HOW TO MAINTAIN WORK LIFE BALANCE?

Introduction

We typically define work-life balance as the compromise between work and leisure time. It's been suggested that in a perfect world, after a long day at the office, we'd all have time to do activities that help us grow as people, like hanging out with loved ones or focusing on an interest.

It's simple enough to define the concept of "balance," but what does it entail?

Why is work-life balance essential?

In the same way that a varied diet is important for long-term health and vitality, so too is a varied schedule. The common misconception is that an eight-hour workday necessarily results in eight hours of productivity, or that we can be productive at all times. But there's no truth to that at all. Studies reveal that after a certain threshold is reached, workers provide no additional value, while the costs to their health skyrocket.

Those who put in excessive hours at the office and who have trouble taking care of themselves are more likely to experience burnout, exhaustion, and health problems related to stress.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all remedy. And you might have to experiment with other time frames to get the one that feels right. Finding equilibrium on a daily basis can be difficult, but it may be more manageable over the course of a week or more. Finding your optimal equilibrium requires practise checking in with your inner compass and the outcomes you've achieved.

You can realign your priorities and find a better work-life balance with some thought and innovation.

To help you strike a better work-life balance, here are five effective tips:

• Schedule your time wisely so that you may do both personal and professional things at the same time. If you have several consecutive virtual meetings, consider attending them while you stroll in the park. A coworker or friend may come over and help out, or you could take a call outdoors (if noise levels are tolerable).

• Adopt a positive attitude about your unique mental processes. Employ time management tools like the Pomodoro technique, which encourages working in 25-minute sessions with a concentration on one task at a time. Turn off all extraneous interruptions so you can focus on the task at hand.

• Schedule specific amounts of time to work on certain projects. Set aside time to undertake mentally taxing work, time to take meetings, and time to check (and respond to) communications. Schedule these activities at times when you know you will be at your most productive.

• A time limit should be placed on the workday. Determine when you will stop working for the day, and then reinforce that decision by turning off any work-related electronics, shutting your office door, or making plans for thereafter.

• Talk to your superiors about it. The worry that we aren't making the most of our time at work and outside of it often leads to a worsening of our work-life balance. If you need help deciding how to best use your time, consulting with your superiors is a great first step. If there is too much work, it may be time to discuss adding staff or finding more efficient ways to complete the necessary steps.