Work life balance is something that is often talked about, but not too many people seem to know what it actually means. It’s more than just taking time for yourself outside of work. In this article, we’ll discuss what work life balance is, why it’s important, and 7 ways to achieve it.
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Work Life Balance Meaning and Importance
Work life balance is often defined as the amount of time spent working versus the amount of time spent on non-work activities. However, it’s more than just that.
It also includes the quality of time you spend working and how well you’re able to focus while you’re working. It’s about finding a healthy balance between work and the rest of your life so that you can be productive and happy.
Why Work Life Balance is Important
There are many reasons why work life balance is important.
For one, if you’re constantly working and never taking time for yourself, it can lead to exhaustion, fatigue, and eventually burnout, which can lead to physical and mental health problems, as well as decreased productivity. Additionally, if you’re not taking time for yourself or loved ones, it can lead to problems in relationships.
Finding a balance between work and the rest of your life is so important in not only keeping stress and burnout at bay, but it’s also an integral part of your health and wellness because it balances two big and important aspects of our lives – our professional and personal lives.
We human beings are not made to just work, and we’re not meant to just play. Keeping a balance between the two allows you to nurture the different dimensions of self, strengthening the whole person – mind, body, and soul.
7 Ways to Achieve Work Life Balance
Now that we’ve discussed why everyone should strive for work and life balance, let’s explore things we can do to help us get closer to achieving this balance.
1. Set Goals and Prioritize
One of the best ways to achieve work life balance is to set goals and prioritize them. This means figuring out what’s important to you and what you want to accomplish, then figuring out or planning how and when you will work on completing them.
All things are important, but knowing deadlines helps you set tasks as a priority over others, and when to schedule other projects. Using a calendar or planner can come in handy when doing this to keep track of your commitments in both work and your personal life.
It’s important to remember to value your personal time as much as meeting your work deadlines because we are trying to achieve balance after all. So go ahead and pencil in time for hobbies, relaxation, and other activities that you enjoy.
2. Take Some Time For Yourself And Loved Ones
In order to function and be productive, it’s critical to take some time for yourself, both physically and mentally. Just like a car needs gas to keep running, you need some time away from work to be productive the next day.
Nobody negotiates between taking the car or the gas because one is useless without the other, just as work and play are to your productivity. Taking some time to “refuel your tank” will help you with both physical and mental productivity.
Whether it’s enjoying a relaxing bath or having a fun night out with family and friends, or changing the scenery by going on vacation, taking your mind and focus away from work helps keep your energy, perspective, and focus fresh to take on the next project and cope with challenges along the way.
3. Take Care Of Yourself – Body, Mind, And Soul
This means eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when you need them. Additionally, it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress, and make a routine to check in with yourself.
A great way to do this is to practice mindfulness which involves focusing on the present moment, usually utilizing some breathing techniques to connect the mind and body. It’s a simple and effective way to combat stress and establish a better connection with self.
The self is multidimensional- mind, body, and soul. By knowing what helps feed these different aspects of you, you not only get closer to work life balance, but you take important steps in creating a healthy lifestyle for overall wellness, preventing and even helping reverse certain illnesses and chronic diseases.
4. Establish Boundaries
Creating boundaries means setting limits on the time and energy you spend on projects and other obligations. Although it’s common to set boundaries at work, it’s equally important to set boundaries from demands in your personal life as well.
This means saying no to additional work when you’re already overloaded, or limiting how much time you or effort you devote to others. This can be difficult at first, but it’s important to stick to your boundaries so that you don’t get overwhelmed. One way to do this is to delegate certain tasks to others.
5. Delegate and Let Go
Delegating tasks, especially ones you don’t enjoy doing, is a good way to still be productive while preventing burnout. This also includes letting go of things that are out of your control. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you can’t do everything by yourself, and most times it’s even better to get others involved to utilize others’ strengths and facilitate collaboration and teamwork.
6. Find A Job That Gives You Fulfillment
This is different for everyone, but it’s important to find a job that you enjoy and that gives you a sense of fulfillment. When you’re fulfilled in your work, it’s easier to achieve work life balance because you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing your personal life for your job.
If you’re struggling to achieve work life balance, talk to your boss about what you need. They may be able to give you flexible hours, allow you to work from home occasionally, or provide other options that would make it easier for you to balance work and the rest of your life.
If this isn’t possible, maybe it’s time to reevaluate the reason why you’re still at your job and what you can do to transition into something more fulfilling.
This is easier said than done, but assessing your needs and wants from work can help you see where you can compromise in certain areas to make the best decision for your well-being.
When you’re doing what is aligned with your values, it becomes easier to perform your best work and be productive.
7. Find Support And Resources To Keep You Balanced
There are many ways to access resources available to help you achieve work life balance. Reliable health and wellness information are easily accessible online, and technology through apps and wearables make it easier and fun to keep track of your health pursuits.
Support through friends, family, and support groups are a good way to help you through challenges, and working with a wellness professional can give you one-on-one personalized support to reach your health goals.
Whether it’s finding recipes for healthier eating, utilizing a smartwatch to monitor your physical activity, or consulting with a wellness expert on how to best incorporate healthier choices, there are ample ways and unlimited resources to help you achieve balance.
A good place to start is Nexia Wellness, a new and growing platform of holistic health practitioners. Professionals here are vetted and verified to help you with any area in your life that may need rebalancing.
Final Thought
Work life balance is important because it can lead to increased productivity, decreased stress levels, and improved physical and mental health.
There are many ways to achieve work life balance, but it is important to find what works best for you. If you’re struggling to achieve work life balance, consider talking to a wellness professional who can help you develop an individualized plan to reach your goals.
As long as you continue to strive for balance, remember to routinely check in with yourself, and utilize the resources out there, you will find that it gets easier to be productive and happy, both at work and at home.
