How to achieve a work-life balance
Struggling to hit that sweet spot where work and life fit harmoniously together? We’ve got some hints on how you can make everything work without finding more hours in the day.
Most of us have heard the term ‘work-life balance’, but do we really understand what it means? At it’s root, the concept is pretty simple: balancing your professional commitments with your personal commitments, creating an ideal amount of stability in your life. If it’s done well, having this balance means you can show up at work ready to face the day, and leave with enough energy to enjoy your life outside of spreadsheets and emails.
What does work-life balance mean?
It means that your work should align with your life. So, your job should meet your financial goals and support your career ambitions without compromising your personal life. Stress shouldn’t feel like a daily occurrence to you, and rest should be something you’re able to fit into your day. Overall, work-life balance means that you feel a good level of satisfaction in your career, family life, friendships and your health.
How to achieve work-life balance: Step-by-Step
1. Set boundaries
Treat your office hours like one long meeting. Be clear about when your workday starts and ends, and communicate those times to colleagues, friends and family. You might find it helps to set your phone aside during your work hours or put it on do not disturb until your workday ends. Including your available hours in your email signature can make it clear to your colleagues when they can and can’t expect a response from you. Try to avoid creeping overtime, and ask others to respect your availability.
2. Prioritise what matters
Lists are your best friend. Every morning, try to write down a few tasks that you’ll know will have a big impact on your day if you complete them. Tackle those while your energy is at its peak. Everything after this can be scheduled, delegated or you might even find you can skip it or move it to another day.
3. Take regular breaks
Typically, it’s best to have regular periods of focus and regular periods of rest for humans to maintain energy and motivation. Taking 10 to 30 minutes to stretch, grab lunch, or just look away from a screen – can help keep you on task.
How to manage work and family
Time management
Set windows in your days that are just for you and your family. Lunch or dinner with your loved ones matters just as much, often more, than those big stakeholder meetings at work.
Be present
When you’re with family, make sure you’re really spending that time with them, and aren’t distracted by other things. Stay present by keeping your phone elsewhere, your laptop shut, and notifications on silent.
A proactive approach to health insurance
Maintaining a balance is easier when you have solid foundations to support your overall health and wellbeing. Looking into taking out a health insurance policy with a trustworthy provider can make all the difference. Shifting your focus from fighting fires when they arise, to preventative healthcare can mean you find a work-life balance much easier to maintain in the long-run. Having access to a quicker path from diagnosis to treatment can get you back into the swing of life.
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