is important to look at the bigger picture.
Declining appointments or tasks that can jeopardize your health and work-life balance is an important skill. Before accepting any responsibility, ask about the scope of the work and the resources that will be available to you. Consider evaluating the entire task and how much time it will take to complete it.
If the deadline is unrealistic, advocate for more time. If your request is denied, politely decline to take it on and state your reasons. The same applies to your time on leave. Avoid being overly available when you are on vacation, and ensure you give sufficient notice before you go off the grid.
Having a good work-life balance is crucial, especially if you have a family. You want to give your presence and attention to them while providing for your household. With these three tips, you can ensure that both aspects of your life are in sync.
