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.

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

Strive for a realistic schedule rather than a perfect one. Some days you may be more focused on work/school, while others you may have more time and energy to pursue hobbies or spend time with loved ones. Balance is achieved over time, not daily.

Prioritize your health.

Your primary priority should be your total physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Schedule therapy sessions if you suffer from anxiety or depression and believe it might assist you. Don’t be afraid to call in sick on bad days if you have a chronic condition.

Overworking oneself hinders you from improving and may force you to take more days off in the future. Prioritizing your health does not have to entail severe measures. It could be anything as basic as regular meditation or exercise.

Don’t be afraid to unplug.

Cutting ties with the outside world allows us to recover from weekly stress and creates space for new thoughts and ideas. Unplugging can be as simple as practicing meditation in your spare time rather than reading work emails.

It’s critical to have a separate workstation when working remotely. This will make it easy to turn off when the time comes.

Take a staycation.

Sometimes fully disconnecting means taking a vacation and turning off all work for a while. Whether it’s a one-day staycation or a two-week trip to another province, taking time off to refresh physically and psychologically is important.

Make time for yourself and your loved ones.

While your job is important, it should not take up all your time. You were a person before assuming this role, and you should emphasize the interests or hobbies that bring you joy. Achieving work-life balance necessitates deliberate activity.

Set some time for romantic and family dates when organizing time with your loved ones. Planning one-on-one time with someone you live with may seem strange, but it will ensure that you spend meaningful 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 , a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).