We have all faced situations in our lives where we have felt like work has started to take over. During the current climate, we have had to evolve our work lifestyle to fit the requirements.
In challenging times where many people adapted to working differently, it is important to set healthy boundaries around your work lifestyle.
Looking at how your time and energy are divided across different aspects of your lives can help.
Developing a work-life balance is imperative for maintaining your mental health. Leisure, time with friends or family, participating in other activities outside of work are all important to us in different ways. There are times where you might have to give your job some extra attention, or work can restrict you from participating in the other activities you enjoy meaning it is imperative to find a work-life balance.
Balance can feel tricky to achieve.
First of all, you should examine your situation. Think about what your most important values are and how you want to spend your time. Once you have established this, you can begin to brainstorm small changes you can make. If you enjoy going for a run every day, make sure you schedule that throughout your day to make sure you do not neglect your needs.
You should manage other individuals’ expectations. It is imperative to set yourself boundaries by telling colleagues and clients when you will and won’t be working, so they do not expect you 24/7. If you don’t, they may expect you to work outside your working hours and respond as soon as they reach out to you. You should be honest about your personal needs.
Maintaining your health is so important; many people neglect this. Ensure you are getting enough sleep and exercise by including it in your routine. You should also make sure that you reward yourself for your hard work by treating yourself now and then. Working long hours can be draining for many so rewarding yourself is so important.
While maintaining boundaries is imperative, it is also important to learn to say no. If something is too much, let your boss know that your workload is unsustainable. Learn to say no occasionally to new projects and extra commitments that will eat up your time. Taking on too many tasks can often lead to burnout.
When you are not at work, you should plan fun activities for your time, giving you something to look forward to. You should get organized with family and friends to ensure your time is fulfilling.
Technology is an ever-evolving aspect of our daily work-life. You should turn off electric devices for a certain time every evening and weekend to give yourself a break.
Remember, finding a balance can feel tricky to achieve however, once you find a work-life balance, your mental health will be benefited.
