How to Achieve a Work Life Balance

How to achieve a better work-life balance

Work-life balance is a measure of the degree to which you feel your life is in a state of sustainable equilibrium; in terms of balancing the competing demands on your time.

We need to answer this important question - how can you get the best performance from yourself and others, whilst still maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Your life is composed of various elements, such as work, health, family, friends, recuperation, further education, hobbies, and so on. Each element is valuable to you, and each takes time. But you can't do them all simultaneously.

So, how can you balance the competing demands and sustain a high-degree of happiness and productivity? We will discuss the following four elements:

1. Time management and prioritisation
2. Manage stress
3. Health and wellbeing
4. Compartmentalise your day

Habits to help you achieve a good work life balance

1. Time management and prioritisation

Time management has become increasingly more important as we have shifted to remote working, and the boundaries between work and home have blurred.

Under these conditions it is vital that you manage your time and energy - you must properly prioritise. Currently, to what degree do you predict, plan, prioritise, prepare and delegate tasks? In other words, to what degree are you a good time manager?

Here are some tips for managing your time and prioritising tasks:

• Start your day by writing a to-do list. Work through your emails and prioritise the urgency of each task, to ensure you get the most important work done first.
• Segment your day into blocks of time, so that you can complete focused work. Limit distractions during these blocks - it might be helpful to put your phone in a different room.
• Take regular breaks to get a drink, and ensure you take a lunch break. Going for a walk around the block is a great way to beat that afternoon slump.
• When it's time to finish work - turn off your computer. Tick off your to-do list and carry over any unfinished work to tomorrow's list. Spend the evening with your friends and family, or doing a hobby that you love.

2. Manage stress

Stress has both a physical and a mental component. To what degree are you able to manage your emotions? Are you able to choose how you will feel on any given day, or do your emotions seem to affect you as if they are an external power?

A few ways to help you manage stress are:

• Write a journal entry each morning or night
• Meditate - try an app such as Headspace
• Take a break from the screen and social media
• Speak to an expert - if you need help, reach out to a professional
• Exercise - move your body for 30 minutes each day to release endorphins

If you are stressed about something at work, try your best not to bring it back into the home. Leave work at work, and spend your evening relaxing with family. Bringing your stresses back with you will only cause conflict at home, and offset the balance.

3. Health and vitality

Stress management has a physical component. To what degree do you keep good health habits? How would you rate your sleep, nutrition, and exercise programme?

There are thousands of free workout videos online that you can do at home - think Joe Wicks or Chloe Ting. You can also go for a walk, as this is great exercise and also helps to clear the mind.

If you are struggling with your health and/or diet, speak to your GP. They will be able to help you work out how much fuel your body needs, and whether you are getting the correct amount of nutrition and enough exercise.

Integrate exercise and healthy eating into your day - your workplace should allow you to take a lunch break, so try to fit in some exercise and a healthy lunch to boost your energy levels. You'll be surprised at how good you feel afterwards!

4. Compartmentalise your day

Success in life is about achieving a state of dynamic equilibrium; which is about finding time to give every important element of your life its due. Sustainable success requires that you do not neglect any major element; and that you achieve a state of perfect harmony between various components of your life.

Divide your life into compartments - if any trouble erupts in any one of the compartments, then mentally and emotionally, isolate it from the others. Don't let one contaminate the others. Let non-contaminated compartments act as sources of strength.

If there is trouble at work, let your family life remain a source of strength. If your work and your partner are both giving you grief, then let your kids and the gym become your sources of strength. If you cannot get to the gym, then turn your mind to your studies and let your studies of the inner workings of the universe be your inspiration.

Please feel free to use our FREE time management prioritisation tool.

By adding these habits into your daily routine, you will be able to improve your work life balance. Remember to set boundaries, look after yourself, and relieve stress through exercise and mindfulness.

Definition: work-life balance

Work-life balance is the state in which you give fair time and energy to both your job and your life outside work. It lasts over the long term, keeps your body and mind well, and lets you hit work goals while still enjoying family, friends and rest.

Article Summary

Balance is not luck; you create it when you plan your time, calm your mind, move your body and keep work, home and self in their own spaces, so each part can thrive without draining the others.

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About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Mental Health

• How to achieve a work life balance
  Work life balance starts with clear limits, time management, stress control and healthy habits. Discover steps to boost energy, cut burnout and live well.
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• Managing Emotions to Improve Your Mental Health
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• Mental Health at Work
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• Five Ways to Change How You Feel
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• How To Improve Mental Wellbeing During Lockdown
  Learn practical steps to protect mental wellbeing during lockdown: connect online, cut negative voices, and turn isolation into growth. Expert UK advice.
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