Practical tips for achieving work-life balance
The risk of feeling overworked is all too real for much of the nation. Many of us are juggling endless professional and personal responsibilities – and this can take its toll over time. Some reports even suggest that the UK is at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’.
While many of us may feel trapped in a cycle, there are some things you can do to break free and improve your lifestyle going forward.
Time management strategies
Achieving a good work-life balance takes a level of organisation. As silly as it may seem, it’s important to set aside time to ensure you strike this balance. Learning the art of prioritisation is a great place to start, so you don’t waste your energy doing something unnecessarily.
Managing your time effectively means you can relieve yourself from seemingly never-ending work responsibilities and take time for yourself. Many people find that using productivity tools is helpful to optimise daily schedules. This can help to improve your efficiency while at work and reduce the likelihood of your workload spilling into your spare time.
Setting boundaries and prioritising self-care
Setting boundaries that prevent you from taking on more work than you can manage is essential for maintaining a good work-life balance. This involves having open and honest conversations in the workplace to establish these expectations and protect your peace.
Where possible, set realistic expectations and deadlines to reduce the pressure on yourself. Don’t be afraid to delegate your workload if it’s feasible to do so. If you fear that your downtime is being compromised, be prepared to take action before things spiral. Otherwise, you could find it harder to untangle yourself later on.
Protecting your spare time is one thing, but prioritising spare time is another thing altogether. Try to make the most out of your downtime by practicing mindfulness, taking time to exercise and pursuing hobbies to improve your overall wellbeing. Whether you want to combine being outside in nature with exercise through walking holidays in England or you’d like to have a go at a brand new craft, taking time for yourself will help you feel fulfilled in both your personal and professional life.
Creating a supportive work environment
When it comes to work-life balance, some workplaces will be more accommodating than others. If your workplace offers flexible working arrangements or hybrid or remote work options, don’t be afraid to use these. Otherwise, you could speak to your HR department about how these could improve productivity and motivation in the workplace.
In the meantime, make sure you take advantage of other initiatives, such as physical and mental health perks you might have access to.
