Work-life balance seems nearly impossible to achieve. With the rapid advancement in technology, everything–including your work email and phone-is accessible 24/7. Because of this, the workplace and the demand to deliver seem unending. While this can mean greater productivity, it can also bring more stress. Compounded stress is dangerous and it’s damaging your health, relationships, and overall satisfaction. Avoid these pitfalls by having a work-life balance. It’s easier than you think.
To help you start, here are 3 awesome tips for a better work-life balance.
- Unplug After Work And On Weekends.
With the convenience of connectivity, we get addicted to e-mails and social media, which is why FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) became an expression among Millennials. Moreover, more companies have immersed themselves in social media to use it as one of its communication channel making it harder for us to avoid thinking of work. As long as you’re connected to the Internet, there’s no getting away with the temptation of work. Avoid this by enforcing a hard stop rule after working and on weekends. Disable your e-mail notifications and if your situation permits, keep your phone and your laptop in your drawer.
Take the example of gardening that offers a therapeutic escape into nature, fostering a sense of peace and creativity. Starting with simple tasks like planting flowers or herbs requires basic gardening tools such as a trowel, pruning shears, and gloves. As your skills develop, you can expand to more ambitious projects like growing vegetables or cultivating diverse plant varieties. Additionally, using tools like an electric lawn mower can simplify maintenance tasks, making it easier to keep your garden tidy and lush. Gardening not only enhances your environment but also provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you witness the fruits of your labor flourish.
Outdoor sports, on the other hand, offer physical activity and social engagement, making them ideal for releasing stress and staying active. Whether it’s joining a yoga class with just a yoga mat, exploring a hiking track with some sturdy boots and a backpack, or cycling through a scenic route, these activities promote both fitness and enjoyment. Engaging in such hobbies not only revitalizes your energy levels but also contributes to a balanced lifestyle, ensuring you return to work rejuvenated and ready to tackle challenges.
Assuming your virtual office is different from your home office, step back. Taking a break from the digital world after work and on weekends lets you focus on non-work things like taking a walk in the park, playing outdoor sports, gardening, or watching the latest flick on TV or the movie house. This prepares you mentally and emotionally for another work day coming your way.
- Explore Working Away From Desk.
Having a different ambiance while working eliminates the pressure that stressful environments bring. If your work allows it, try arranging your work setup by inserting a “work away from desk” day or try working remotely at least once a week. Fortunately, there are coworking spaces available for those who prefer to work in a different yet cool environment. Coworking places, like Common Desk, provide workspaces that stimulate creativity, productivity, and connectivity. They offer different options for members like having your own desk, weekend/night access, private office, or having a shared desk. Explore this option to get your work done faster giving you more time to unplug so you can enjoy non-work time with your friends and family.
If you are considering working from home, having a separate space can be helpful. Taking the assistance of a Basement Remodeling Contractor, to transform your basement into a functional and inspiring workspace, can provide you a quiet, dedicated area for work. This can be a distraction free work space away from your main space. Or you can even design it as a multi-purpose space, where you can relax and unwind after a productive day. Whether you choose to work from a coworking space or create a dedicated workspace at home, the key is to find an environment that promotes productivity and well-being.
- Practice Daily Meditation And Exercise.
Meditation and exercise play a big role in managing your stress level and it doesn’t take an hour to do these 2 things. Aside from reducing stress, these practices help condition your mind and body to be more productive throughout the day.
Meditation comes with a lot of benefits and reducing stress is the most popular one. Studies show that you only need 25 minutes of mindfulness meditation to successfully reduce your stress level.
Another routine you should establish is at least 30 minutes of exercise a day before going to work. According to Harvard Health, exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Exercise helps stimulate the production of endorphins, which are known to be our body’s happy hormones.
Key Takeaway?
There are a lot of other ways to achieve work-life balance, but it will depend on what works for your situation. Achieving work-life balance is a choice. You have to find your own balance and be firm with it in order to succeed.