Tips on how to have a good work-life balance

Finding the balance between work and life is a tough exercise for many people, but once that balance is found, one can be happy and productive at work and also have time for oneself.

Writing for Forbes Magazine, celebrity wellness expert Robert Brace said the Covid pandemic gave many employees time to reconsider what they wanted out of their work situations.

“This reflection led to what became known as the Great Resignation, where many people left their jobs for new opportunities,” he said.

This exit from jobs wasn’t for monetary reasons. Most left for what is described as Eudaimonia, which essentially means happiness.

“Simply put, many people left their jobs to pursue happiness.”

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Burnout

Employees get burnt out when they focus all their energy on work for a long time and do not give enough energy to their health, family and friends.

Burnout is usually an extreme form of work-related stress. It can also be caused by other parts of life, such as being a long-term carer.

Australian public health information service Healthdirect defines a good work-life balance as having harmony (most of the time) between the different aspects of your life.

You will have time to spend outside of work on other things, such as caring for yourself and your family and leisure activities.

Spending time on personal care, socialising, hobbies, and relaxation can support your overall well-being.

Below are some steps on how one can find that work-life balance:

1. Prioritise

Try to think about what is important to you in life. Consider your passions and interests, and make time for the things that make you feel alive. How much time do you really spend on your priorities?

2. Time management

Do you ever wonder where the day went? Calendars, apps and to-do lists are all useful methods for keeping track of how you spend your time.

You could review a typical week and see if you can use your time better. You might be able to save time by shopping online more or working from home a couple of days a week to reduce your commute. You could see if some meetings or tasks can be done by phone/video or email instead of in person.

3. Finding the joy in your work

It’s important to focus on building positive relationships with colleagues, tapping into one’s strengths, and cultivating a positive mindset despite being in an environment one would like to leave.

Some jobs can be tedious or stressful at times, but if you hate your job or make life impossible, it might be time for a change.

Ask your employer about flexible work arrangements. See if you can move to a different team or retrain. You could set up a side hustle for a few hours a week to try out a new way of making a living.

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 4. Nurture relationships

Positive relationships and social support help build resilience and lead to more adaptive stress coping methods. Strong relationships take time to nurture and develop.

Prioritise quality time with your family, friends, neighbours and loved ones.

5. Have down time

Taking time to rest and recharge is vital to help you succeed in what is important to you. Schedule regular time off each week to relax, read a book, play sports, spend time in nature or just do nothing. Choose any activity you enjoy.

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