Striking a Balance Between Work and Life

Striking a balance between work and life is a common concern for all professionals, both men and women alike. Everyone will have their own formula, and many of us struggle for years before we finally strike the balance.

How do you strike the perfect balance between work and your personal life? Here are some easy tips below.

Routines

Just as babies, children and animals need routines, so do adults. Even if you thrive on being spontaneous, having a basic routine makes it easier to get your spontaneous kicks as any slight change from your routine can have positive effects. Routines help you to fit more things into your day and to and prioritize and provide stability in the face of stressful situations. However, don’t forget that the best thing about having a routine is breaking it now and again. The change in tempo might give you that much-needed lift or inspiration. Also, you should be sure that your routine includes time for yourself and your loved ones and that you are not constantly breaking your routine to make more room for work to the detriment of personal pleasures.

Setting boundaries

Part of setting up a good routine is setting boundaries. Boundaries in terms of how much time in your day you will dedicate to work, when you will stop answering messages on your telephone, how much you talk about work when you are at home. All of these boundaries will influence your work-life balance.

Diet

Your eating patterns can influence your state of mind greatly, as can the foods you eat. Planning a healthy menu for your working week can contribute to a healthy routine. Perhaps you choose to follow a diet from Monday to Friday and enjoy your favorite “sin” dishes on the weekends. Likewise, you may stay away from caffeine after lunch, helping you to get a good night’s sleep. Drinking plenty of water is also key to optimum brain function and healthy organ function.

Sleep

Making sure you get enough sleep is essential to striking a healthy balance between work and life. You may think that getting up an hour earlier or going to be an hour later to get some work done will help you, but eventually lack of sleep will make you less effective. Better to get a good night’s sleep and allow your brain to process all of the events of the day than to scrimp on the amount of sleep you have. In the end it will be counterproductive.

Doing what you love

Sometimes doing what you love is easier said than done, but doing what you love will ensure that your time at work is not in vain. Choosing a profession where you are surrounded by inspiring, uplifting colleagues and carrying out tasks that stimulate you can help you strike a balance between work and life.