When you hear “work-life balance,” you probably imagine having an extremely productive day at work and knocking off to spend the rest of the day with friends and family. While this may seem ideal, it is not always possible, but you can find simple ways to do so. Here’s more  

Accept that there is no ‘perfect’ work-life balance.

Don’t strive for the perfect schedule; strive for a realistic one. Some days, you might focus more on work/school, while other days you might have more time and energy to pursue your hobbies or spend time with your loved ones. Balance is achieved over time, not each day.

Prioritize your health.

Your overall physical, emotional, and mental health should be your main concern. If you struggle with anxiety or depression and think therapy would benefit you, fit those sessions into your schedule. If you are battling a chronic illness, don’t be afraid to call in sick on rough days.

Overworking yourself prevents you from getting better, possibly causing you to take more days off in the future. Prioritizing your health doesn’t have to consist of extreme activities. It can be as simple as daily meditation or exercise.

Don’t be afraid to unplug.

Cutting ties with the outside world from time to time allows us to recover from weekly stress and gives you space for other thoughts and ideas. Unplugging can mean something simple like practicing meditation in your free time, instead of checking work emails.

If you’re working remotely, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace. This will make it easier to switch off when it’s time to.

Take a staycation.

Sometimes, truly unplugging means taking vacation time and shutting work completely off for a while. Whether this is a one-day staycation or a two-week trip to another province, it’s important to take time off to physically and mentally recharge.

Make time for yourself and your loved ones.

While your job is important, it shouldn’t be your entire life. You were an individual before taking this position, and you should prioritize the activities or hobbies that make you happy. Achieving work-life balance requires intentional action.

When planning time with your loved ones, create a calendar for romantic and family dates. It may seem weird to plan one-on-one time with someone you live with, but it will ensure that you spend quality time with them without work-life conflict.

Work-life balance is about having the flexibility to get things done in your professional life while still having time and energy to enjoy your personal life and is fundamental for our mental health. How are you achieving work/life balance? Share below.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).