It is not easy balancing work and life. But you cannot maintain a healthy balance if you neglect one in favor of the other, and you really need to take care of each.
Unplug and Unwind
Socializing is essential for health. But you can cut contact with the outside world from time to time to improve your mindset and give yourself more room to grow. Unplugging can be as simple as meditating rather than reaching for the phone to check work-related emails. It’s also essential that you find some sort of outlet. Finding things to do in your local area isn’t too challenging these days. All you need to do is Google it. In no time at all, you could find a new fishing spot, join a fitness class or find a new hobby you didn’t even know you would like.
Don’t Get Overworked
Stress from work is a silent killer. Therefore, you should keep boundaries between yourself and your colleagues to avoid burnout. For example, try not to focus on your projects or answer company emails after leaving the office. You should also consider having a separate computer or phone at home so you can disconnect from your duties. If you can’t use different devices, consider using different web browsers and email clients. Additionally, don’t be afraid to say no to extra work. You can’t be fired for it if it falls outside your contract.
Pay Attention to Your Health
You should prioritize your physical and emotional wellbeing. For example, when struggling with anxiety or depression, schedule those sessions even if you have to leave work early or miss a scheduled meeting. Neglecting your health could make you take more days off in the future, and you are at a 23% greater risk of a heart attack when stressed at work. Also, when you prioritize health, you will be far more productive and reap the benefits of a job well done. This means more happiness and increased wellbeing. You can also consider guided meditation to calm yourself down.
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
You should have a career, but it shouldn’t be all you do. Of course, you’re obligated to your job and your partner and children, so you work so hard anyway. Therefore, you should plan to spend as much time with them as possible. Your priorities should always focus on family life and not work. Additionally, if you don’t plan your family time well, you won’t be able to enjoy the special moments. Regardless of how busy your work schedule is, you control your own time. Plan it well, and you always have something special to look forward to.
Consider a Career Change
Work is an expectation of society, but your life should not be limited by it. If you don’t enjoy your work, you won’t be happy. You don’t need the most exciting job in the world, just something you care enough about to get genuine enjoyment. The trick is to find something you enjoy so much you could do it for free. On the other hand, something isn’t right if you feel physically and emotionally drained by your job. It could be that you work in a physically toxic environment in a job you don’t love. If this is the case, it might be time to consider a career change.
Summary
If you neglect your family and your own health, it is impossible to have an effective work-life balance. You must learn to unplug from work or consider switching jobs in the worst case.
