Balancing work and family is the daily walk on a tightrope that every working professional around the world faces.
The wish to do well in your profession while still growing your personal life can make you feel like you are pulled at both ends.
Nonetheless, achieving a good work-life balance is not an impossible mission. What does it mean? It’s not simply about dividing your time equally between work and personal pursuits.
It’s about achieving a sense of fulfilment and well-being in both aspects of your life.
A reasonable work-life balance will allow you to remain engaged and functional at your workplace, while also letting you enjoy quality time with your family or friends during leisure hours outside office premises. The best mix depends on some significant factors inclusive of career stage, family dynamics, as well as individual values.
Thus, for some professionals, staying balanced might involve concentrating on moving up the ladder during an intense project phase.
They can then cut back their workload later to focus on annual leave with their families or any other passions they pursue in life.
Besides, this could mean consistently drawing clear boundaries between one’s professional duties and free time to have undivided attention in whichever kind of role they are currently involved in.
It’s important to discover a setup that suits you, and there are specific methods that can help you achieve a balance between work and life.
1. Plan ahead
Plan to integrate work activities with leisure, social, or fitness activities. If you have back-to-back virtual meetings, try taking them while walking. You can also take a call outside your office if the noise level allows or invite a friend over to work with you.
2. Embrace the way your brain works
Use tools like a timer to work in short, focused timeframes. Eliminate all other distractions to maximise your productivity.
3. Set time blocks for different tasks
Designate specific times for checking messages, attending meetings, and doing mentally intensive work. Align these tasks with your peak productivity periods.
4. End work at a certain time
To prevent work from encroaching on personal time, set a firm end time for your workday. Reinforce this boundary by shutting down work devices, locking your office, or scheduling an activity afterwards.
5. Use technology to help you unplug
Utilise apps to block distracting websites during work hours and work tools after office hours. If possible, restrict work to one device or keep one device work-free to help you disconnect completely.
6. Go out for lunch or enjoy lunch with coworkers
Even if you’re working from home, take a break during your lunch hour by going out or connecting with colleagues. This change of pace will refresh you and remind you to eat.
7. Take time off
Working from home gives you the flexibility to continue the work even when you’re not feeling well enough to go to the office. Time off, including sick leave, personal days, vacations, and bereavement leave, is essential for your well-being.
8. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness makes you more conscious of your surroundings. It can be achieved through techniques like meditation or breath awareness that help you become more attuned to your emotions and physical sensations.
9. Engage in a hobby you love
Having an activity you look forward to after work can make it easier to disconnect. Hobbies boost your energy and creativity, helping you return to work refreshed.
10. Reevaluate your work
If you think your work is making you feel disconnected from what excites or motivates you, you can always consider changing it. While it is true that professional life can’t satisfy all your needs, it should provide moments of satisfaction and connection.
Keep in mind that finding a balance between work and personal life is a continuous journey, not a quick solution. Some days, work will be the focus, while other days, family will take priority. Stay flexible, manage your time wisely, and communicate openly. By applying these strategies and making regular changes, you can develop a successful way to handle both work and family responsibilities, ensuring success in both aspects.
