TIPS FOR WORK - LIFE BALANCE

Finding that balance between career and family has always been a challenge and the majority of people are in search of ways to improve work-life balance. Work-life balance isn’t a new concept, but it’s getting more attention than ever, thanks to our always-on modern ways. Whether you’re in the field of marketing, web design, or costume-making, it’s not uncommon to find yourself working till later than planned or replying to emails at unseemly hours.

Many factors could impact your work-life balance. For example, your boss’ demands, family obligations, and responsibilities both at work and at home. Some of these are easier to control, whereas others may be a result of different life circumstances that are not necessarily only up to you.

Few Tips for Work-Life Balance

Try blocking out your time

Try marking off time on your calendar so you can have periods when you focus on work and periods when you are taking care of other responsibilities, such as child care or exercise. This type of time management can help contain your work to separate times of the day so you are not constantly jumping between work mode, parent mode, and life mode, says Emily Ballesteros, a burnout management coach.

Determine achievable goals

Take a look at your day and week ahead. Ask yourself what your priorities are at work: Do you have any specific deadlines? What are the must-haves and the nice-to-haves? Once you have an idea of what you need to work on this week, you’ll be able to set your goals and plan out your days.

Time Management

• Create a timeline of your activities. Specific computer programs can help with this, or you can customize your own Excel spreadsheet or Word table.
• Put dates across the top and activities down the side. Break each task into components.
• Include family commitments – such as holidays, birthday parties, etc. – so you don’t forget that you are unavailable for work on those days.

Physical Exercise

“Fitness is the driving force that keeps me energized, focused, and motivated,” says Ravich. Health and wealth go hand in hand. If you take care of yourself daily … you are demonstrating self-respect, and in turn, others will respect you, too.” Take the time you deserve to add even a little bit of extra movement every day, whether that’s 30 minutes at once or 10 minutes at a time throughout the day.

Have More Fun

If you looked back at the last week, how much time did you spend just having fun? If it wasn’t much, then it’s time to change things up. Think about what gets you excited, think about the people you love spending time with. Jump into new things and new relationships. Take some risks, try something new, learn a new skill and start laying the groundwork for a big project you’ve always been putting off. If you need to get out of your comfort zone to have more fun, just do it. However, if you want to change your life, having more fun keeps you energized and motivated. The most important thing is that you’re able to put yourself first now and then. Take those vacation days, enjoy a few moments of peace and silence every day, and spend meaningful time with the people you love doing the things you love.

After all, you’ve worked so hard to build an amazing life for yourself – what’s the point if you can’t occasionally kick back and enjoy it the way you want? Maintaining this balance isn't that hard if you set your things based on priority. once you focus on them as key components of your day, they are not that hard to implement. So, make it happen, for yourself, your family