The Art of Achieving a Work-Life Balance

For many people, a work-life balance may seem like a farfetched fantasy. With new technology meaning that we are more tied to our jobs than ever before, achieving that sweet spot between enjoying our work and the time we have off in a balanced way can be an extremely tough ask. Ultimately, you have to be the one who takes the steps in the right direction. If you think this is not a possibility, it may be worth re evaluating your priorities. Your health and wellbeing should always be right at the forefront of your mind.

Learn How to Say No

Stress is one of the biggest threats to our health, and taking too much on is inevitably going to increase your risk of becoming overwhelmed. Responsible employers should treat stress reduction as one of their core aims, along with not exposing staff to harmful health situations. If you find that you are always taking on extra work and then regretting it later, saying no can really be an important skill to learn. Remember, it is not a sign of weakness to admit that you cannot possibly take on any more.

Draw A Clear Line Between Work and Home Life

As we have already mentioned, new technology is coming out all the time that keeps us tied to our desk wherever we are. Try to draw a clear line between what is work time and what is home time. If you constantly feel that you are under pressure, you will never be able to relax and your stress levels will end up remaining higher. Concentrating on one area of your life at a time is a difficult skill to learn, but it is one that will really end up paying off.

Eat, Sleep and Exercise

It is not like these are revolutionary ideas, but many people sacrifice everything and miss out on these essential parts of life! Always remember: we work to live and not the other way around. Eating a balanced diet will help to improve your overall health. Try to write out a shopping list each week and stick to it as closely as possible. Prepare your meals in advance to cut back on the unhealthy snacking that you do. Remember to get enough sleep every night as this is the time that your body has to recover from the rigours of the day. Make sure to get into a regular exercise routine as this can be one of the top ways of taking your mind off work.

Ask For Help

Most people have a lot of trouble asking for help, meaning that no one knows that they are really struggling until they reach breaking point. Reduce the amount that you have to do by asking for the support of those closest to you. It may end up that you can return the favour at a later date. When you share the load, you are much more likely to be able to achieve the work-life balance you always wanted.