I have seen many posts about work-life balance and the mental strain that often comes with it. Remember, "We work to live, not live to work." Here are some insights from my mentors that I’ve adopted to maintain a healthy balance:
- Cultivate a Personal Life: Establish a morning routine and explore activities that interest you, like painting or dancing. Stay connected with friends and family—daily chats can do wonders. Prioritize healthy eating and enjoyable shopping trips. Don’t spend weekends cooped up; join a workshop or event, even if you go solo—it’s a great way to socialize and lift your spirits.
- Work Smart: Aim for an 8-hour workday. If collaborating with global stakeholders, try a 4:2:2 approach: work for 4 hours in the morning, take a 2-hour break (for networking, lunch, or picking up kids or Gym), then work for 2 more hours when your global team is available. Flexibility is key!
- Plan Long Vacations: Instead of short getaways, aim for a longer vacation every quarter—5 to 10 days. Schedule these in advance (6 months ahead) to ensure your workload remains manageable during your absence.
- Remember, "The Ball Will Not Drop": A wise manager once told me not to stress too much—“The ball will not drop.” Lean on your team and management; they’re here to support you. Do your work thoughtfully, take accountability, but don’t let stress overwhelm you.
- Master Time Management: Differentiate between urgent and important tasks to identify what can be delegated and what requires your full attention. Keep at least a day’s buffer for all deadlines to accommodate any surprises.
