How to Create a Good Work-Life Balance

Many people define themselves by their careers, and it’s only natural to do so. If you’re like most people, your occupation makes up a significant part of your life and work will be a prominent topic of discussion. But it’s essential to remember that work and private lives are in harmony, or the results will be disastrous for both.

Here are five simple steps you can take to maintain that equilibrium.

Whether you work in an office, remotely or are self-employed, making social occasions away from work is a great way to boost morale. After a while of being in the same environment daily, your energy and drive can start to wane; this is human nature. Make an effort to meet up at least once a month with friends and associates; they will give you a fresh perspective and an opportunity to bounce ideas around. The other benefit of getting out of the office is that it allows you to escape the pressures of email and phone calls from staff, managers or clients.

Although cramming as much as possible into your days off is tempting, plan lots of downtime. Your days off will be charged with expectations and – perhaps – the pressure to do something unique or practical. Never feel guilty about recharging in your PJs for a full day if you need it! You’ll get through the day with renewed energy and be ready for anything the next week brings.

It’s hard turning off technology when we are surrounded by it. We often have the nagging feeling of needing to respond to emails and messages instantaneously, but more often than not, we don’t.

Don’t be afraid to extricate yourself from technology after a cut-off point in the day. It’s incredible how much more refreshed and productive you can feel the next day!

We all have bad days at work. We can get frustrated with colleagues, particularly if people don’t deliver what they promised. We may have tight deadlines or clients with unrealistic expectations. Whatever is causing your stress, it’s essential to talk to someone. Speak to a friend or family member, as I’m sure you do anyway. However, an Executive Coach will often have more experience in dealing with the type of issues you face and can help you look at things differently. It releases psychological stress and enables you to take action in a calmer state of mind.

Goals give us direction and purpose, so consider where you want to be and set goals to help you get there.  This could be anything from achieving a promotion to the holiday of your dreams.  If you don’t like how a facet of your venture is panning out, don’t worry – there’s always light at the end of the tunnel if you put it there.

Staying in the same place – whether you’re renting office space or working from home – can make the sanest person go a bit loopy.  If you can, take your tasks to new scenery: coffee shops, train journeys, and public libraries are all great for reinvigorating your outlook.

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine. Whether it’s work, family, or social events – the same routine day after day and week after week is all too easy. So, think about how you can shake things up a little bit once in a while. There might be a networking event you’ve heard about or trying a new activity. Surprise yourself by doing something different that takes you out of your comfort zone; you might find your new favourite thing.

Ignorance isn’t bliss at all when your work-life balance is concerned. Failing to ensure a work-life balance that works for you can lead to burnout and serious health issues. If you’re struggling to achieve a healthy work-life balance, arrange a discovery call now to discover how coaching can help you get on track.