Finding a happy medium between managing work and maintaining positive relationships with friends and family is crucial for your success and happiness. So many people struggle to find that balance. It is oftentimes still a battle for me, but I have found some tips to help keep me on the right track
This balancing act was difficult before the pandemic. With those added challenges thrown into the mix, it can seem impossible to get your priorities in order. Taking the time to prioritize may seem counter-productive at first, but reevaluating things may be just what you need. Your family, coworkers and friends will thank you!
Stay Organized
One way to facilitate a healthy work-life balance is staying organized. I have had success with turning on notification alerts to remind me of appointments days, hours or minutes beforehand so I don’t forget. I also am a fan of digital sticky notes for appointment details. Sticky notes can also be great for making lists and planning tasks. Avoid cluttered thoughts by jotting down your ideas.
Remember to keep your physical workspace free from clutter, too. Labeled bins and drawer organizers will help keep your space tidy. Minimize distractions by removing unnecessary items from your workspace.
Manage Your Schedule
One of the common mistakes that people make is not scheduling their assignments or tasks as they receive them. This easy method prevents you from creating a backlog. Backlogging leads to missed deadlines, meetings and events. If you are tasked with a project or event that isn’t due for months, it could seem strange to schedule it immediately, but the longer you put it off, the more likely you will forget about it. Block it out now!
Some people avoid putting non-work tasks and events on their business calendars – maybe you don’t want your coworkers to see that you have a doctor’s appointment or a date night – but try to minimize the number of calendars you have to manage. The more calendars you have, the more likely you will double-book yourself. See if you can add personal tasks and events and make them visible only to you. Don’t leave family and friends out of your schedule when life gets hectic.
Take A REAL Break
In order to think critically and work efficiently, you need enough physical and mental rest. Instead of working until utter exhaustion, and then taking your 15 staring off into space, take a REAL break. Completely exit your workspace and do something that makes you happy during that time. Go for a walk, call your kids, have a snack. Have that time, even if it’s just five minutes, be completely for you. Fully disconnect from your work for the entire length of your break. You’ll see how much more productive you can be when you have a rejuvenated mindset.
How have you been able to maintain a happy, healthy work-life balance?
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