Simple Ways to Find Your Work-Life Balance
Struggling to keep up with the perfect work-life balance? You’re not alone! According to the American Sociological Association, 70% of Americans struggle with finding an achievable and long term plan when it comes to everyday life. With the hustle and bustle of today’s economy, work life may never seem to end. Whatever your work schedule may be, here are some ideas to keep in mind for maintaining a long-term plan for the perfect work-life balance.
Exercise may be one of the leading factors for creating a work-life balance. According to Spondylitis Association of America’s (SAA) Guide To Healthy Habits for a Work-Life Balance, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be one of the most beneficial activities to achieve balance. Exercise is a major stress reliever because it releases endorphins, improving your well-being and overall mood. Exercise also has many other benefits, such as expelling toxins and improving your resting heart rate. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can improve your overall lifestyle and help you unwind from your everyday duties.
Exercise isn’t the only factor to consider when striving for a work-life balance. Work-life balance can be achieved by simply finding the time to communicate. According to Mental Health America, communicating effectively when you’re in a bind at work or overwhelmed with everyday tasks can help you achieve more than you would on your own. Implementing your own strategy or creating a solution to help you complete a task can also reduce stress. Divide and conquer! Delegating tasks either at work or in your personal life can help relieve the pressure of doing everything on your own, making it easier to manage your everyday goals and allowing you to leave your work at work by finishing tasks quicker.
Another way to make sure you have an effective balance is by being efficient with your time. Take 30 minutes before bed to plan out each day. So where do you start? Try organizing your tasks. Using Abraham Maslow’s POSEC—prioritize, organize, streamline, economize, and contribute— method can help you organize and prioritize your tasks and goals for each day. Dividing big tasks into little ones will make the day seem less hectic and more manageable. Whether at work or at home, don’t forget to take five! Plan your breaks accordingly, and schedule your break times for when you have accomplished a task off of your check list. Taking a couple of minutes to destress will help you prepare yourself for your next task.
Finally, When it’s time to put your mind at ease, don’t forget to unplug. There are multiple health benefits to doing so. According to an article posted on Healthy Living Daily, constant cell phone or computer use can cause “poor posture of the neck, sagging shoulders, and other negative habits”. Texting can also cause tendinitis and can eventually spread to the wrist and forearm. Healthy Living Daily also reported that by unplugging from your devices each day, you’re immediately engaging in the following benefits: promoting an open-minded attitude, improving social interaction, strengthening the immune system, and reducing stress levels. Lastly, by unplugging, you’re taking time out of your day to enjoy the little things!
