The Art Of Work And Life Balance

The pandemic changed the way everyone approaches work-life balance. Studies are showing the new generation prioritizes work-life balance even over higher salaries. As working from home became more common, working overtime and facing physical and emotional burnout also followed. Trying to achieve the equilibrium between workload and personal life is now more important than ever.

What is work and life balance?

The biggest myth about work and life balance is that we allocate equal hours to work and rest. It is not practical to work as much as we rest and vice versa. What it means is simply that we feel a holistic sense of fulfillment in both our professional and personal lives. We make some changes and inculcate healthier practices to improve our mental strength in both areas. Staying productive at work and also happy during the hours spent with our family can seem like quite the feat but it is not impossible. Read to find out how to achieve the perfect work-life balance.

Why a balance of work and life is important 

Time and stress management are two of the biggest challenges of the modern employee. Being in a toxic work environment or not being able to get enough leisure time can lead to chronic stress. If left unchecked, this will hamper your productivity and also create health issues ranging from headaches to heart problems and depression. Mapping out a good de-stressing plan after work is essential. Invest time in doing things that make you happy like picking up a forgotten hobby or reaching out to estranged friends. Likewise, plan your day to manage time effectively. Reconsider where you can save time or cut out some activities that are a waste of energy. Going for a morning coffee run can be stimulating and not using your phone at bedtime can improve the quality of your sleep.

How to work-life balance

Starting small and making minor tweaks to your daily routine can go a long way in improving the quality of your work life and free time. The first thing is to establish clear boundaries. Fix allocated times for work and follow them religiously to avoid working overtime or carrying familial stress into your work life. This means not answering emails at the dinner table or worrying about personal problems during work. It is easier said than done but practicing mindfulness will help you focus on only one task at a time. Saying "no" and using effecting communication is also important, be it with your boss or loved ones.

Work and life balance tips

There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to work and life balance. What we can do is try out a bunch of solutions to see what works best for us.

Take vacations 

Whether it's a weekend staycation you're craving or a 2-week trip to Vietnam, take leaves and spend time with your loved ones. Vacations are not a luxury but a necessity which will help us relax and recharge. It will boost our mental health and help us return to work with a positive attitude.

Inculcate healthy routines 

If you're slipping into unhealthy habits, restructure your day to incorporate healthy changes. Walk to train stations, cycle to work, avoid staying up at night, eat more greens, cut down on carbs and take up yoga. This will help you become fit and reduce chances of frequent burnouts as long as your health is always your first priority.

Team-building exercises 

When was the last time you and your co-workers did something for fun outside the office setup? Request your company to invest in team-building activities such as short trips that help the team members connect with each other. This will help everyone recuperate from stress and make them feel closer.

Set up a meditative space at work

If you're tired of your monotonous office environment, create a quiet space where you and your colleagues can go for a short break. This could be a well-ventilated coffee shelf or an airy balcony where you can calm down for a few minutes. Get some indoor plants to make your work space more refreshing.

Unplug

One of the downsides of living in the smart world is it always feels like we are inextricably linked to our smartphones. But it is important to unplug and unwind sometimes. Use apps that help you hyper focus on tasks and give you a sense of accomplishment for the amount of hours that you spend away from your smartphones.

Find a job you love 

It is not an exaggeration to "do what you love and love what you do". Sometimes we are simply stuck in dead-end jobs that are draining us and depressing us for many reasons. Consider changing tracks or picking up a side hustle to get a different perspective on life.

Get professional help 

If you're stuck in a slump and nothing is working for you, maybe you need to consult a therapist or life coach. Professionals can help you reorganize your goals, overcome setbacks and attain fulfillment in both work and personal life.