How to Achieve Work/Life Balance

Welcome to the Monday Morning MINDset where I'll share one of my original MOTIVATIONAL sayings, provide valuable INSIGHTS, quick tips to NAVIGATE the week ahead, along with some positive affirmations to fuel your drive and DETERMINATION.

In this edition, I talk about how to achieve work/life balance for better results.

We've all heard the phrase 'work/life balance', but how many of us truly feel we've mastered it?

I know I certainly haven't!

Striking the harmony between these two worlds can be an elusive concept, and one that always seems just out of grasp.

From my experience, it starts with setting boundaries and knowing when to switch off from work both physically and digitally.

It requires a certain kind of discipline to totally detach from the office.

Especially with the way we're tethered to our mobile devices, it seems we're never really 'out-of-office'.

I've had to continually remind myself that my job is a part of my life, not my entire life.

Let's pivot to see how we can develop a Monday Morning Mindset.

MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATION

MONDAY MORNING INSIGHTS

Work-life balance is the amount of time you spend working compared to the time you spend pursuing things outside of work, measured in hours, enjoyment, or mental energy.?

Did you know that:

• 48% of workers consider themselves “workaholics”.
• 66% skip one meal per day due to working hours.
• 60% of US workers say they don’t have boundaries between work responsibilities and life.
• 33% of employed US adults work on a typical Saturday.
• 72% believe a healthy work-life balance is crucial.?
• 78% of women say this balance is essential to career choices, compared to 67% of men.
• 25% of employees say they never or rarely take days off of work.
• 62% say they check work email outside of work hours.
• A bad work-life balance is the 2nd most common reason they would be willing to turn down a job.
• 79% believe that flexible working options would allow for a better work-life balance.
• Workers in the US tie East Asia for the highest daily stress levels.
• The US is ranked 53rd out of 60 on a global list of countries for work-life balance.

Impact of poor work-life balance

A poor work-life balance significantly impacts our daily lives. It makes just about everything worse, from your personal life and job satisfaction to physical and mental health.

To put some numbers behind that, let’s look at the data:

• 40% of people say a poor work-life balance “ruins” the time they spend with friends and family.
• ?As people work longer hours, their performance decreases and can increase the risk of mistakes or injury.
• Work risks associated with overwork increase significantly after 50 hours per week.
• Working more than 55 hours leads to a 35% risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of death from some heart diseases.
• Working more than 50 hours per week is linked to increased risks for anxiety and depression.
• An imbalance creates a significant risk of burnout, and these employees are 2.6 times more likely to be actively seeking a different job.
• The top self-reported issues with a work-life imbalance are loss or harm to family relationships (49%), loss of friendships (47%), and health issues (38%).

MONDAY MORNING NAVIGATION

Achieving work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and satisfaction in both your professional and personal life.

Here are some navigational strategies to help you achieve a better balance:

1.???? Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work life and personal life. Define specific times when you are "on" for work and times when you are "off." Communicate these boundaries to your colleagues and supervisors to manage expectations.

2.???? Prioritize tasks: Identify your most important tasks and focus on completing them first. Use prioritization techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks and allocate your time accordingly.

3.???? Learn to say no: It's okay to decline additional work or commitments if they will interfere with your work-life balance. Practice saying no politely but firmly when necessary to protect your time and energy.

4.???? Manage your time effectively: Use time management techniques such as setting specific work hours, using a calendar or planner to schedule tasks, and breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Avoid multitasking, as it can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress.

5.???? Take regular breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your workday to rest and recharge. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or engage in activities that help you relax and refocus.

6.???? Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that promote your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

7.???? Unplug from technology: Set boundaries around your use of technology, especially outside of work hours. Consider implementing "digital detox" periods where you disconnect from email, social media, and other digital distractions to fully unwind and recharge.

8.???? Delegate tasks: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others, whether at work or at home. Delegating can help lighten your workload and free up time for activities that are important to you.

9.???? Seek support: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues for support when you need it. Don't hesitate to ask for help with tasks or responsibilities that are overwhelming or causing stress.

10.? Reflect and adjust: Regularly assess your work-life balance and make adjustments as needed. Be flexible and willing to adapt your routines and priorities based on changing circumstances.

Remember that achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and intentional effort.

By prioritizing your well-being and setting boundaries, you can create a healthier balance between your work and personal life.

MONDAY MORNING DETERMINATION

Start your day with an affirmation. Repeat it throughout the day. Feel it. Believe it. And observe the transformation it brings.

Commit to finding your balance.

Here are 7-Key affirmations to power-up your work week.

1. "I will strike a healthy balance between my career and personal life."

?2. "My health and happiness are my top priorities."

3. "Every day, I become better at setting and respecting my boundaries."

4. "I am making a difference in my work without sacrificing my well-being."

5. "My time outside work is valuable and enriching."

6. "I am capable and deserving of a fulfilling personal life."

7. "I confidently say no to overwork and yes to leisure and relaxation.

These affirmations are not mere words.

They are pledges to ourselves, a beacon guiding us towards our goal of a harmonious life.

Let them serve as a powerful reminder of our capacity to thrive in both our career and personal life.

BONUS RESOURCES

1. Take the time/life assessment to help build harmony and life balance.
2. 15 Work-Life Balance Books to Help You Take Control of Life.
3. Check out these 10-TED Talks on Work-Life Balance.

Remember, by refusing the irrelevant, unimportant or overwhelming, you make room for the crucial aspects of your life and career that truly deserve your time and energy.

Need help reaching your professional development goals? Schedule a FREE clarity call and check out my list of professional services here. ?

Until next time, have a great week ahead!

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